My WLS success tips and my 3rd bandiversary

Fellow Bandsters,

Saturday was my third anniversary of my WLS. It has been quite a ride. I find myself in a totally different place that I could have never imagined myself. For those considering surgery or new to their surgery, I can tell you that it made a dramatic difference in my life. The Lapband continues to guide my way, but I think we all are responsible to keeping on target and healthy. Below is a list I put together for my latest blog post. 

Tom 

Tom’s Top 10 Weight Loss Surgery Success Tips

1. Eat healthy!
   Look in your cart next time you go grocery shopping. The cart should contain low fat, low sugar, high fiber and high protein foods. Read the nutrition labels as you shop.
2. Celebrate life!
   Too many people have a fear of food. You should be able to eat foods that you enjoy. Be aware of quantity and frequency when enjoying foods that don’t fit the bariatric diet.
3. Love yourself!
   Don’t beat yourself up over the pounds your wanted to lose but didn’t. Get yourself out of being a prisoner to the scale. Judge your success by other non-scale factors.
4. Be active!
   I integrated cycling into my life. That has made me a more active person. I now find myself more likely to participate in active events. Being active directly relates to being a happy person.
5. Enjoy exercise!
   It should not be a chore. It may take you some time, but you need to find an exercise routine that you love. You will be surprised how fast exercise goes when you enjoy it.
6. Lose the fat guy!
   Too often people lose weight but don’t let go of their former body image. Acknowledge that you are a new person and live in that new person’s body.
7. Support yourself!
   Acknowledge that you need support. My weight loss buddies are still there for me three years later. The power of a support network can not be underestimated.
8. Be vigilant!
   Weight loss surgery gave you a tool to lose weight. You are now responsible in making sure that you maintain a healthy weight. It’s not rocket science.
9. Challenge yourself!
   I love to challenge myself to reach new heights. I find that my life expands at an ever faster rate when I open myself up to new experiences.
10. Live life!
    I have come to know that weight loss is more about getting a second chance at living life to the fullest rather than looking good in front of a mirror.

Hey Thanks Ohbearly. Its really wonderful tips, i will definitely share it with my friends.

Congratulations and thanks for sharing!!!!  

Many, many congrats on your success! 
Thanks for the tips... rules that I live by as well!  Can't wait to check your blog!

take care!
Jan

Happy 3rd Bandiversary!  I just hit my 2 years!  Excellent advice and so happy for you!    Thanks for sharing your success!

Congrats and thanks for the tips!  I was actually coming to the site to delete my account due to so many negative posts in this forum.  I will be 6 months out Aug. 10 and I'm doing wonderful and thankful and confident about my choice in weight loss.  I understand that some people have had a hard, horrible time with Lapband but your disappointment should not be overshadow this forum...isn't their a separate forum for that...just saying....
Anyways, CONGRATS!!!!!!

Don't leave.. just don't read the posts that you know are going to be negative.

I understand, I had to pull back some this weekend.  I'm 2 years out and it gets to me sometimes.

I have learned over these past three years that the choice of WLS is a personal one. You do need to match the surgery to your lifestyle and expectations. So many people go into surgery with no idea about how surgery will affect them and their lives. Researching the correct choice is very important. After you make the choice, you need to LIVE the surgery. By this, I mean follow the rules and guidelines. Eat properly and follow your surgeon's directions. That will put you on target for success. If you are happy with your choice, then you are on the right track. Don't let people's opinions lead you to questioning your choice. Keep up the positive attitude! -- Tom

Happy anniversary, Tom!

Right this minute I'm sitting in my livingroom drinking coffee and petting doggies with Jean M.!  (Yes, I know you're jealous)! 

You and I haven't "met" yet, but any friend of Jean's is a friend of mine!  I always enjoy your posts and articles on your blog so I thought I'd reach out and say hello!

Congratulations on your WL success and thank you for sharing your journey along the way!

Best~
Lisa O.

Tom,

Congrats on your bandiversary and thanks for sharing your WLS success tips. You already know we're in the same "band" camp and share the same philosophy, but I especially appreciate the succinct way you explained your success tips.

Best wishes for continued success.

Jean

P.S. - I thought of you at the OH event here in Seattle this weekend because I found myself studying the unusual tattoo on a woman's leg and after several furtive glances finally realized it was a bicycle derailleur!