Honeymoon phase after stomach reduction surgery? This is what it means

Ever heard of the honeymoon phase? And we don't mean the honeymoon phase or that unforgettable trip after a wedding. We're also talking about a honeymoon phase after weight loss surgery. In this blog, we tell you what it means.

What is the honeymoon phase?

The honeymoon phase begins about 8 months after weight loss surgery and lasts an average of 16 months. It follows a period of recovery, learning new (eating) habits and losing the first pounds. A period of discovering what you can and cannot eat. In which you still had to get used to the new situation and your changing body. In the honeymoon phase you have passed that. The pounds fly off. You are less hungry and exercise is much easier. You no longer have to think so much about healthy habits and feel good about yourself. And how about all those cute clothes you can finally wear again?

What do people experience during this phase?

Losing weight comes almost effortlessly
Less hunger and more energy
Less or no pain and symptoms linked to being overweight, such as diabetes
Compliments and being seen by others
A sense of pride, self-confidence and a more positive self-image
Increased happiness which has a positive impact on family, work and daily life

Does everyone go through the honeymoon phase?

Every person and every body is different. That means that not everyone with stomach reduction goes through the honeymoon phase. Maybe you found the first year after surgery tough. Either because of side effects, because not all symptoms disappeared or the weight loss did not go as fast as expected. It also happens that people actually experience lower self-esteem after the surgery.

The honeymoon is over, now what?

About 1.5 to 2 years after surgery, you may gain weight again. One reason for this is that ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") that was no longer produced in the stomach is now produced again by another part of your body. This makes you more hungry. And that requires discipline not to overeat. Also, your brain has gotten used to the positive feeling and the slimmer version of yourself. Just like others no longer notice that you have lost so much weight. This can cause you to fall back into old habits.

Surgery is not the solution

Weight loss surgery is not a miracle cure and does not solve everything. However, it is an important first step towards a healthier life. But the real challenge starts after that. After all, any feelings of sadness, anger or powerlessness are not suddenly gone by the surgery. So what do you do in difficult situations? How do you motivate yourself to exercise when you don't really feel like it? Do you keep taking multivitamins before your surgery, no matter how you feel? This requires strength, courage and a good dose of perseverance. Not just today, but throughout your life.

Get help

Obesity by no means always has a physical cause. Often it is actually mental. Take emotional eating for example. Since eating cannot be a refuge now, it is valuable to address underlying issues and to process past events. Therefore, ask for help in time. This could be a friend or a like-minded person. But also a coach or psychologist. Allow yourself the help, so that you can hold on to that great, proud feeling and all you have achieved.

We are here for you

For personal advice, tips or a listening ear - our dietitians know what you're going through and will lovingly help you move forward. Schedule a free consultation here.

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