Often it is a very exciting and overwhelming time when you first have your surgery. It is a big adjustment and a lot to get used to. Everyone is always thrilled to see their weight loss results, and the positive impact this has on many areas of your life.
We have discussed on the blog before the importance of non-weight related goals. The number on the scales is NOT everything, and we encourage everyone to write down on a piece of paper their non-weight goals prior to surgery. For example these might be to have more energy, less joint pain, improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and to buy clothes in any shop.
As time goes on it can be easy to forget about these goals, and forgot your motivations for wanting to have the surgery in the first place. Into the second year post surgery, some of the initial shine has worn out, and everyday life comes back into play. This can be where it is easy for old habits to start creeping back in, and for results to stall.
We see this happen quite often, so if this sounds like you do not worry – you are certainly not alone! Today’s blog will outline a simply technique you can use to overcome this and regain your focus.
Read below to regain your motivation and focus!
Step 1: Write down on a piece of paper your individual motivations and non-weight goals for surgery. You can also include the positive aspects of the surgery and weight loss that you did not expect, but are glad happened.
Step 2: Keep this list nearby and set an alarm on your phone twice a day to remind yourself to read and reflect on this list. The times of day you choose are completely up to you. For example many like to do this first thing in the morning to set your focus for the day. Other people may choose the mid-afternoon when they find themselves wanting to snack even though they know they are not hungry. Or the evening too, is another key time, to help overcome mindless grazing in front of the TV.
Step 3. Sit and read your list and remind yourself of why you started on this journey in the first place. Also remember to be proud of yourself and think back on all the progress you have made! So often we forget to give ourselves credit for all we have already achieved.
Step 4: Continue this as a daily habit!
We would love to hear your feedback on this. Has anyone tried something like this?
