Binge Eating Before Weightloss Surgery
Why do people have binge eating before weightloss surgery? Binge eating disorder, or BED for short, is the eating disorder that is most frequently diagnosed globally. BED sufferers frequently struggle with their relationship to their bodies, particularly when bingeing has led to weight gain. It seems that those who suffer from BED are more likely than the average person to seek out bariatric procedures to alter their eating patterns and weight, whether as a result of the social or medical stigma associated with living in a larger body or due to pressure from medical professionals.
This frequently means that people are treating BED’s symptoms rather than its causes, which isn’t necessarily a bad decision. It’s critical to comprehend the link between BED, mental health, and wellbeing before making decisions about undergoing bariatric surgery.
What Causes Binge Eating Before Weightloss Surgery?
At least two binge eating episodes per week for at least six months is a defining feature of BED. A person engages in binge eating when they eat more in a 2-hour period than they ordinarily would in a similar amount of time under comparable circumstances. These binges frequently involve overeating, eating alone, eating quickly, and feeling bad or embarrassed afterwards. People with BED don’t take any corrective measures after binge episodes. Despite not only affecting those with larger frames, BED can have physical consequences like weight gain and obesity.
A chicken-and-egg problem is whether BED or obesity develops first. BED behaviors can contribute to obesity in some individuals, but obese individuals also have a higher risk of developing BED than non-obese individuals. They were probably trying to alter their bodies through restrictive practices, and after prolonged periods of food restriction, they overate.
Can Bariatric Surgery Trigger Binge Eating?
Right now, bariatric surgery is the best option for treating extreme obesity. These procedures attempt to alter the stomach and intestines in order to treat obesity and related issues. The procedures could reduce the size of the stomach and possibly omit a section of the intestine. Because fewer calories are consumed as a result, and because the body alters how it uses food for energy, feeling fuller for longer and having less hunger are two results. These techniques increase the body’s capacity to reach a healthy weight.
Despite the fact that these procedures are more common, many people have no idea what they are or why doctors advise them. Bariatric surgery is not recommended as a form of aesthetic surgery, to start. Although losing weight may be the objective, it is done to improve a person’s physical and mental well-being rather than for reasons of beauty.
How Does Binge Eating React To Weight Loss Surgery?
It is crucial to emphasize this because the goal of this article is not to promote bariatric procedures for cosmetic reasons, but rather to provide psychoeducation for people considering bariatric surgery who may also have BED. Each of the aforementioned therapies comes with a set of disadvantages, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, ulcer development, bowel movement issues or obstructions, and post-meal or post-drinking nausea. Having a bariatric procedure carries some risk.
6 to 69% of individuals with BED had undergone a bariatric procedure of some kind. This may be due to BED habits that were present prior to surgery, though the behaviors can also appear after surgery. Following surgery, some people might unintentionally develop eating disorders. A person may vomit after eating, for instance, if they overstuffed or if their body is reacting to the food after surgery. Another reason people might limit their intake is to avoid getting sick after eating or drinking.
Regardless of how the relationship between BED and these procedures develops, it is critical to realize that bariatric surgery is not a comprehensive treatment for the disorder. It may help to reduce weight gain brought on by binge behaviors, as already mentioned, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue that maintains BED behaviors.
Can Weightloss Syrgeries Treat Binge Eating Permanently?
There are many different reasons why people engage in binge behavior, including trying to cope with their problems through food, becoming addicted to the physical effects of eating, having a history of food insecurity, experiencing trauma, and many more.
These people might develop other, less successful or harmful habits. Additionally, they might continue bingeing despite the sleeve, band, etc., which could be fatal or result in significant bodily harm.
Eating disorders are ultimately complex psychological and physical conditions that necessitate in-depth treatment from a multidisciplinary team. Successful bariatric surgery requires a multidisciplinary team composed of your surgeon, a dietician, a psychologist, a nurse case manager, and an expert in obesity medicine. This group will concentrate on assisting you at each stage of the procedure.
If you have BED and are considering having the procedure or have advised to do so, finding a team that is knowledgeable in both eating disorders and bariatric surgeries is essential if you want to do so safely and effectively.