Where Will Your Journey Take You?

April 2, 2013

I was excited when asked by Obesity Help to contribute to their blog. I am a Lap-band post-op who has been active in the Obesity Help community for the last five years. During this time, I have been blogging about my journey to a happier, healthier life after weight loss surgery.

After some reflection about my first Obesity Help blog post, I settled on journeys as the topic. For the past five years I have been on a journey that is highly influenced by my weight loss surgery. I have witnessed many amazing journeys of fellow Obesity Help members. Although each of our journeys is unique, there is a common thread that binds us together.

For many, their journey started as a desire to rid themselves of ailments and poor health associated with obesity. Others sought to be “normal” and not marginalized, ridiculed or scorned. For a few, the journey was the last ditch effort to save their life. Each journey is unique, but each journey is similar.

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” -- Martin Buber, philosopher

Whether you are at the onset, somewhere in the middle or nearing your journey’s end, be aware that your destination may not be what you expect. The truth is that your journey never ends. There will always be that secret destination just around the bend. How you approach the unknown can both challenge and reward you.

Each of us started our weight loss journey with a seemingly simple destination. For most, the finish line is reaching goal weight, tossing away medications, and feeling better about ourselves. Along our journey, distractions and surprises altered our path onto unknown roads and new paths to our destination.

My weight loss surgery journey led me to a place I could not envision being five years ago. I was never an active person. The couch and TV were my best friends. Six weeks before my Lap-band surgery I challenged myself to get off the couch and out of the house. I became an active walker and grew a passion for cycling. That led to hiking, snowshoeing, and running. I now find myself an active outdoors person. In early 2008, I could not fathom being at this place.

Ask yourself, “Where is my journey taking me?” Weight loss surgery altered your life journey, but there no single road map can guide all bariatric post-ops to the sweet spot of weight loss and happiness. It is up to you to map your course to the destination you dream about. You are in control. I am leaving you with some tips to guide your journey.

Five Tips for the Journey

1. Understand your motivators and challengers.  Liberally rely on them to grow you confidence and abilities.
2. Understand your negative influencers. Minimize their voices and turn their negatives into positives.
3. Live life on the edge. Grow by having at least a small challenge every day.
4. Dream big but in a small way. Set ambitious goals but know the successful journey is taken in small steps.
5. Never let the unknown impede your journey. Concentrate on the known and it will overcome the unknown.

I invite you to visit my personal blog: Beariatric: One man’s journey where diet, exercise, health and wellness equals happiness. You can follow me on Twitter at @beariatric and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/Beariatric.

Tom
A Blogger of Life after Weight Loss Surgery

*Click here to visit Tom's OH profile!

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