Say Goodbye to Soda after Bariatric Surgery

If you have decided to undergo Bariatric surgery, you must find the resolve to say goodbye to all carbonated beverages, especially those which are high in sugar and calories. Do not expect to switch to diet soda after Bariatric surgery because these too are very bad for you.

 

You Can’t Have Soda after Bariatric Surgery

Soda after Bariatric surgery is a bad idea for many reasons. You will need to consume adequate amounts of water as well as discover some new and healthy drink alternatives when water isn’t what your body craves. You should plan to read more labels and do more research as you transition into a vibrant and healthier individual. Here are four good reasons you will have to say goodbye to soda after Bariatric surgery if you want to see results!

soda gastric bariatric

Four Reasons to Avoid Soda after Bariatric Surgery

Drinking any brand of carbonated soda after Bariatric surgery can be quite painful. Even if you are considering a zero or low calorie diet or a lightly carbonated fruit infused water beverage, soda after Bariatric surgery can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort such as cramps and sharp pains, and abdominal distension. Carbonated beverages can also slow the healing process by adding unnecessary pressure to your incision site. Some doctors will suggest waiting three months to drink soda after Bariatric surgery but those who want life-changing results will give up carbonated beverages entirely.

Drinking soda after Bariatric surgery can lead to an unpleasant occurrence called ‘Dumping Syndrome’. Common symptoms of Dumping Syndrome include the following:  nausea, weakness, cold clammy sweats, paleness, irregular or pounding heartbeat, and diarrhea, to name a few. After weight loss surgery, consuming anything with a high sugar content can lead to these symptoms as your body tries to regulate its sugar levels in the small intestine. Additionally, do not use a straw to drink soda after Bariatric surgery as this can introduce air into your reduced stomach, causing major discomfort.

Drinking soda after Bariatric surgery will slow your weight loss down dramatically or cause it to reach a standstill. One of the best tips you could ever receive as a Bariatric patient is not to consume your allotted calorie allowance in the form of drinks. Sodas and sugary sweet beverages will sabotage your diet and help the weight hang on while water and other zero calorie low sodium healthy options will assist your body with removing fat cells and toxins.

Drinking soda after Bariatric surgery can cause your pouch to become ‘stretched out’. You will find opinions for and against this theory across the internet as doctors have different ideas on whether permanent stretching actually occurs. However, it is a known fact that carbonation does expand the stomach and, even on a short term level, this can be bad for your diet. When your pouch is expanded, you require more food to feel ‘full’  which leads to an increase in calorie consumption. Such changes in your diet could lead to weight gain rather than weight loss. Additionally, you may find yourself feeling worse instead of better.

What are some other reasons you should avoid sodas after Bariatric surgery?

Bariatric Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Fall brings lots of temptations to Bariatric surgery patients as well as others who are watching what they eat. Weight loss can be difficult due to all the temptations but Halloween is especially difficult.

You’ve probably heard people use the expression ‘you gotta choose your battles wisely‘. It’s really good advice for life in general, but this is especially true for those who have underwent weight loss surgery.

bariatric Halloween

Watching Your Bariatric Diet on Halloween

While celebrating Halloween this year, try to think about the holiday in a new way. After all, changing the way you think is part of what makes Bariatric so successful. As you throw tradition to the wind and look for healthy Halloween options, here are some tips that just may help.

Healthy Halloween Tips

#1 – Don’t celebrate Halloween just because it is a tradition, especially if it has the potential to sabotage your diet. Your weight loss journey requires a new lifestyle. Perhaps you would be best not to observe this candy inspired holiday. Instead, turn the porch light off and find other ways to celebrate October 31st.

#2 – If you have children or grandchildren and want to observe the holiday by handing out candy and treats, do not purchase candy and treats that will tempt you. For example, if you cannot stand licorice, that’s the perfect treat to buy for all the little ghouls and goblins who’ll come knocking at your door.

#3 – If you plan to hand out candy for Halloween, wait until the last possible minute before purchasing these little treats so they aren’t lurking around the house to tempt you. Additionally, be careful not to overstock. It’s better to turn the porch light out early than to have bags of candy taunting you from the pantry.

#4 – Consider an alternative to candy this Halloween, such as coins, small toys or stickers. There are other non-candy options such as fresh fruit, cheese and cracker packs, animal crackers or boxes of raisins, to name a few.

#5 – Perhaps you have friends who have undergone Bariatric surgery or struggle with weight loss. Say goodbye to remorse by hosting a healthy Halloween get-together with fun activities and an attractive food spread with nutritious options.

