Weight loss through bariatric surgery is a life-changing event. People who have been long struggling with their weight gain and other health issues experience a healthier lifestyle after bariatric surgery, which also improves their quality of life in many ways. The impact of weight loss surgery goes beyond just health benefits and physical changes in your body. This procedure has various emotional and psychological impacts as well.

The Connection between Bariatric Surgery and Mental Health

Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss in the body. As per multiple studies, many patients experience sudden improvements in the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues after surgery. It is because the benefits of overall weight loss contribute to health and well-being.

As per research, such dramatic weight loss results in improved mood and better self-esteem. People who have been long struggling with body image issues get rid of it after changing their body weight. All these factors contribute to a positive effect on mental health. The effects of bariatric surgery improve mental health in the form of physical changes too, as you get rid of long-term diseases such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, blood pressure problems, and more.

Bariatric surgery is a major surgery that also changes the levels of certain hormones in the body, including ghrelin and leptin, that directly affect your hunger and satiety cues. All these changes improve mood and energy levels and reduce the risk of mental health issues.

Emotional Impact of Bariatric Surgery

You must not overlook the fact that the post-surgery period may bring some unexpected emotional challenges. As the numbers on the scale drop and health improves, you may find yourself coping with body image issues, adjusting to a new lifestyle, and navigating changes in relationships. In the best practice, you should have self-compassion throughout your journey with post-op recovery and ask for help whenever needed.

You can reach out to the people you usually count on for help, and they will keep you encouraged. While some people find it difficult to cope with the changes after bariatric surgery on emotional levels, for others, the journey becomes smooth. At the end of the day, it varies from person to person, depending on how much they welcome the change and are ready to adjust themselves accordingly.

How to Attain Success on Emotional and Psychological Levels after Bariatric Surgery?

Opting for bariatric surgery for weight loss is one of the most important decisions you make for your health. To make your journey easy, follow these tips.

• Do not take your bariatric surgery journey as a challenge that you have to pass. On the contrary, you should embrace it as a journey of self-discovery. It is important to have a positive outlook throughout your weight loss journey, as it will keep you motivated, and you will become more accepting of the big change in your life.
• If you are struggling on an emotional level, feel free to reach out to your friends and family for encouragement. If you don’t find support there, talk to a therapist or opt for professional counseling.
• At each step of your weight loss journey, you should celebrate small accomplishments. For instance, if you are following your new diet religiously, measure this as a big milestone and celebrate your victory. Similarly, if you see reduced weight on the weighing scale, celebrate it as another victory.
• It is equally important to develop healthy coping mechanisms to maintain your emotional and psychological well-being. Your new coping strategies should be a part of the new healthy lifestyle.
• You can pursue some healthy habits, such as meditation, yoga, journaling, exercising regularly, etc., as all these practices contribute to better emotional well-being.

By adopting the above-listed healthy habits and lifestyle changes, you will witness the following benefits.

Positive Psychological Changes

You will notice enhanced body image and self-esteem. When you fully adopt healthy habits, you will experience a sense of confidence, pride, and accomplishment of all your goals.

No More Depression or Anxiety

Reduced weight does wonders for the body, including reducing your episodes of depression or anxiety. The improvement in overall well-being contributes to a positive psychological change.

Improved Quality of Life

Many individuals report an enhanced quality of life after undergoing bariatric surgery. As per them, they can freely engage in activities and experiences they have been wanting to be a part of. It offers them greater satisfaction and happiness.

Takeaway

While bariatric surgery helps you in many good ways, it is equally important not to overlook the psychological support that an individual needs before and after the surgery. The support may include individual or group counseling, educational sessions, and motivation from family and friends. Challenges and successes are a part of this life-changing event. You must embrace everything as it comes and strive towards achieving your weight goal to lead a happy and healthy life. All the best.

An Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder, or OMD for short, refers to problems with the oral and orofacial muscles. These issues vary from person to person but can range from improper swallowing, thumb-to-finger-sucking, resting the tongue in between teeth, and many other harmful oral habits. 

