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“You don't feel like doing anything because you don't like how you look or it's too hard for you to do things. Here's how to put the cart before the horse.”
You tell yourself that once you get in shape you'll start to do things: fun things, adventurous things. You need to start doing those things now. The sooner you start living your life and doing new things the faster you'll reach your goals. Imagine instead of an evening of TV watching you go for a walk with friends, or bowling, or join a volleyball team. How many more calories will you burn doing that? Plus, instead of reminiscing the next day with coworkers about the popular TV show, you can talk about how you won the archery competition or got kicked in the head sparring in taekwondo. The sooner you realize life is worth living, not later but now, you'll be closer to your health and fitness (and life) goals than you can imagine
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
“Your life is busy with family and job so you must put them first. Here's how to stop believing that myth.”
When you give 100% of yourself it's likely you'll end up 100% annoyed, 100% stressed, and 100% ready to lose it. You're also likely to eat well about never and exercise just about as often because you couldn't possibly take time to do something so selfish. Wrong. You NEED to find the time, make the time, or steal the time for at least 30 minutes to workout at a minimum of three days per week. Putting yourself first during this half hour can boost your mental well being and make you realize how much better of a person you are to those you are caring for. Making time for yourself makes you a better you all the way around.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
Thank you for the links. I live in Italy and was also told that the Mini GB was not endorsed by as you said, some people "swear by it" and as a result I have been thinking about it, also thinking (assuming?) that in the US it was prevalent whereas here in Italy, where everything is always 15 steps behind, it was "just a matter of time". Your post confirms the hesitation I have been confronted with here, and raises the issue of long term / more serious complications that I was unsure about. I am also inclined to think that if the procedure is not officially endorsed then maybe I should pay attention to those who are "in the know", professionally speaking... all good food for thought.
Thank you
“You want to improve your shape and your health but just can't seem to get started. Here's how to have more than just good intensions.”
You imagine yourself as a healthier, thinner you. You imagine working out and eating better. You see yourself buying cute clothes. You envision yourself being more active and being more adventurous. Unfortunately, nothing's really changed and your dreams of a better you remain nothing more than that - just dreams. To get past the dream and into reality you need to make a tangible plan of action. If you don't have a map, how do you know how to reach your destination? Your plan has to be specific. Start by writing down not only your goal (I want to lose 50 lbs.), but also why you want to lose it (I'll feel more confident and be able to do all the activities my kids/grandkids want). Now, write out how you'll reach that goal: I'll workout three days a week, go for a walk with my husband/wife/friend on the weekends, eliminate fried foods five days a week, and make healthy dinners three times a week. Now, you'll have to get even more detailed, like which days you'll workout and make a plan to find recipes to make. Now set a date to implement the plan and do it. You can modify the plan if something isn't working as you go. Once you launch your plan is when your dream becomes a reality. Before you know it your goal will be within reach.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
“You eat fewer calories but still you're not losing weight. Here's why the bumble bee can fly.”
You aren't the first person to question this. It doesn't necessarily make sense, but like bumble bees who are not aerodynamically built for flight and still manage to buzz around, eating more can actually make sense for weight loss. The biggie is breakfast. If you haven't tried this and are still struggling with losing the weight you want, you really don't have a lot to lose by trying it do you? The thought is that by structuring your eating evenly throughout the day, your body doesn't get hungry, it doesn't hunker down in starvation mode, and it loosens its grip on your metabolism. Only eating and exercise will kick your metabolism in gear so the sooner you get moving and get eating in the morning the better. Don't worry if you're not hungry, start with something light: a piece of fruit, whole grain toast with an egg, or a Curves shake is great too. Actually, studies have shown that a hearty (healthy) breakfast of up to 500 calories aids in losing weight significantly. Start your day out right then eat well throughout the day and in no time your weight will take flight.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
“You know you need some downtime, but that bubble bath just isn't going to happen. Here's another way to soak up some relaxation.”
If you don't have 30 minutes or more to carve out some me time, all is not lost. Sometimes even a five or 10-minute stress buster is all you need. Before you start your next project at work, walk around the block or just stare out the window for a few minutes. If you don't have a window, listen to music, read an online daily devotional or uplifting message. After you put the kids to bed and have done everything for everyone else, knowing you're going to spend 15 minutes reading a good book or stand in a hot shower can be just the ticket to help you unwind.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
I had Lap Band surgery 4 years ago. I lost 80lbs and was very happy. I had to have a hysterectomy because of heavy menstrual bleeding that caused me to be anemic. After my hysterectomy it was struggle and I gained 40lbs back, My hematologist told me that it was probably never the lap band that helped me lose weight, I probably lost the weight because of the anemia. I saw my surgeon a few weeks ago and decided to have gastric bypass, which is what I wanted to begin with and was talked into lap band surgery. I personally am tired of the pain from the band. Pain when I eat, pain when I lay on my stomach, the vomiting and all, I want the band out of me. He did an upper GI when I saw him and said that he looked at it and the band is still in the perfect place, I have good swallow and everything is perfect, pouch hasn't stretched, but I have 9mm of saline in a 10 mm band. How can I eat so much?? Its just not working for me. Good luck to your husband with his decision to have the bypass and you are a great wife to stand beside him. I am planning on going to support groups to help me with this journey this time. Maybe that would be a good choice for your husband as well. They should really have a support group for spouses or significant others.
“You feel stressed out but tend to clam up instead of sharing your feelings. Here's how to break out of your shell. ”
Sometimes we pull the covers over our heads when we feel overwhelmed but talking with a friend can help you de-stress and truly deal with problems instead of just worrying about them. If you can share issues with your significant other, studies show that just holding hands helps women relax and put things in perspective. The next time you feel yourself closing the world out, pick up the phone or reach out for a comforting hug.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
“You eat pretty well until that certain time of the day and then all seems lost. Here's how to find your way through.”
We all have that one time of the day that we know will be difficult. Maybe it's late in the afternoon, or while you're fixing dinner. These are the weak moments when you're likely to grab anything that's handy: chips, cookies, side of beef. You need to find a food ally to count on during these times, one item that you can have at the ready every day. You may need to experiment to find what food item satisfies you enough to take the edge off, at least until you can think more clearly to make other good choices, or until dinner is ready. Maybe it's baby carrots, grape tomatoes, or just a cup of hot spiced tea. Finding a friendly food can get you through that rough patch in the day and move you on to success.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
“You don't feel like you're eating that much but the scale doesn't budge much. Here's how to give it a shove.”
You really need to keep track of what and how much you're eating. You don't need to do this forever, but you may need to do it for a couple of weeks at the minimum. The key is obviously writing down EVERYTHING you eat and then calculating the calories, fat, sodium, etc. This is a great education on nutrition and is a good tool to see where you're overdoing. Don't play the game of trying to calculate calories expended to justify an extra serving or piece of pie. Most people over-estimate calories burned and under-estimate calories eaten. Figure out a good ratio between healthy food, exercise, and treats and you'll see results on the scale.
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
