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As June arrives with warmer days and lighter clothing, many on the bariatric path find themselves navigating new territory – not just in their changing bodies, but in their relationship with those bodies. This month’s transition to summer activities often brings our body image into sharper focus, creating challenges and growth opportunities.
Your mind’s picture of your body typically updates more slowly than your actual physical changes after bariatric surgery
This experience, commonly called “body image lag,” can feel especially pronounced during early summer’s shift to more revealing clothing and outdoor activities. If you’ve noticed a disconnect between your significant progress and how you perceive yourself, you’re experiencing a regular part of the transformation journey.
June’s social calendar
Often filled with graduations, weddings, and the first pool gatherings – June can heighten awareness of your changing appearance. Before attending these events, take a moment to prepare simple, confident responses for body comments. A genuine “Thank you, I’m feeling stronger each month” acknowledges progress while maintaining healthy boundaries around your health journey.
Consider approaching your summer wardrobe as an exercise in self-care rather than self-criticism. Choose clothing that honors your current body, prioritizing physical comfort, breathability, and freedom of movement. Well-fitting clothes feel better and create a more flattering appearance than items that are too tight (anticipating future sizes) or too loose (hiding your changing shape).
If swimming or beach activities create anxiety, remember that gradual exposure builds confidence. Begin with brief visits during quieter times at the pool, bring a supportive friend who understands your journey, and plan enjoyable water activities that shift focus from appearance to experience. The buoyancy of water often provides welcome relief for joints while strengthening muscles – benefits worth embracing regardless of body confidence levels.
Throughout June, practice redirecting attention from how your body looks to what it can now do
Keep a simple note on your phone, adding capabilities as you notice them: “Climbed stairs without stopping,” “Played actively with grandchildren,” “Walked through the farmers’ market with energy.” These functional improvements matter tremendously for life quality and are powerful reminders of your true motivation beyond appearance.
When you notice critical thoughts about your body this month, respond with the same compassion you would offer a dear friend. Replace “I still look…” statements with acknowledgment of your remarkable journey: “This body has shown incredible resilience
through major surgery and significant changes. It deserves patience and appreciation during this transition.”
Remember that your changing body is not the destination but the vehicle carrying you toward improved health, greater mobility, expanded life experiences, and overall well-being. During this transformative journey, June’s warmer weather offers new opportunities to appreciate your body’s remarkable capabilities.
This content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If body image concerns are causing significant distress, please contact your healthcare team.
Dr. Matthew Meyers, LPCC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor specializing in bariatric mental health evaluations, serving clients across 10 states, including his home state of California. With extensive experience in mental health, he provides compassionate and comprehensive assessments to support individuals preparing for weight-loss surgery
