Overview: Body dysmorphia can develop after weight loss surgery, when successes on the scale don’t match what you see in the mirror. Even after significant weight loss, you still see your heavier self and flaws in your appearance. Find out how to overcome this behavioral health condition.
You’ve lost a significant amount of weight after weight loss surgery, and you’re receiving many compliments on the slimmer, healthier you. Yet, you’re just not seeing it. You look in the mirror and still see your heavier self.
Why don’t the successes you see on the scale match how you see yourself in the mirror?
Body dysmorphia, also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a behavioral health condition characterized by a person being preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. It affects both men and women. While the cause is unknown, it’s likely a combination of life experiences, genetics or brain chemistry. A family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression may increase the occurrence.
BDD can develop after weight loss surgery, when people who’ve physically lost a lot of weight have trouble mentally catching up to their new body. They may still perceive themselves as extremely heavy, even when the mirror reveals a much smaller person.
While struggles with body image are common, BDD can be all-consuming and interfere with daily life. Those who struggle with BDD can’t stop thinking about their physical “imperfections” and may experience intense anxiety or shame about excess skin or other physical changes that seem minor or nonexistent to others.
“It’s important for anyone undergoing weight loss surgery to be aware of body dysmorphia and the importance of nurturing their mental health along with their physical health,” said bariatric surgeon Gregory Grimberg, MD, of MercyOne North Iowa Bariatric Surgery. “We work to help patients cope with their weight loss transformation in a healthy and successful way.”
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Watch for these symptoms
Symptoms of body dysmorphia can include:
- Inability to believe positive comments about your weight loss.
- Feeling ugly or deformed.
- Comparing your weight loss to others who’ve had the same weight loss procedure.
- Avoiding social situations where someone might tell you that you look great, but you don’t see it.
- Fear of being judged.
- Answering a compliment with a negative comment about yourself.
- Feeling anxious, depressed or ashamed.
- Significant emotional distress.
How to treat body dysmorphia
- Cognitive behavioral therapy work with a therapist can replace negative thoughts and behaviors with positive ones.
- Learn different ways to handle behaviors like repeatedly checking in the mirror or weighing yourself several times a day.
- Some patients are treated with antidepressant medications, or SSRIs.
- Make an appointment with your provider.
Healthy coping strategies
There are also healthy strategies you can adopt to help you improve your self-esteem and body image:
- Stay focused on your goals. Accept that everyone is different in their journey.
- Don’t isolate yourself.
- Celebrate your successes. Praise yourself for a job well done.
- Learn about your disorder.
- Make a list of things you like about yourself or journal daily.
- Focus on the positives in every aspect of your life.
- Pay attention to what triggers your symptoms.
- Learn relaxation and stress management.
- Get active. Physical activity and exercise can help manage stress, anxiety and depression.
- Join a MercyOne bariatric surgery support group or find support from your bariatric surgery team.
Find out more about weight loss surgery at MercyOne. If you’re ready to take the next step in your health journey, request a consultation and we’ll connect you with one our MercyOne weight loss experts.
This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne Provider.