#6 – You will save a lot of money on candy and get in some much needed exercise when you decide to walk around the neighborhood with your kids as they trick-or-treat. Being active and social feels good, and seeing those spooky costumes and masks will probably increase your heart rate, helping you burn calories.

These are just a few tips to help celebrate Halloween without remorse. What will you be doing on October 31st?

 

The Dangers of Diet Pills

If you would like to know the scoop on diet pills and why they are considered to be dangerous, you have come to the right place. Here are some interesting facts about the dangers of diet pills, some of which you might have heard and a few side effects which may surprise you.

Downside of Diet Pills

diet pill risks
Risks of diet pills

Yes, there is most definitely a downside to taking diet pills, whether they have been prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. In some cases, taking diet pills can actually bring weight loss, but is it worth the risks, especially when those few pounds will eventually be returning? Here are a few of the many risks of taking diet pills.

You cannot trust or rely on product labels. 

If you are purchasing store bought weight loss pills and products, you cannot trust the claims found on the label or box. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report which found that twenty percent of all supplement and weight loss labels are guilty of making illegal claims. Even if the pills promise to be herbal or all-natural, this does not mean they are truly safe to take.

There are often numerous side effects when taking diet pills.

Depending on the type of diet pills you take, there can be numerous side effects, some of which can become uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous to your body. Some of the more common side effects of diet pills include headaches, constipation and mood swings. In diet pills containing fat blockers, you can expect symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and poor nutrient absorption.

The ineffective results of diet pills often lead to dehydration.

Due to the combination of caffeine and several diuretics, many diet pills are not helping you lose weight. Those first few pounds you shed was likely water loss, which is not a true type of weight loss. Sadly, extreme water loss while taking diet pills can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration.

Taking diet pills can be very addicting.

When you choose to take diet pills, there is always the risk of becoming addicted. Sure, it is only diet pills but they actually contain a plethora of addictive and dangerous ingredients including amphetamines, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

Diet pills can damage your heart and other organs.

Many diet pills and appetite suppressants are designed to stimulate the nervous system, and the results can be felt relatively quickly. Most commonly, your heart rate will increase which also raises your blood pressure, which can lead to arrhythmia, cardiac arrest or heart attack – none of which are worth those few pounds you may or may not lose.

Diet pills can add stress to your circulatory system.

Ever taken a diet pill and experienced the rush felt when your heartbeat sped up, only to wind up with a terrible headache? Since the FDA made ephedra illegal in weight loss drugs and products, companies are working diligently to come up with a substitute. Why would companies want to offer a product that raises blood pressure and stresses the circulatory system?

It is believed that some diet pills cause heart valve abnormalities.

While it is true that heart valves will eventually start to leak a tiny bit with age, there are some prescription drugs designed to help people lose weight which can also cause heart valve abnormalities, including leakage. This risk is a concern for those who have taken diet pills for three months or longer. This is why some medical doctors will prescribe twelve weeks of taking diet pills, followed by intervals where no weight loss drugs are taken.

Weight Loss Surgery vs Diet Pills

As a rule, most medical doctors will not prescribe diet pills to patients unless they are considered to be obese and many who will not prescribe diet pills at all, due to the above mentioned risks. Additionally, if you are obese, you would have to take diet pills for a very long time to see any real results, which means being at risk of the many side effects listed above.

When considering all of the dangers associated with diet pills, weight loss surgery is fast becoming the more popular and sensible option. Medical doctors are starting to agree that Bariatric surgery is safer than the prolonged use of diet pills and other drugs prescribed for weight loss. Unlike diet pills, weight loss surgery slowly teaches the patient how to make better nutritional choices for a lifetime of better habits.

 

 

 

Eating Fruits after Gastric Bypass Surgery

When you have had weight loss surgery, especially Gastric Bypass, it is important to watch what you eat, especially when it comes to fruits. Gastric Bypass will help you lose a significant amount of weight quickly, reducing the size of your stomach while blocking calorie absorption a you go through the dietary stages after weight loss surgery. Within a short amount of time, you will be on a solid food diet composed of high proteins, low sugar, and low carb options.  While learning how to eat healthy, you will likely turn to fruits for some vitamins and nutrients.

What Fruits Can You Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

After weight loss surgery, you may find yourself craving something sweet, reaching for fruit rather than sugary sweets. Since there is an abundance of natural sugars in fruit, which should you eat and which should be avoided? These fruit-choosing facts may help you on your weight loss journey.

fruit weight loss

Whole Fruits

Directly after weight loss surgery, you will need to avoid whole fruits as you will be expected to follow a clear liquid diet, followed by a full liquid phase. As your body heals, you will go through the pureed food and soft food stages and at that time, you should be able to enjoy small quantities of soft fruits. Even fruit can be high in carbs and sugar so you must be careful, or you may experience ‘Dumping Syndrome’, a common symptom of taking in too much fat or sugar.

