Weight loss surgery is a serious step to taking control of your health when living with obesity. Along with the weight loss, you experience lower risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. The changes and healthier outlook are exciting, but the emotional aspect can be the most difficult part. Most young single weight loss surgery patients, at some point, will want to start getting back into the dating scene. It may be that there is already a significant other when the patient has the surgery. Whatever the case may be, it is important to realize the role that romantic relationships can play in the patient's recovery.
Step 1
Be understanding and compassionate. Your date may still have old feelings of insecurity and that may reflect on your time together. Don't judge him for acting shy or withdrawn, it's not personal. After weight loss surgery it's hard to change thought patterns that have affected someone for so long. Just being able to tell you about the surgery is a big deal for him.
Step 2
Don't get offended at your date. She may not eat much, and this is due to her stomach being reduced in size to a small pouch. It's not that she doesn't appreciate the money you have spent or your company, she just can't eat large portions anymore. Eating too much could make her sick and really ruin your date.
Step 3
Think about his personality, rather than his former weight problem. Don't let prejudice decide for you if you want to continue after a first date. Just because he had a weight problem doesn't mean he will gain it back.
Step 4
Ask questions. Being empathetic to your date's situation won't make you look bad in her eyes. It may even help her realize that you are a deeply caring individual. Talking about the surgery will help her in her emotional recovery as well as keeping you informed.
Step 5
Treat your date as any other human. He doesn't need to be treated with kid gloves and will not break. Weight loss surgery is just that, surgery. It's not much different than having your gall bladder removed. Treating your date normally will help boost his self-esteem and make subsequent dates more enjoyable.
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