Interested in learning more about yesterday’s cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) discussion? As the medical profession looks for new ways to address America’s growing obesity trend, CBT is a solution that seems to work for many people. In addition, the therapy comes with few side effects–and typically requires only a few months of treatment.
Find out more about CBT techniques and the therapy’s unique benefits in this detailed article at 4TeenWeightLoss.com.
While many people spend a great deal of time discussing ways to manage the physical side of weight loss surgery, remember that bariatric surgery can impact your state of mind, as well. Most of the time, psychological effects are quite positive—enhanced self-esteem, improved self-value and increased happiness. However, it’s important to focus on the mind-body connection in order to rid yourself of negative thinking patterns and “cement” positive post-surgical eating and exercise behaviors.
Many recent studies indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one effective way of managing negative psychological patterns—and helping patients reach their weight loss goals.
Therapists use several techniques with CBT patients. Some include:
- Modeling/role playing: The patient and the therapist may “act out” situations. This method encourages and trains the patient to respond in a healthy way to various stressors.
- Validity testing: During therapy, a physician will ask the patient to provide a verbal defense for their feelings about a situation. When the feelings are faulty, it’s revealed to the patient during therapy. They’re then encouraged to form a healthier outlook based on facts instead of misplaced assumptions.
- Rehearsal: Similar to role playing, the patient is asked to imagine a stressful or challenging situation and come up with a way to deal with the problem in a more positive way.
- Journaling: As patients keep a diary of their feelings and their experiences before and after weight loss surgery, therapists are better able to understand potentially damaging thought patterns—and deal with them before they become ingrained.
CBT can help weight loss surgery patients begin to understand negative thoughts and reactions to food, exercise and self-image, and learn to replace them with positive thoughts and lifestyle changes. For more information on helpful CBT strategies and other therapeutic tips, consider the following resources:
Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery: Workbook
The Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery
Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Weight Management: A Step-by-Step Program
If you believe you could benefit from CBT or another form of psychological counseling before or after your weight loss surgery, contact the experts at Barker Bariatric. It’s our goal to ensure that your weight loss program addresses both mind and body. During our comprehensive one-on-one consultation, we’ll suggest the resources you need to succeed, and answer each of your questions in full.
