5 Habits of Successful Weight Loss Surgery Patients
We see patients in our office that are in all different stages of weight loss. Those that have been able to successfully lose the weight and keep it off tend to build strong habits from the beginning that drive their success. They understand that bariatric surgery is a tool, not a quick fix. However, with a little bit of work, it is a life-changing tool! Here are some habits that our most successful patients have put into practice:
1. They Plan Ahead
With any goal, planning ahead is key. Planning meals and workouts for the day and the week can be very helpful. Set a daily activity goal for yourself, even if it’s just walking. If you are going to attend workout classes, go ahead and put them in your calendar at the start of the week.
Meal planning is an important part of planning for success as well. Pick a day of the week to grocery shop, cook, and assemble easy grab-and-go meals. It’s easier to fall off the wagon if you find yourself hungry and with limited time to eat. Meal planning can also be very cost-effective.
2. They Hit Their Nutritional Goals Daily
Adequate protein and water intake are essential to feeling good and staying on track. We recommend at least 60-80 grams of protein, and at least 64 ounces of zero-calorie, non-carbonated fluids daily.
Not hitting protein goals can cause you to feel hungry and can cause unwanted side effects like muscle loss and hair loss. Planning your protein consumption for the day can make sure you are consciously aware of how much protein you are actually consuming.
Dehydration can slow down weight loss and make you feel terrible! Purchase a water bottle that you are comfortable drinking out of and keep it with you all of the time. Figure out how many times you need to fill up your water bottle throughout the day to meet your water intake goal.
3. They Are Open To Change
Change can be scary, but we promise it is worth it. Successful bariatric patients are open to giving up parts of their old lifestyle for a new, healthy lifestyle. This may require therapy in order to retrain your brain on how you think about food, or it may require finding new ways to reward yourself that aren’t food-related. It will require you to consciously think about what you are eating and drinking. Your new lifestyle will require new habits, but it will also come with so many rewards.
4. They Keep Themselves Accountable
There are some great tools to help keep yourself accountable throughout your journey. It’s important to find the tools that work the best for you and your lifestyle.
A few of our favorite tools are:
Activity trackers
Food journals
Apps
Food scales
Portion control containers
Body composition scales
In addition to accountability tools, it’s important to keep your follow-up appointments with our office. We also recommend using your scale in a healthy way. Talk with Dr. Houston and your dietician about what that means for you.
5. They Have a Strong Support System
Identify friends and family members who will support you on your journey and utilize them for support. Be honest about the process and lean on those who care about you.
Join local support groups and be active in them (our office has some great suggestions). These are good places to build new relationships, too! There are also some good online support groups that we recommend.
Any life change can be difficult, but the right support can make it so much easier!
Are you ready to make a change but aren’t sure where to start? Nashville Weight Loss Solutions has a comprehensive support team dedicated to helping you meet your goals. Contact us today to book a consultation!