OMD: An Overview 

It is challenging for healthcare providers and researchers to pinpoint the exact causes of OMD. Experts believe there is a large physical element to OMD with causes like blocked nasal passages due to large tonsils or allergies that force people to breathe through their mouth, or anything that causes the tongue to rest in the wrong position or makes it hard to keep the lips together. 

Many of the other aspects of OMD develop over time for a number of reasons, from habits to allergies. Luckily, there are a range of specialists ready to tackle the problem, from those qualified with a speech language pathology masters who are highly trained to recognize and address OMDs to dentists, orthodontists, and ENT doctors.

Signs and Symptoms of OMD

OMDs are often associated with children but can occur later in life as well; they come in a range of types and severities depending on the individual. Below are some of the key signs and symptoms according to the experts: 

Mouth Breathing 

People with OMD often breathe through their mouths rather than their noses. In most cases, nose breathing is superior as the nose has more structures to filter and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs; nose breathing also produces nitric oxide, a gas that increases absorption by relaxing muscles in the bronchi. 

Of course, it is not always possible to breathe through the nose–while we exercise or have a cold, for instance–but mouth breathing should not be the norm in a resting state. Chronic mouth breathing during development can even change facial structures, leading to OMD later on. 

Tongue Thrusting 

In essence, this is when the tongue pushes too far forward in the mouth while swallowing or breathing. This can lead to improper alignment of the teeth and jaw, speech difficulties, and even changes in facial structure over time. Addressing tongue thrusting early can prevent these complications and improve overall oral health.

Speech Issues 

OMD can affect the clarity of speech, particularly when producing certain sounds like “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “j”. This can be caused by structural issues like constant tongue pressure against the teeth or airway issues. 

Dental Problems 

Overbites, underbites, and other dental problems can significantly interfere with proper speech production. These dental misalignments can alter the positioning of the tongue and lips, making it difficult to articulate sounds correctly. 

An overbite, for instance, might cause the upper teeth to cover the lower teeth excessively, hindering the tongue’s ability to make contact with the roof of the mouth for certain sounds. In the same way, an underbite, where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, can disrupt the natural flow of speech by affecting the placement and movement of the tongue. Other dental issues, such as crossbites or crowded teeth, can create physical barriers that impede clear speech. 

Drooling 

An OMD that affects the muscles of the jaw and face can cause drooling, while problems like chronic mouth breathing and leaving the mouth open can further worsen instances of drooling. At the same time, many OMDs affect the swallowing process, which can lead to a build-up of saliva in the mouth. 

Diagnosis and Assessment of OMD

As you can see, the range of symptoms is broad, but there are plenty of specialists out there who have a keen eye for the details that matter. Specialists like speech-language pathologists (SLPs), dentists, orthodontists, and/or medical doctors are trained to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that looks at speech, tongue position, jaw structure, and much more.   

SLPs are trained to evaluate speech patterns, swallowing, and respiration for symptoms like tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and articulatory difficulties. Dentists and orthodontists can be called in to assess dental occlusion and jaw alignment, identifying whether there are any problems with overbite or underbite that could be responsible for OMDs. Medical doctors like an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist are able to examine nasal passages, tonsils, and adenoids for underlying medical conditions that may be affecting oral function.

Treatment Options for OMD

Of course, the exact treatment varies depending on the exact OMD. However, common treatments include myofunctional therapy, which is based on a set of exercises specifically designed to enhance the facial, mouth, and tongue muscles. 

The therapy helps address issues like incorrect tongue placement, mouth breathing, and the inability to seal one’s lips; techniques can be used to enhance chewing, swallowing, and speech. 

Myofunctional therapy has been effective for conditions associated with OMD, like obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and tongue thrust–all of which can lead to speech and dental problems. With the use of neuromuscular re-education exercises, myofunctional therapy can also be used to reinstate normal facial and oral movement and function.