Dumping Syndrome can be quite unpleasant, bringing such symptoms as dizziness or sweating, nausea and vomiting, and even shakiness and chills. Know which whole fruits offer the least amounts of sugar and carbs to avoid Dumping Syndrome. Most berries such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are better choices than other fruits, making them a fairly good option for Bariatric patients.

You should avoid bananas which are high in calories and can easily prevent you from reaching your goal weight and cause intestinal discomfort. To aid in the digestion of oranges, apples and grapefruit, you should always peel and trim the fruit. If you decide to try new foods, you should proceed with caution taking a small bite and chewing well. By paying close attention, you will learn which fruits, and foods in general, you should avoid, causing you stomach issues and/or sickness.

 

Processed Fruits

After weight loss surgery, including Gastric Bypass, you will reach a stage where mashed or pureed fruit is an acceptable choice. During this phase, you will need to read labels and watch for fruits that are high in sugar content. This is usually due to being canned or processed in light and heavy syrups, which can also lead to Dumping Syndrome. Choose items such as naturally sweetened applesauce and fruits packed in their own natural juices, avoiding sugar as much as possible.

 

Fruit Juices or Dried Fruits

After Gastric Bypass Surgery, there will be things you have enjoyed your entire life that your body will no longer be able to digest without discomfort. You will also have to give up some things that may seem healthy such as fruit juices, which are actually high in sugar content. About half of all Bariatric surgery patients can dilute fruit juices such as apple and orange juice and enjoy a glass now and then. Keep a close eye on your goal weight though, as these juices can quickly send you backwards on the scale.

Your stomach may not be able to handle dried fruits after Gastric Bypass or other weight loss surgeries, most particularly dried cranberries, apricots and raisins. Again, this is due to the high amounts of sugar used to cure these dried fruits. After some time has passed after your Bariatric surgery, you may be able to indulge in and tolerate dried fruits again but use caution, watching for sudden weight gain.

Excellent New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

After Bariatric Surgery, you will begin to look around your kitchen with new eyes, and as you make your weekly grocery list, there will be so many things you will no longer want to buy. Don’t worry – it will get easier as the days go by and soon, you will have some healthy new habits to add years to your life, but how can you speed those new habits along, helping make sure you see and enjoy the results of weight loss surgery long term?

4-good-habits-post-bariatric-surgery

New Habits after Bariatric Surgery

Here are some quick kitchen tips for those of you who want to make your kitchen weight loss friendly after Bariatric surgery and help speed those new habits along. Don’t be discouraged if you make a mistake. It took a lifetime to learn all of these unhealthy eating habits, so don’t be too hard on yourself! Every day is a clean slate and a fresh start on your road toward a healthy weight and proper nutritional habits.

 

Buy Bottled Water after Weight Loss Surgery

While you may have wonderfully tasting well or tap water that runs into your glass for free, you are probably willing to admit that you aren’t drinking the required number of glasses per day. After Bariatric surgery, it is highly recommended that you purchase bottled water and store it in the refrigerator or another cool location.

You will find that using purchasing bottled water will motivate you, and help you keep track of your daily water intake goals. You may be able to get your family involved with a little competitive cross referencing with the other water drinkers in your home. Do not mistake distilled water for healthy bottled water, which is not nearly as healthy and beneficial for your body.

 

Boiled Eggs after Bariatric Surgery

After weight loss surgery, you will have to follow a very specific diet until your stomach has healed and you are no longer on a liquid, puree or soft food regimen. Once you have been approved for regular food, you will be looking for high protein recipes that meet the needs of your new lifestyle. Breakfast can be especially difficult since you no longer need to eat toast, biscuits, sugary sweet cereal or greasy pork bacon and sausage.

However, what you can have are protein rich eggs. Most nutritionists will tell you that eating at least one hard boiled egg each morning for breakfast will increase your energy levels by 70 percent. This is because protein is fuel for the body and eggs are a fast, affordable and easy source. Make a new habit of keep a small container of hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator. You will find that this is a fast and convenient breakfast that you will learn to appreciate. Sprinkle some paprika on them for a bit of flavor if you do not like them plain, as this spice is a great source of vitamin E.

