Pre- and post-op tips for success - points from support group meeting

My husband and I went to the bariatric support group last night at the hospital, and I took notes. I'm so glad I did, because I came away with some wonderful advice. I wanted to share it with all of you, whether pre- or post-op, these reminders are good for everyone. I hope they are helpful to you like they were to me!      - Like it or not, exercise is the only way to maintain weight loss. Put your big girl (or guy) panties on and just do it! :)   - Set small goals that are attainable before setting larger ones. Our mind is our biggest obstacle. And remember - EVERYTHING counts!   - Always have a plan and be prepared. This goes for food and exercise.    - Put yourself first sometimes - it's OKAY! You have to put your needs ahead of others at times if you are going to be successful. Learn to say no.    - Always be balanced. Don't overdo it on carbs. Try to stick to less than 100g carbs per day.    -Always keep a food journal and be honest in it. Everything counts!   -The road to hell is paved with good intentions :) Don't just have good intentions. See them through, push through the pain, and make yourself proud! You'll feel so much better in the end.   - Weight-loss surgery is a wonderful gift. Use it wisely and don't waste it.    -Always stick to the 30-30-30 rule. Never drink with your meals. If you chew your food 20 times like we're told to, you'll find that you don't need liquid to wash the food down. It gets easier...   - Make time for self-care. Slow down. Take time to prepare and plan your meals. Always make time for exercise. Do whatever it takes to really take care of yourself.   - Take pictures of your journey and refer to them often. Remember what life used to be like...do you want to go back there?   - Set activity/exercise goals that YOU like! Do things that are fun and exciting, so you'll keep doing them and never get bored.    - Always weigh yourself once a week. Keep good records. This will help you to stay on track.   - When dealing with friends or family who may not understand why you want or had surgery, just remember it's not your job to make them get it. They don't have to be OK with your decision..only you do. If they can't accept your choice, that's their problem, not yours. Don't feel like you have to take care of them. It's only you that can take care of you. 

 

I had a book that I kept a record of my weightloss and my measurements.   It is interesting you might not be losing weight when you lose inches.  Do this once a month. 9 years out and I still refer to my little book.  Also take lots of photos.  On the day you do your measurements take a photo.  It is best to take it in the same place so you have something to reference size by.  I still look at my pictures.  It is so easy to look in the mirror and still seem fat.  I got down to 103 and still felt fat.  So keep those records.  Good luck  Keep us posted.

Brenda.

This is a wonderful list of great reminders.  Wherever we are on our personal WLS journeys, these reminders are important.

If you don't mind, I'm going to copy/paste the list on my OH Blog for safekeeping and reference for myself.

Thanks for posting this.  Very helpful!

Absolutely! Feel free to share with anyone and keep for yourself. :)