Are you unclear what life might look like after bariatric surgery? Or do you have high expectations that all of your struggles will be cured post-op? In our bariatric support group meetings, we often have people with unclear expectations, or even disappointment when it comes to their post-op results. This week, Dr. Mimi Tan joins us while we talk about the most common unrealistic expectations people have, and how to approach surgery in a realistic way. Dr. Tan explains how she prepares her clients pre-op, and we talk about the fear of failure that some people might experience after surgery. Tune in to learn more about expectations and what life after surgery may look like.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:29] Dr. Tan introduces herself.

• [3:56] What are the most common unrealistic expectations that Dr. Tan sees patients have when it comes to recovery and their life after surgery?

• [8:22] Why does Dr. Tan think people go into their survey having unrealistic expectations?

• [10:44] What does Dr. Tan think is the most important thing to do as a patient going into surgery?

• [13:51] How does Dr. Tan set her clients up for success?

• [18:44] What is the fear of failure that some people might experience after surgery?

• [25:10] Dr. Tan talks about regain and insufficient weight loss.

• [27:12] What are realistic expectations Dr. Tan talks to her patients about?

• [32:46] What is one thing that Dr. Tan wishes listeners and bariatric patients everywhere knew about what life after surgery is like?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Having open communication with your surgeon is essential for your post op journey. Talking about your wins, but also your struggles to understand what further options there are is so important.

• Bariatric surgery is an imperfect tool and it will not fix all of your issues.

• Life after bariatric surgery is complicated. Obesity is a lifelong disease and is a lifelong struggle for most people.

• Remember that everyone’s journey is their own. Comparison is a thief of joy, don’t compare your results to someone else’s. Comparing yourself to yourself is really the only marker you should use.

RESOURCES:

• Eviva Bariatric Services Website

• Dr. Mimi Tan, MD Instagram

• Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

• Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Mimi Tan is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship trained bariatric and metabolic surgeon. She currently practices in Seattle, WA. In her free time, she likes hiking and listening to podcasts!

ABOUT:

If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty.

About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.

BariNation - Website

BariNation - Podcast