People often criticize weight loss surgery as “taking the easy way out.” We know that there is nothing easy about the decision and commitments you have made. We acknowledge your bravery and hard work to get you where you are today. As we enter the New Year, we hope you will continue to focus on the new you.

Finding worth in self is probably the biggest challenge all of us face. We forget who we are. Once we remember and reclaim our worth, our loves take on new meaning.

Positive self-talk is one of the keys to your long-term success. If you think positively about yourself you are more apt to shower yourself with rewards and self-praise that will keep you on the path of a healthy lifestyle.

Even though weight loss surgery affords many physical advantages, you may still struggle with some other emotional difficulties. Most of us fall into the trap of assuming a change in our lives will solve all of our problems. How often have you thought to yourself: “If I just had a new house, more money, more time, a new job or more space, I would be happy?” Many of you may have though to yourselves before having weight loss surgery that losing weight would make you forever happy and your problems would go away. Many of us have realized thinking this way is in vain. None of these things will take away emotional difficulties. The road to health is not an easy one. You will experience a lot of challenges that will be difficult to deal with.

Here are some suggestions as you set your goals for the New Year. Keep these in mind and remember you are of worth and that you are accomplishing much:

1. Refrain from negative self-talk where you call yourself stupid, dumb, fat, lazy or a failure. Replace with verifiable examples of successful behaviors, not concepts.
2. Refrain from talking negatively about yourself to others. When you talk negatively about yourself to others, you are providing them with instruction on how you wish to be treated. Begin to put a voice to your success no matter how small.
3. If you are part of a religious sect, turn to your faith for peace.
4. Check out books from the library about self-esteem.
5. Keep a journal on your emotional stability day to day. Record the choices you make that bring you joy and stability.
6. Continue attending support groups. Make friends with patients in your support group. It helps to confide in someone who has had the same experience as you. Share your challenges and successes.
7. Emotional difficulties are a part of life, but sometimes a more serious problem is present. If you feel that you suffer with a psychiatric problem, do not be afraid to consult your primary care physician.

As you set your goals, it is also important to reward yourself for your accomplishments. Rewards should not be food related. Food is for nutrition. Reward yourself with something of value like a massage, new gold clubs or a charm on charm bracelet. Some have put money away for each 10 pounds list then gone on a vacation. Take the time to thank yourself and acknowledge yourself.

For more inspiration from patients, read some of our past articles with the links below:

Lessons Learned
Advice from Weight Loss Surgery Patients – part 1
Advice from Weight Loss Surgery Patients – part 2
Ways to Curb Hunger Between Meals
Back to Nutrition Basics
Achieving Your Goals by Dr. Rodrick McKinlay

 

Have a wonderful and happy New Year from Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians,

 

www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124