How to Deal with Body Dysmorphia After Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, may positively affect the physical health and appearance of an overweight individual. But the post-operation journey can also have psychological effects—which, sadly, aren’t studied as well. It’s not uncommon to experience body dysmorphia after weight loss.

Body dysmorphia may exist even before the weight loss surgery. A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found a notable prevalence of body dysmorphia in patients going for an abdominoplasty. In some cases, body dysmorphia may occur after the surgery. After all, such a surgery can result in drastic changes in physical appearance.

What is Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia disorder, or BDD, is a mental condition marked by an unhealthy and dissatisfactory view of one’s physical appearance. It involves negative thoughts and perceptions about one’s body, which can begin to consume the person. It can even affect other aspects of life, lowering self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

In short, people with BDD believe their bodies or characteristics are flawed, and they spend a lot of time obsessing over this belief.

BDD occurs mainly in teenage and early adult age. And it affects the female population slightly more than the male population.

It’s not fully understood as to what causes body dysmorphia exactly. Experts believe genetics, brain structure, and childhood experiences may influence the likelihood of a person developing BDD. Also, culture, popular, and social media may contribute to negative thoughts about physical appearance.

Experiencing Body Dysmorphia After Weight Loss Surgery

You may think that body dysmorphia in a post-weight loss surgery patient sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s not. Research suggests that the majority of individuals with BDD symptoms experience little to no change in their symptoms post-surgery, and some see it get worse. So, body dysmorphia after bariatric surgery is very real.

Various factors may cause body dysmorphia in this context. For starters, some patients may have had BDD symptoms long before the surgery, and since it’s a mental disorder, it can continue to linger. On the other hand, some patients may develop such symptoms for the first time owing to the drastic changes in their physical appearance.

It’s important to note and realize that bariatric surgery may lead to rapid weight loss. It can be difficult for the person’s brain to process the changes.

Also, the biggest contributor to the development or continuation of BDD symptoms after weight loss surgery can be loose, saggy skin. As the weight loss is rapid, it may lead to visibly saggy skin. That, while resolvable, may cause the person to still feel uncomfortable with their body despite the positive changes they’re experiencing.

Do I Have Body Dysmorphia After Weight Loss Surgery?

Body dysmorphia has many symptoms and signs that professionals look for when diagnosing it. You may not have all of them, of course. In the context of weight loss surgery, here are signs of BDD to look out for:

Your worry about a specific area or feature of your body (for example, your belly, thighs, or arms)
You feel compelled to look in the mirror and look at the body part you believe is flawed.
You avoid mirrors or other reflective screens to not have to look at your body or a certain part of it.
You feel anxious and feel like people are constantly looking at you, judging you, or making fun of you.
You avoid social gatherings so people don’t see your body.
You feel shame or disgust with your body or specific parts of it.
You have thoughts of self-harm because of how you appear.

You may have the above symptoms before and after the weight loss surgery.

How to Deal with Body Dysmorphia Post Surgery?

It’s normal to be concerned about your appearance, but if the thoughts start to consume you and affect other areas of your life—-you’ve got a problem. Weight loss surgery may lead to positive health benefits for obese individuals, especially those with health conditions like diabetes. However, it can also be marked by the classic symptoms of body dysmorphia.

Surgery providers need to provide post-operation psychological support to prevent and control BDD symptoms.

If you believe you’re suffering from body dysmorphia after undergoing weight loss surgery, here’s how you can cope with it.

Professional Therapy

The most effective treatment option for BDD is psychotherapy. A professional, licensed therapist can help you overcome the negative thoughts you have associated with your body post-surgery. They can help you process rapid changes or any noticeable deformities (like saggy skin).

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the go-to therapy for BDD patients, as it aims to alter their way of thinking. Using CBT, your therapist will give you the techniques to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Therapy may also help you reignite your self-confidence and address issues with self-esteem, which are usually linked with BDD.

Support Groups

You’re not alone in this journey of weight loss. Many individuals like you have gone through the same process and felt the same feelings. It can be incredibly helpful to speak to them.

Look for support groups near you or online with individuals who have had bariatric surgery. You may find someone who has also had BDD in the aftermath of the procedure. Speaking to people in the same boat can provide moral support. Plus, people can provide tips on what worked for them.

Tips to Make Your Post Weight Loss Surgery Journey Easy

Follow all the recovery guidelines. Understand the steps you need to take post-surgery (how/when to eat, what not to do, when to follow up, etc.).
Eat healthy and conservatively. Many individuals who have had weight loss surgery gain some weight back. Avoid that with a well-balanced, healthy diet according to your maintenance calorie intake.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure hydration. Avoid sugary drinks and stick to water and low-calorie drinks.
Communicate with your doctors: Voice any concerns you have post-surgery with your doctor and report any physical or mental changes you're experiencing. They’ll guide you on how to deal with them.
Positive self-affirmations: Look yourself in the mirror and practice self-affirmations that remind you of the work you’ve done on yourself and that you’re worthy of praise. Practice them whenever you feel anxious about your body.

Body dysmorphia is very common in people who seek weight loss surgery. Whether you have had it already or not, you may experience it after the procedure. Seek professional help and work with a therapist.

Remember, body dysmorphia is a mental issue. Tackle it with tried and tested psychological techniques and learn to appreciate the positive effects of your surgery. Only then can you sustain the weight loss and feel great in your skin.