Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help individuals struggling with obesity achieve long-term weight loss and improve their overall health. However, some individuals may be at risk for developing addiction after bariatric surgery. Here are some types of addiction that may occur after bariatric surgery and what to do if you suspect you are addicted.
Alcohol addiction: Alcohol addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in alcohol metabolism and increased sensitivity to alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol addiction may include cravings, difficulty controlling alcohol use, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped.
Prescription medication addiction: Prescription medication addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in medication absorption and increased sensitivity to medication. Symptoms of prescription medication addiction may include increased tolerance to medication, difficulty controlling medication use, and withdrawal symptoms when medication use is stopped.
Rage addiction: Rage addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in mood and emotions. Symptoms of rage addiction may include seeking out situations where the person would be righteous in harming someone (bar fights, starting fights with those smaller or weaker than them, road rage). We tend to see this in individuals who used their size or weight as a means to feel safe, often starting in childhood when a primary caregiver was physically abusive until the child was big enough to protect themselves, this created a subconscious connection with size and safety.
Gambling addiction: Gambling addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in reward and pleasure centers in the brain. Symptoms of gambling addiction may include preoccupation with gambling, increased risk-taking behaviors, and financial problems. Gambling often has to do with feeling of being ‘important or someone’ where in their daily life they feel insignificant or unimportant, but in the casino they are seen as someone important.
Debting addiction: Debting addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in financial habits and behaviors. Symptoms of debting addiction may include compulsive spending, excessive borrowing, and financial problems. This is not just buy clothes, this is buying things you do not need, not returning items you do not want or need, but more about accumulating items (or hoarding behaviors).
Shopping addiction: Shopping addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in self- image and self-esteem. Symptoms of shopping addiction may include compulsive shopping, excessive spending, and financial problems. Again, not about just shopping or spending money, but purchasing things you cannot afford, spending money you should on essentials like rent, utilities, and instead spending on items.
Alcohol addiction: Alcohol addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in alcohol metabolism and increased sensitivity to alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol addiction may include cravings, difficulty controlling alcohol use, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped.
Prescription medication addiction: Prescription medication addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in medication absorption and increased sensitivity to medication. Symptoms of prescription medication addiction may include increased tolerance to medication, difficulty controlling medication use, and withdrawal symptoms when medication use is stopped.
Rage addiction: Rage addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in mood and emotions. Symptoms of rage addiction may include seeking out situations where the person would be righteous in harming someone (bar fights, starting fights with those smaller or weaker than them, road rage). We tend to see this in individuals who used their size or weight as a means to feel safe, often starting in childhood when a primary caregiver was physically abusive until the child was big enough to protect themselves, this created a subconscious connection with size and safety.
Gambling addiction: Gambling addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in reward and pleasure centers in the brain. Symptoms of gambling addiction may include preoccupation with gambling, increased risk-taking behaviors, and financial problems. Gambling often has to do with feeling of being ‘important or someone’ where in their daily life they feel insignificant or unimportant, but in the casino they are seen as someone important.
Debting addiction: Debting addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in financial habits and behaviors. Symptoms of debting addiction may include compulsive spending, excessive borrowing, and financial problems. This is not just buy clothes, this is buying things you do not need, not returning items you do not want or need, but more about accumulating items (or hoarding behaviors).
Shopping addiction: Shopping addiction may occur after bariatric surgery due to changes in self- image and self-esteem. Symptoms of shopping addiction may include compulsive shopping, excessive spending, and financial problems. Again, not about just shopping or spending money, but purchasing things you cannot afford, spending money you should on essentials like rent, utilities, and instead spending on items.
If you suspect you are addicted after bariatric surgery, it is important to seek support from a healthcare professional, including a mental health professional. Here are some steps you can take if you suspect you are addicted:
Talk to a healthcare professional: Talking to a healthcare professional, including a mental health professional, can provide support and guidance for individuals who may be struggling with addiction after bariatric surgery. This may involve referrals to addiction specialists or support groups.
Identify triggers: Identifying triggers that may contribute to addiction can help reduce the risk of addiction after bariatric surgery. Triggers may include stress, anxiety, or social situations that involve substance use or food.
Practice self-care: Practicing self-care, such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, can help manage stress and reduce the risk of addiction after bariatric surgery. Engaging in self- care activities can also provide a sense of control and promote overall well-being.
In summary, alcohol addiction, prescription medication addiction, food addiction, rage addiction, gambling addiction, debting addiction, and shopping addiction may occur after bariatric surgery. If you suspect you are addicted after bariatric surgery, it's important to seek support from a healthcare professional, identify triggers, and practice self-care. If you're struggling with addiction after bariatric surgery, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or addiction specialist to help manage emotional or psychological barriers to recovery.