The Emotional Journey of Weight Loss Surgery
April 15, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Healthy Living, Bariatric Medicine, Bariatric Surgery
Tags: Weight Loss Surgery
For many, the decision to undergo bariatric (or weight loss) surgery is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming control over your health, your future and your confidence. Bariatric surgery is a transformative tool that can help people with obesity achieve long-term weight loss, but the emotional journey it sets in motion can be just as significant as the physical changes.
While the surgery can lead to life-changing health improvements—such as reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea—it’s not a quick fix. It requires commitment, support and a complete lifestyle overhaul.
We sat down with several TMH bariatric patients to better understand their journeys. Here's what they shared.
Before Surgery
Before the surgery, patients must drastically alter their habits and lifestyle before getting approved. Patients meet with different members of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare's (TMH) bariatric team, including dietitians, mental health counselors and a physician assistant who specializes in working with bariatric patients.
Once cleared for surgery, patients follow a two-week liquid diet designed to shrink the liver, which allows for a safer and more precise operation. This diet usually consists of yogurt, protein shakes, bone broth and some liquid soups.
Eating this for a full two weeks can cause patients to grow tired of the flavor and sweetness of protein shakes and yogurt. Several describe this as the hardest part of their weight loss journey.
In addition to these eating challenges, many face their fears during this time. Patients fear they'll fail even with this surgery – that they will never be able to enjoy, or overindulge, in certain foods again or that the surgery won't work.
Balancing these emotions while trying to stick to the pre-surgery diet can be very emotionally draining and challenging.
The Importance and Challenges of a Support System
With these preparations in mind, patients need a strong support system to help navigate the emotional complexities of surgery, but many struggle to tell friends and family. Patients fear:
- Judgement from family: One patient recalled a family member saying, “be sure to stick to the diet.” This comment felt backhanded and judgmental since the patient received advice from the entire team and had followed the requirements for surgery approval.
- Lack of support: Friends and families have safety concerns, but this surgery has become a safe, effective way to lose weight. Preconceived notions about bariatric surgery are based on surgery from decades ago, when it was riskier.
Because of these reactions, many patients decide to keep their support systems small, only sharing their surgery with a few. While support was mixed, overall, many were proud to see them take control of their health.
Along with their personal support systems, patients have found support groups to discuss their journeys. Connecting with others going through the same process allowed patients a safe space to share struggles, exchange advice and celebrate victories – both big and small.
The Lows After Surgery
After bariatric surgery, patients go through a wide range of emotions. Some of their difficulties included:
- Struggling to balance their protein intake, vitamins and staying on the post-surgery liquid diet.
- Feeling as if they are experiencing a death within themselves. During the first two weeks, they mourn their previous life, knowing their lifestyle is completely different. Once they start to recognize changes, some grieve because they no longer recognize the person they used to be.
- Patients who have struggled with eating disorders, like binge eating, have to work on overcoming that while adjusting to their new life.
The Highs of Surgery
Despite the lows, patients also had emotionally high moments, including non-scale victories. These victories included:
- No longer worrying if you'll comfortably fit into a booth at a restaurant.
- Walking a mile without being out of breath or in pain – before surgery some patients could not walk half a mile at a time.
- Crossing their legs.
- Wearing clothes that were once too tight and now fit or are too big.
- Discovering new clothing styles that suit your body – like switching from high-rise jeans to mid-rise
- No longer seeing a number in front of your clothing size (from 3XL to now L)
Advice from Patients Who Have Had Surgery
When asked what advice they’d give others, patients shared personal tips and insights:
- One patient struggled with not being able to lift her young daughter in the first few weeks after surgery. After suggestions of having a step stool so the daughter could climb up on the couch, the patient was able to have the closeness with her daughter she was missing.
- One patient struggled with drinking protein shakes due to the sweetness. Many others shared that they faced the same challenges and suggested blending bone broth in liquid soups for a savory protein option.
If patients could go back and give themselves advice before surgery, it would be:
- Have the surgery sooner.
- Fix your emotional eating to become more emotionally ready before the surgery.
- Recognize that surgery is a tool and won't fix your weight immediately – you'll still have to work hard.
- Don't be afraid to make yourself a priority.
- Don't listen to the stigmas surrounding bariatric surgery.
- Don't listen to the online horror stories around the surgery.
- Join a support group before the surgery.
- Choose your surgeon wisely!
At TMH, we know the emotional side of bariatric surgery is just as important as the physical recovery. That’s why we offer a free, monthly virtual bariatric surgery support group for people who have recently had surgery and those considering it. This virtual group allows a safe space for you to connect with others who are experiencing similar situations, emotions and struggles.
If you're thinking about bariatric surgery, get started with the Bariatric team at TMH to begin your journey towards better health.
