Psychological Counselling

Psychosocial factors have significant potential to affect the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery, including emotional adjustment, adherence to the recommended postoperative lifestyle regimen, weight loss outcomes, and co-morbidity improvement and/or resolution. It is recommended that bariatric psychologists with specialised knowledge and experience be involved in the evaluation and care of patients both before and after surgery. The goal of psychological counselling during the weight loss journey is to enhance outcomes and increase your chances of success after surgery.

At 360 SURGERY, our commitment to holistic care means our weight management psychologists will support you from the beginning of your journey. Our weight management psychologists are passionate about what they do and specialise in psychological issues around weight loss.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a profound transformation, both physically and mentally. Before and after surgery, patients may face a wide range of emotional challenges. Feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty often accompany the decision to undergo such a life-altering procedure. Moreover, the psychological factors contributing to weight gain may persist post-surgery, necessitating a holistic approach to address emotional well-being. Body image and self-esteem concerns can also significantly impact patients' mental health, requiring specialised support.

The Role of Psychological Counselling

Psychological counselling is an integral component of success after weight loss surgery. It provides patients with a safe and supportive environment to address their emotional struggles and develop coping strategies. Counselling helps patients set realistic expectations and goals, allowing a smoother transition into their new lifestyle. It also helps to identify and address any challenges that may need to be addressed to increase your chances of a successful outcome. By addressing underlying psychological factors, counselling equips patients with the tools to achieve and maintain long-term success. When you develop a trusting and positive working relationship with your psychologist, you’ll feel more comfortable reaching out in the future if you encounter any problems.

Although weight loss is an important domain of surgical outcome, other aspects of surgery outcome, such as improvement in metabolic status and medical comorbidities, increased quality of life, and better psychosocial and behavioural functioning, are also important considerations. Even a patient with excellent post-surgical weight loss may encounter psychosocial difficulties and challenges after surgery, ranging from disruptions in interpersonal relationships and body image dissatisfaction to concerns as serious as substance abuse. Psychological counselling aims to enhance all domains of surgical outcomes.

Psychological counselling utilises strategies and techniques to address emotional and psychological issues before and after weight loss surgery. Here are some commonly used approaches:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours contributing to emotional distress. Through counselling, patients learn to recognise and reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Counseling may incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques to help patients manage stress, anxiety, and emotional fluctuations. These techniques promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
• Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills Training: Patients are taught to regulate their emotions and cope with stress healthily. Counselling may include problem-solving strategies, stress management techniques, assertiveness training, and effective communication skills.
• Body Image Work: Counselling helps patients address body image concerns by challenging negative beliefs and cultivating self-acceptance. Techniques like body appreciation exercises, guided imagery, and self-compassion practices can foster a more positive body image and improve self-esteem.
• Support Group Participation: Besides individual counselling, participating in support groups with other weight loss surgery patients can provide a sense of community, validation, and shared experiences. Support groups offer a supportive space for patients to discuss challenges, gain insights, and receive peer encouragement.
• Goal Setting and Action Planning: Counseling assists patients in setting realistic goals and creating action plans to achieve them. This collaborative process helps patients break down their larger goals into manageable steps, increasing their motivation and accountability.
• Relapse Prevention: Counselling equips patients with strategies to prevent relapses and sustain long-term weight loss. Patients learn to recognise potential triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and create personalised relapse prevention plans to navigate challenging situations successfully.
• Psychoeducation: Counselling involves providing patients with information and education about weight loss surgery, lifestyle changes, and the psychological aspects of the journey. Psychoeducation helps patients understand the connections between their emotions, behaviours, and overall well-being.

Each counselling session is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, and the specific strategies and techniques used may vary depending on their unique circumstances. Pre-Surgery Counselling

Pre-surgery counselling is crucial in preparing patients for the emotional changes they may encounter. Patients comprehensively understand the surgery process through counselling, including potential risks and outcomes. Informed consent and education about lifestyle modifications are essential elements of pre-surgery counselling. Additionally, this stage allows the identification of potential psychological issues and the development of coping mechanisms, setting the foundation for post-surgery support.

Pre-surgery counselling covers various topics to ensure patients comprehensively understand the weight loss surgery process. These may include:

• Weight history
• Eating disorder symptoms
• Psychiatric history
• Psychosocial functioning
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, risks and benefits
• Understanding the Surgery Process
• Setting Realistic Expectations
• Motivation
• Adherence to Lifestyle Changes
• Current stressors
• Support System and Resources
• Health-related behaviours such as substance use and smoking

Post Surgery Counselling

The weight loss journey continues long after the surgery itself. Post-surgery counselling supports patients as they navigate emotional challenges, adapt to lifestyle changes, and maintain motivation. These counselling sessions address various topics, such as managing body image issues, adjusting to new eating habits, and dealing with unhelpful eating patterns. Through counselling, patients can develop effective strategies to sustain their weight loss and improve overall well-being.

Post-surgery counselling sessions cover a range of topics to support patients in their weight loss journey:

• Adapting to Lifestyle Changes
• Managing Body Image Issues
• Addressing Emotional Eating
• Maintaining Motivation

Coping with Setbacks and Relapses

The weight loss journey is not always linear, and setbacks or relapses can occur. Psychological counselling equips patients with the necessary tools to cope with these challenges and develop resilience. Counsellors work collaboratively with patients to identify triggers, develop effective coping mechanisms, and address any emotional or behavioural patterns that may hinder progress. By addressing setbacks proactively, counselling supports patients in achieving long-term weight maintenance and overall well-being.

Psychological counselling employs various strategies to help prevent relapses and support long-term weight maintenance:

• Education and Skill Building: Counselling provides education about nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle habits to empower patients with the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term weight maintenance. This includes understanding portion control, healthy food choices, and incorporating regular exercise.
• Self-Monitoring and Accountability: Counseling encourages patients to use self-monitoring practices, such as food journals, activity tracking, or regular weigh-ins. This self-awareness promotes accountability and helps individuals identify patterns or triggers that may lead to relapse. Counsellors guide effective self-monitoring techniques.
• Stress Management Techniques: Counseling equips patients with stress management techniques to reduce the likelihood of turning to food as a coping mechanism. This may include mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and developing healthy stress management strategies tailored to individual needs.
• Building a Support Network: Counselling emphasises the importance of building a support network to maintain motivation and accountability. Patients are encouraged to seek support from family, friends, or support groups. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others who understand their journey can provide invaluable support during difficult times.
• Long-Term Behavior Modification: Counselling helps patients develop sustainable behaviour modifications by exploring habits, triggers, and psychological factors contributing to weight management. This involves identifying healthier coping mechanisms, developing positive routines, and fostering a supportive environment that promotes long-term success.

Setbacks and relapses are common in the weight loss journey, but with psychological counselling support, patients can develop resilience and effective coping mechanisms.