I’ve reached my goal weight, so why am I not happy?
Achieving your goal weight is considered an indicator of success in weight loss, but you are not alone if this milestone doesn’t equate with happiness for you. As weight loss experts, we recognize that shedding pounds is not just a physical metamorphosis; it’s a mental and emotional journey, too!
We strive to prepare our weight loss surgery patients for the emotional rollercoaster that can accompany weight loss. In this post, we share some strategies for this stage of the journey.
The paradox of weight loss & happiness
It’s not uncommon for individuals to grapple with mental health issues post-weight loss, and the reasons for this can be multifaceted. Some clients have shared that despite a healthier physique, they still carry the weight of their past insecurities.
Others find that their goal weight doesn’t match the idealized image of their body they had in mind, leading to dissatisfaction. Moreover, loose skin after massive weight loss can be a visual reminder of their former selves, further dampening the joy of their accomplishment.
For those who have lost weight but aren’t feeling fulfilled emotionally, it’s crucial to understand that while the body changes, the mind (and heart) still need time to adapt. Simply put, our inner wounds and unhelpful beliefs about ourselves don’t always disappear with the pounds.
Holistic health strategies
Sustainable, successful weight loss requires making a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle that prioritizes mental, physical, and emotional wellness equally. The following strategies can help you to establish a solid foundation at any point in your weight loss journey:
Mental
- Incorporate time-tested stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to foster a present state of mind.
- Reflect (i.e. in writing) on your progress and achievements, recognizing the hard work and dedication it took to accomplish what you have.
Emotional
- Seek professional counseling to address underlying emotional triggers. The personalized guidance of a therapist can be invaluable.
- Build a support network of peers who understand your journey, whether through friends and family, online groups, professional centers, or meetups available in your community.
Physical
- Prioritize nutrition by consuming whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and probiotics.
- Rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale, focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes. Small changes can be powerful: Adding more servings of green cruciferous vegetables is known to improve your cardiovascular health, among other measures, while building gentle walks into your routine is proven to positively impact your mental health.
- Whatever your goals are, keep a journal to help you stay accountable to them.
Sustainable, successful weight loss requires making a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle that prioritizes mental, physical, and emotional wellness equally.
Why some patients consider post-weight loss body contouring
In addition to these strategies, many massive weight loss patients consider body contouring surgery to address bothersome loose skin. While exercise and diet reduce fat, surgery is required to remove stretched skin folds and address their associated symptoms. Removing excess skin has helped many patients regain a sense of comfort in their bodies, as well as a feeling that their weight loss journey is truly complete.
Procedures included in post-weight loss body contouring are customized to your needs, but may include:
- 360 degree body lift
- Tummy tuck
- Arm lift
- Thigh light
Visit our body lift gallery to see before and after photos of real patients. If you would like to ask questions and learn if you would be a good candidate, please schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
About Surgical Arts of Inland Empire, your trusted weight loss experts
At Surgical Arts of Inland Empire, we recognize the intricate link between your physical transformation and your emotional well-being. Our Rancho Cucamonga weight loss and body contouring surgeons and specialists are here and ready to support you every step of the way, through a variety of transformative procedures. Please call us at 909-579-3111 or contact us online to schedule your consultation in Rancho Cucamonga today.
