17 Jun, 2009
Behaviors after Weight Loss Surgery
Posted by: joanna@recoveryconnection.org In: Addiction Treatment| Alcoholism| Drug Addiction| Dual Diagnosis| Eating Disorders| Women's Treatment Programs
Most people today are aware of weight loss surgery however,10 years ago it was not a known surgical procedure to the public. If someone discussed it they would have to explain what the surgery was and why someone would consider surgery as a treatment option to eating disorders. In the public today weight loss surgery is more common so no explanation is needed.
Many individuals have mixed emotions on why a person would chose to have a surgical procedure for weight loss. Education has helped tremendously yet discrimination in the public is still present. The question usually in debate is why can’t the person just stop the eating disorder? Will power, diet and exercise are what a person needs to get the weight off.
Doesn’t that sound simple enough? Say that to the alcoholic or drug addict just stop drinking or drugging and get a job. Sounds good however, if the individual doesn’t learn new coping skills to replace the unhealthy ones they have been using they are certainly doomed to repeat the same behavior. Getting help for a disease whether a food addict, alcoholic or drug addict doesn’t mean he or she is a bad person.
So many people had weight loss surgery and were no longer hungry and felt like the magic cure had been found. This magic cure was temporary nothing changes if nothing changes 2 years after surgery the person is able to eat more and starts to eat more frequently throughout the day and calories become greater than the exercise expenditure. The result of changing the behavior and relationship the person has with food.
Inpatient treatment program is an appropriate course of treatment to teach someone about new coping skills so that the weight loss is achieved and maintained long-term. So many people have insurance benefits for inpatient treatment through the mental health benefits and aren’t aware of it. Each person needs to educate themselves on what is within his or her reach to get better and have a fresh start on life.
