8 Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress After WLS

April 21, 2025

Stress After WLS: We all experience stress; it is an inevitable part of life. We often think of stress as something negative, but did you know that stress is a natural human reaction to challenging situations or changes in our lives? In fact, our bodies are designed to experience stress and respond to it to help us address challenges and threats. The body’s nervous system has a built-in stress response—the “fight or flight” response—that helps us confront stressful situations. Stress is meant to be a helpful reaction, keeping you alert to protect you from danger, but it starts to have harmful effects when it continues without relief or periods of relaxation.

Stress affects both the body and mind, and it can be acute or chronic. Acute stress is short-term stress that usually resolves once the situation that causes it comes to an end. Think of it as the feeling you get when you are stuck in traffic and running late for work or have an argument with your spouse. You may experience increased stress in those situations but return to a calm state once it is over.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, is long-term stress that goes on for an extended amount of time. You may experience chronic stress due to relationship troubles, issues at work, or financial problems. When you experience chronic stress, continued activation of the stress response prevents you from returning to a calm, relaxed state. Being in this constant state of “fight or flight” causes wear and tear on your body and can lead to health issues or worsen pre-existing health conditions, both physical and psychological.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. What may be stressful to one person may not be stressful to the next. Stress can be caused by many different things, whether they are positive or negative. Illness, marriage, retirement, divorce, moving to a new house, and having a baby can all be stressors. Undergoing weight loss surgery can have positive implications for one’s health but can also be a stressful life change.

Because stress is subjective, its intensity and symptoms will also vary from person to person. Some people may experience physical symptoms, including but not limited to headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, jaw clenching, upset stomach, hives, weakened immune system, and loss of appetite or eating more than usual (“stress eating”). Some people may also experience psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, sadness, and difficulty concentrating.

You can’t avoid stress, but the way you respond to stress makes a big difference. Learning how to manage stress can help you feel less overwhelmed and support your overall well-being.

Here are some healthy ways to cope with stress after WLS:

Deep breathing exercises, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation can help you unwind and alleviate stress.

Mindfulness meditation helps you focus on the present and calm your mind.

Regular physical activity helps reduce stress. Create a routine to move your body throughout the day. This can look like taking short breaks to stand up, going for a short walk, or stretching. You can start out with a few minutes a day and gradually increase the time and intensity of your activities. You can also look for exercises that you find interesting, such as a dance class or yoga. Most importantly, move at your own pace and have fun!

Since stress can affect sleep and appetite, it is important to be mindful of when and what you are eating, as well as the quality of sleep you’re getting. Try not to skip any meals and get enough rest to help your body and mind recover.

While they may offer immediate relief and escape from stress, it is temporary and does not provide a long-term sustainable solution, and both can instead increase stress.

Engage in regular social interactions with people you care about and whose company you enjoy, or those you share common interests with. Reach out to your support network or community when you are feeling overwhelmed and let them know what they can do to support you.

Engage in activities you enjoy and make you feel good. Perhaps you like listening to music, reading, or crafting. Doing more of what you love can help you manage stress.

Talking to a mental health provider can help you identify your symptoms and triggers and develop skills to manage or cope with stress.

Remember, stress is a natural response to challenging situations, and while it is normal to experience it, finding healthy ways to manage stress is important for overall well-being, especially after undergoing a major life-changing event, such as weight loss surgery. If you ever feel overwhelmed, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help!

Karina Arias is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is currently in private practice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karina Arias is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience and has been completing mental health evaluations for bariatric surgery candidates since 2017. She is currently in private practice and continues supporting bariatric surgery candidates with pre-surgery evaluations, while also providing therapy to individuals working through anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. Read more articles by Karina!

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