Share
When it comes to family, we often want to do everything together, and when it comes to bariatric surgery, it’s usually no different. Bariatric patients embark on significant lifestyle changes and a massive departure from their previous lives. For a spouse, this may be very daunting, and many patients question whether they should have bariatric surgery together with their significant other, not only to experience the same transformation but also to live through the same experiences – both the ups and the downs. Further, many couples have similar weight-related concerns – in other words, if one partner is obese, the other is more likely to be as well.
The Benefits of Having Surgery Together
Many patients ultimately decide to have bariatric surgery together, and there are several benefits, as well as some drawbacks, to doing so. Regarding benefits, patients who have surgery together understand what each other is going through and can better support each other in the bariatric journey. While postoperative life is spelled out in support groups and the postoperative packet that every patient receives, it’s virtually impossible for someone who hasn’t had surgery to understand what a patient is going through.
In addition, because patients will have very similar lifestyle modification requirements, including diet and exercise, having surgery together can make it much easier to stick to postoperative diets and exercise needs.
Mutual motivation is also key. When one partner is feeling down or unwilling, the other can be their cheerleader and get them up and going to keep them on track. There’s nothing like having a buddy to keep you motivated and focused.
The Drawbacks of Having Bariatric Surgery Together
Of course, there are some significant drawbacks, most of which revolve around the physical limitations patients will have early after surgery. If patients both have surgery at the same time, they will need a friend or a loved one to drive them around for the first several days after surgery. Surgery affects how hard you push on the brake pedal, for example, during an emergency stop. Further, both patients must take some time off work, which can be financially strenuous if taken simultaneously. Lastly, couples need to be aware of competition. While it is fun to compete a little on the weight loss front, it can sometimes get out of hand, which can cause potential relationship issues. Remember to keep it fun always.
The Bottom Line
When both partners are obese and choose to have bariatric surgery, one significant decision is whether to have it simultaneously or sequentially. Patients who have the surgery simultaneously may benefit from being in the same boat and experiencing the same ups and downs together. On the other hand, patients who have had their bariatric surgery staggered may be better suited to helping each other through some of the physical challenges of surgery.
Ultimately, everyone’s circumstances are different, so the decision as to when to have bariatric surgery remains solidly in the hands of the couple themselves. Of course, we have performed surgery the same on many couples with great success. We’ve also performed surgery on couples who have staggered their bariatric procedures, and they are very successful, too. Ultimately, the most significant factor in bariatric success is dedication. Focus on a new and improved lifestyle, and if both patients commit to this change and follow through with their promises, they will undoubtedly have exceptional results.