 

Individual Sweeteners Packets for Bariatric Patients

After Bariatric surgery, you will no longer be able to enjoy sugary sweet drinks and treats. You can, however, have artificial sugar. If one of your old habits included drinking sweet iced tea, Kool-aid or coffee with sugar, you should consider purchasing artificial sweeteners in individual packets. While drinks won’t taste nearly as sweet, you will find that over time, you can train your taste buds to enjoy less.

Another great benefit of pre-measured packets is you can see exactly how many calories you are drinking and how much progress you’ve made. Also, these pre-measured packets can be carried in a purse or pocket, making it easy to maintain your new habit wherever you go.

Zipper Seal Bags for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

After you have undergone Bariatric surgery, portion control becomes an important issue and plastic zipper seal bags can be a huge help in the storing and cooking process. While you can save significantly by buying in bulk, you should re-package all meat and food items into zipper seal bags that contain only enough for the number and size of the meals you will need.

Not only will you avoid over-eating and later raiding the fridge for leftovers, you will also find that packages used to make one dinner meal might stretch much further now. It won’t take long before you are hooked on buying and using these household helpers.

 

What are some other items to help build new habits after Bariatric surgery?

 

 

 

New Year: Time for Weight Loss Surgery

You have known that it was past time for a change for a long while. Your quality of life is noticeably decreasing and the weight doesn’t seem to come off, even with dieting and exercise. You feel as if you have tried and failed with nearly every diet, breakthrough or fad that has come along. What is the next option?

Weight Loss Surgery: Actions, Not Words

When you look in the mirror, do you recognize the person looking back? Depression and a damaged self-worth are attacking your mind, while the excess pounds have you feeling as if you are pinned to the ground. Your health is starting to be affected and you’ve been researching weight loss surgeries for months.

WeightLossSurgeryMotivation

Stop Researching Bariatric Surgery!

Guess what? It is time to stop researching weight loss surgery and start doing! Make the decision to have Bariatric surgery because you know it’s your best shot for a new and happy life! Are you scared? Well, don’t be. Bariatric surgery is growing more and more common with each passing year, helping men and women take control of their lives, their health, and most importantly, their own bodies.

Why keep researching but never take action? One reason people never manage to take the next step is because surgery is a scary word. People fear the ‘unknown’, and somewhere down deep, perhaps there is the fear that even bariatric surgery won’t deliver the weight loss needed for a happy, full and productive life. Are you afraid that weight loss surgery is your last option, and that it may not work?

Make the Decision to Change Your Life

First of all, you will never know what weight loss surgery can do for you until you try! Approach this surgical step to lose weight as a major life changing event, and your new lifestyle as a permanent step toward a better you. It may be true that you are out of options, but you haven’t lost the battle against obesity yet, so don’t give up before you try!

In your research, you probably learned that weight loss surgery doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to keep the weight off. However, you will lose weight and you will feel better! Hopefully, you will learn how to eat in moderation and control your caloric intake, and never have to battle the pounds again!

Stop Wasting Years of Your Life

Countless thousands of people battle with obesity every day, and are left feeling as if they have wasted years of their lives feeling bad about themselves, hiding their own bodies, and failing to live their lives to the fullest. It is time for you to take action; let the New Year become a starting point in your journey to lose weight with the help of Bariatric surgery.

Get Ready for 2015, the Best Year Yet

Now that you are motivated and ready to take that leap of faith, say to yourself, “2015 is going to be my best year yet, the year everyone sees me for who I really am.” Send your information using our convenient contact page to ask for the help and support you need and deserve! You will find answers to all of your Bariatric surgery questions and concerns as you begin your weight loss journey.

You owe it to yourself because… you know what?

You’re an amazing person.

Why shouldn’t everyone be able see this?

9 Christmas Gift Ideas for Bariatric Patients

Christmas Gift Ideas for Bariatric Patients

If someone you love has recently undergone weight loss surgery of any kind, your task of finding the perfect Christmas gift won’t be as difficult as you might think. As the Bariatric patient on your holiday shopping list begins his or her new and improved healthy lifestyle, the following gift ideas can provide support and assistance toward weight loss success.

presents gifts bariatric

Digital Food Scale

Modern food scales are better than ever at helping with portion control and managing healthy food options. A great help when keeping a journal and perfecting Bariatric recipes, today’s food scales have some pretty amazing options such as a Tare feature that automatically deducts the weight of your plate.

High Tech Bathroom Scales

Any old bathroom scale will help track weight loss but there are several brands of high tech scales that can do some pretty amazing things. Not only can a Bariatric patient keep track of pounds lost, but also body mass, weight memory, and daily caloric reference.

