Stress: The Silent Saboteur of Weight Loss

STRESS

This sneaky little thing can creep into our lives, impacting not just our mood, but also our health and relationships, too.

You know, stress is often brushed off as just a part of life, but did you know it can seriously harm both your mental and physical health? It's like a silent saboteur, meddling with everything from your heart rate to your thoughts.

Have you been tossing and turning at night, unable to sleep? Or maybe you've been forgetting to eat, or reaching for that extra glass of wine a little too often? These could all be signs that stress is getting the better of you. It's not just about feeling frazzled; stress can lead to some serious health issues.

STRESS AND YOUR HEALTH: More Than Just a Frazzled Feeling

Stress does more than just make you feel overwhelmed. For instance, under stress, our livers produce extra glucose to give us a much-needed energy boost. Handy in the short term, but if stress becomes a long-term guest, this can lead to a whole host of problems, including the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That's because our bodies might struggle to keep up with this constant surge of glucose.

And let's talk about digestion - or the lack thereof. Stress can throw our digestive systems into chaos, leading to heartburn, acid reflux, or even stomach ulcers due to an increase in stomach acid. Not to mention the unpleasantness of constipation or diarrhea, nausea, vomiting... the list goes on. Like we need any more reasons to suffer from these side effects after surgery!

MANAGING STRESS: Your Key to Well-being

So, yeah, stress is no laughing matter. It's vital to recognize the impact it can have on our lives and take steps to manage it. I encourage you to take a moment to think about what's stressing you out. Is it work? Family? Finances? Once you've identified these stressors, try to jot down at least one solution for each. It could be as simple as setting aside time for a hobby, talking to a friend, or seeking professional help.

For those navigating changes after bariatric surgery, managing stress becomes even more critical. The journey to health can be fraught with new and uncomfortable situations. 

Reaching out to a therapist or a coach trained in helping you find ways to deal with your stressful situations can be super beneficial. We have the tools and training to help you work through what is holding you back. However, it is also important to know that sometimes, medical intervention is needed and may be recommended.

TAKING CONTROL: Don't Let Stress Drive Your Life

Remember, stress is an inevitable part of life. Taking proactive steps to manage it can make a world of difference to your overall well-being and your long-term success. Leaning on a trained professional who can help you wean into new or uncomfortable situations can help you reduce stress and orchestrate the success you desire on your journey to health.

Let's tackle stress head-on and not let it take the driver's seat in our lives!

Stay healthy, stay positive, and remember, I'm HERE if you need someone to guide you through!