Study Finds Bariatric Surgery Can Impact Relationships
Losing weight can change your life in a myriad of ways. We know that achieving a more ideal body mass can reduce your risk of health problems such as heart attack, stroke, severe arthritis, and diabetes. Bariatric surgery can also improve your self-esteem and your overall outlook on life.
That said, there are some unexpected changes to life that may occur as a result of surgical weight loss procedures. Our Tijuana, MX bariatric surgery specialists would like to consider a recent Los Angeles Times report that examines the effects of surgical weight loss on people’s relationship status. The results of this study may surprise you.
The Swedish Study on Bariatric Surgery and Relationships
A large scale, long-term Swedish study examined how bariatric surgery altered the relationship status of patients. The study included people who were currently in relationships as well as patients who were single at the time of their surgery. The study interviewed these patients four years after they underwent bariatric surgery.
The study found that bariatric surgery patients who were married or in live-in relationships with their significant other were 28 percent more likely to separate or get divorced than couples in which there was no bariatric surgery. Conversely, people who were single at the time of their bariatric surgery procedure were twice as likely to begin a new relationship than people who did not undergo bariatric surgery.
Interpreting This Study for People Who Are Single
For people who are single, this study seems to suggest positive changes in their self-esteem and self-confidence, which contributes to an increased chance of being in a successful relationship. Good health and a positive outlook tend to increase your attractiveness, to say the least.
Interpreting This Study for People in Long-Term Relationships
As for people in long-term relationships, the results of this study are a bit more complicated.
There are many factors that can cause a relationship to end, and weight loss may or may not be one of them. The changes in someone’s personality can lead to friction in a relationship, such as jealousy or envy. Sometimes weight loss surgery allows the patient to see that they are in an unhealthy relationship and that they can do better. In the latter case, the end of the bad relationship is a healthy move in a better direction, and a welcome form of change.
Discuss Matters with Your Partner
If the relationship is healthy and mutually fulfilling, having an honest and open line of communication can help you both through the complicated emotions that you are both feeling. This could make your relationship even stronger.
Know that there is couples counseling and individual therapy sessions available to help you and your significant other through this process.
Contact the Team at Tijuana Bariatrics
For more information about bariatric surgery and whether or not it’s the right option for you and your needs, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgery experts. We at Tijuana Bariatrics are here to help you through the many aspects of surgical weight loss.