Living With OMD 

Whatever the severity or specific type of OMD you or those you care for may encounter, there is always hope; progress is constant, from cutting-edge treatment and therapies to improved assessment. 

Whether you work in the healthcare system and come face to face with the complications of OMD on a daily basis, care for someone in need, or simply want to know more about this pressing issue, there is plenty of research, literature, and success stories to draw hope from. 

**Please note this article should not serve as medical advice; if you suspect you or someone you care about may have an OMD, contact one of the many health helplines, your GP, or your family doctor.

When facing addiction, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. But the good news is that you’re not alone. Many people are now turning to Suboxone treatment as a safe and effective way to overcome opioid dependency. If you’re searching for Suboxone doctors near me, you’re already taking a vital step toward healing. Let’s explore how Suboxone works, what to expect from treatment, and how to find the best care in your area.

What Is Suboxone and How Does It Help?

Suboxone is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid addiction. It’s a combination of two ingredients—buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone blocks the effects of opioids, discouraging misuse.

This medication is often used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, which combine medications like Suboxone with counseling and behavioral therapy. This holistic approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Why Choosing the Right Doctor Matters

Not all addiction treatment providers offer the same level of care. That’s why it’s crucial to find experienced Suboxone doctors near me who understand your specific needs. A certified Suboxone doctor will tailor a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, health history, and recovery goals.

Many Suboxone doctors also offer telehealth services, making it easier for patients to begin treatment from the comfort of home. This accessibility is particularly important for individuals in rural or underserved areas.

What to Expect from Suboxone Treatment

When you start Suboxone treatment, your doctor will evaluate your medical background and current state of addiction. Here’s what a typical treatment journey looks like:

1. Induction Phase: This is the first stage where the medication is introduced under supervision. It’s typically started once you’ve begun to experience withdrawal symptoms.
2. Stabilization Phase: During this period, the doctor adjusts your dosage to a level that effectively reduces cravings.
3. Maintenance Phase: Once stabilized, you’ll stay on a consistent dose while also participating in therapy and support programs.
4. Tapering Off (Optional): Depending on your recovery progress, your doctor may eventually help you wean off Suboxone.

The Link Between Suboxone and Other Detox Services

While Suboxone is primarily used for opioid addiction, many patients also deal with multiple dependencies. In such cases, it’s beneficial to look for clinics that offer opiate detox near me and also provide guidance for marijuana detox or other substance-specific treatments.

Comprehensive clinics address co-occurring addictions and mental health conditions. Whether it’s opioid misuse or marijuana dependency, a multi-disciplinary team ensures that all aspects of addiction are treated simultaneously.

How to Find the Best Suboxone Doctors Near Me

If you’re unsure where to begin your search, here are a few steps to help you find the best providers:

1. Use Local Directories and Online Tools

Online search engines and health directories make it easy to locate Suboxone doctors near me. Websites like SAMHSA’s treatment locator or psychology-focused platforms can provide detailed listings based on zip code, services offered, and user reviews.

2. Check for Certification and Experience

Make sure the doctor is certified to prescribe Suboxone under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA 2000). Experience in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) is another must-have.

3. Ask About Comprehensive Services

Look for clinics that also support related services like opiate detox near me or marijuana detox. Recovery is more effective when care is integrated.

4. Evaluate Telehealth Options

Virtual appointments can remove barriers like transportation, scheduling conflicts, and stigma. Many reputable Suboxone doctors now offer secure online consultations.

5. Seek Peer Support

Ask for recommendations from recovery groups, therapists, or people who have undergone Suboxone treatment. Firsthand experiences can provide trustworthy insight.

Start Your Journey to Recovery Today

Addiction is a battle—but it’s one you don’t have to fight alone. With the right help, recovery is not only possible but sustainable. Suboxone treatment offers a lifeline to those struggling with opioid dependence, and choosing a dedicated, compassionate doctor can make all the difference.

Whether you’re searching for Suboxone doctors near me, looking into opiate detox near me, or need help with marijuana detox, now is the time to take action. Your health, your future, and your life are worth it.