What do we mean by trauma?
We often think of trauma as a specific event, but trauma has a much broader definition. Trauma stems from a life-threatening or physically or emotionally harmful event or set of circumstances that has lasting effects on a person’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. In the United States, 61% of men and 51% of women report exposure to at least one lifetime traumatic event.
Why is recognizing trauma important?
If you have had any type of trauma in your past that may be affecting your current behavior, it can help to talk to a professional. Trauma, whether experienced in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, can impact the success of surgery and reduce the likelihood of long-term weight loss.
Professionals can help you get past events or learn to cope so you can have long-term success and happiness after surgery.
There are many resources at Kaiser Permanente and elsewhere that can support you and help you get back on track. You are not alone.
