Get Healthy

For the morbidly obese, weight loss surgery is lifesaving. High blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea often disappear as the pounds melt away. The emotions that come post-bariatric surgery, however, can take people by surprise, as they confront their feelings about food and deal with a food-centered culture. Weight loss surgery isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes discipline and determination.

According to bariatric surgeon Seferino Farias, of the Methodist Hospitals ReStart Center in Merrillville, most patients will lose seventy-seven percent of their excess body weight within the first year following surgery. “Patients look in the mirror, and they don’t see the same person anymore,” he says. “Some people have to make a self-image adjustment.”

A small percentage of people find themselves coping with problems “unearthed” by the sudden changes. Spouses or family members may show jealousies or insecurities.  Adjusting to environmental pressures may be the greatest challenge of all.

“Our culture has been centered around food,” Farias says. “We meet friends for food. During the holidays we sit around food. Food is everywhere. Patients can find that emotionally challenging.”

Most people, however, experience renewed inspiration, and become motivated to take back control of their lives. “It definitely jump-starts self-esteem,” Farias says. “People turn their lives around. People who were once unemployed have gotten jobs. We’ve had patients who’ve gone to school because they can move around now.”

When Tim McCanless of East Chicago underwent weight loss surgery, he began a “roller coaster” ride of emotions—the first one being panic. “I wondered if it was the right thing to do,” he recalls. He feared that he wouldn’t be able to stay on the strict regimen required. Seeing, and feeling, the weight come off reassured him, and encouraged him to keep going.

McCanless also credits the medical staff that formed a “web of family” around him, the support of his longtime partner, and his weekly sessions with a therapist. “If I hadn’t had this unbiased bouncing board to talk to, I think I could have slipped back into old patterns,” he says. “It’s hard to break those old patterns. You have to learn different ways to deal with your emotions, to deal with your stress, to deal with going out with people. You have to look at how you feel about food.”

McCanless has gone from almost 500 pounds to 210. He’s had a tummy-tuck, and has replaced his wardrobe. He’s relishing his new life. “I can go for walks now,” he says. “I shoveled my walks this winter.” He’s begun treating himself to manicures. “Instead of going out to lunch, I’m going to take that ten bucks and do something nice for myself,” he says. “I’m really a brand new person.”