Successful weight loss isn’t just about seeing smaller numbers on the scale. It takes a major shift in mentality to prepare your mind and body for the lifestyle changes that come with surgical weight loss. If you’re looking for bariatric doctors in Houston TX, why wait until you’re approved for a gastric bypass or sleeve to start making healthier choices? Set yourself up for long-term success by establishing good habits one day at a time.
- Assess Your Goals
Think about the factors driving you to change. Sticking to a long-term goal is easier if you’re internally motivated, instead of feeling pressured by external factors in your environment. If your goals are focused around pleasing others or fitting in, you’re more likely to slide back into bad habits whenever challenges arise.
Weight loss surgery should be a positive step forward that helps you to live a longer, healthier life. So think about the lasting benefits you hope to gain from losing weight. Do you want to feel stronger? Establish a healthier relationship with food? Have more energy to do activities with your family?
Set goals that are measurable in terms of personal fulfillment, not just pounds. For example, work up from a 10-minute walk to a 30-minute walk or successfully cut back on soda. That way, you can still observe your progress even when the scale doesn’t show you exactly what you want to see.
- Reflect On Your Eating Habits
Take an honest look at your daily eating habits, so you can overcome negative patterns of behavior. Without realizing it, you may be surrounding yourself with environmental cues that trigger overeating. Start a food diary to record what you eat and the time of each meal. It’s also helpful to write down how you felt before you ate or what you were doing during the meal.
Do you stock up on snacks when you’re in a bad mood or reach for sugary treats when you have tons of work to do? Stress and fatigue are common reasons for overeating, and you might turn to high-calorie, refined foods for comfort. By recognizing these patterns, you can make mindful decisions about how you eat.
- Get Your Support System in Place
Sometimes, the people you love most have the hardest time adjusting to your new lifestyle. Not everyone will be on board right away. Ease the transition by being upfront with family and close friends about your reasons for pursuing weight loss surgery. Encourage them to ask questions, and provide resources where they can get more information.
Many loved ones aren’t aware of the emotional impact of struggling with obesity. Their reservations about the surgery may stem from fear, concern or misinformation. By talking openly about your goals long before the surgery, you can lose weight in a healthy, supportive environment. If you lack a positive support system at home or just want to spend time with other people going through weight loss surgery, you can also request information about support groups from bariatric doctors in Houston TX.