Digital Camera

The weight loss journey of a Bariatric patient is often recorded in photographs, allowing the results to be documented and shared with others. A digital camera is vital in recording every milestone along the path to healthy living, making it a great choice for gift-giving. Some cameras are also equipped with video functions, making them even more helpful.

Gym Membership

A gym membership is a wonderful gift idea for anyone who is trying to ‘turn over a new leaf’ and get healthy through weight loss. Some memberships include access to spas and saunas, swimming pools and even child care, making this an ideal choice for Bariatric patients of all ages.

Gift Card from Major Clothing Retailer

This is a struggle every weight loss surgery patient experiences with both negative and positive feelings. While thrilled to see the weight coming off, Bariatric patients struggle daily with ill-fitting clothing, as nothing seems to fit. With a gift card to a major clothing retailer, your recipient will be thrilled to add a few basics to their wardrobe. Of course, nothing makes weight loss sweeter than buying a smaller size.

Gas Gift Card

Most weight loss surgery patients have to keep monthly appointments with their Bariatric doctor, and this can mean traveling more than two hours. Follow-up appointments, fills (Lap-Band), weigh-ins, visiting support groups, and trips to specialty stores are just some of the reasons a gas card could be beneficial for Bariatric patients.

Kitchen Gadgets

There are a lot of great gift ideas in the kitchen for those who have undergone weight loss surgery. A good food storage system such as a Foodsaver can help with fresh food preservation and portion control. Other helpful options include high quality water bottles, shaker bottles designed for protein shakes, pre-measured food containers and measuring cups/spoons. Bento and other portion oriented lunch containers are also quite helpful when making meals on the go.

Bariatric Approved Cookbooks

After weight loss surgery, your gift recipient may feel as if he or she is learning how to cook all over again. Finding recipes that are low fat and low or sugar free can be quite daunting, not to mention time consuming. Purchasing Bariatric approved cookbooks will help save time and improve meal planning, making it an exceptional gift idea for Christmas.

Vitamins, Supplements, and Carrying Case

After Bariatric surgery, vitamins and supplements are no longer a choice, but a necessity, since the stomach can no longer absorb all the nutrients your body needs. A carrying case or pill organizer can be a lifesaver to the Bariatric patient, and gifts of vitamins and supplements can save some serious cash.

These are just a few of the many gift ideas that will enrich the life of your favorite Bariatric patient. Can you think of other great Christmas gifts for someone who has had weight loss surgery?

10 Tips for Celebrating Halloween Post Bariatric Surgery

Celebrating Halloween after Weight Loss Surgery

 

After weight loss surgery, you are starting to see results but with the fall season comes many temptations. This is largely due to the many holiday offerings that begin bariatric halloweenwith the arrival of Halloween.

While it may be a tradition to enjoy delicious Halloween candy throughout the month of October, now is not the time to indulge. Saying no to those sweet little treats and candy bars will keep your weight loss goals on target.

After a lifetime of mindless snacking, it can be difficult to resist temptation but here is a helpful list of ways you can avoid sabotaging your healthy diet and weight loss success.

Buy the candies you hate!

Sure, this may seem difficult but it actually isn’t. Avoid your favorite candies and chocolate, opting for flavors and brands that will not tempt you. Hate coconut? Buy fun-sized Mounds or other coconut filled treat. Love chocolate? Avoid buying any Halloween candy covered with or containing chocolate.

Don’t keep candy sitting around the house!

If purchasing candy and treats is a tradition you cannot escape from, don’t buy it early and store it around your home. Wait until the last possible minute to shop for candy to give away, and avoid filling any dandy dishes or dispensers until it’s time to celebrate.

Look for great alternatives to handing out candy! 

Think of other great things to hand out this Halloween rather than candy. Consider giving away temporary tattoos, stickers, small toys, raisins, cracker and cheese packs, coins, juice boxes for thirsty trick or treaters. These are just a few of the many great items that kids will love.

Celebrate with a support group!

If you don’t have a bariatric support group, invite a few of your health-minded friends over for a party. Choose healthy treats approved for your post bariatric surgery diet.

Go trick or treating with the kids!

While you don’t need the calories that Halloween treats provide, the exercise is great for you! Walk with the kids as they go trick-or-treating and stay in control of your new healthy lifestyle.

Give away over-stocked and left-over candy!

After a night of trick or treating, let the children choose a handful of candy to keep. Donate the rest of your kids’ candy haul to homeless shelters, dentists’ offices, and food kitchens. This keeps candy and chocolate from lying around the house to tempt you.

Keep candy in the freezer!

If you have candy and chocolate sitting around your house after Halloween has passed, gather it all up and stash it in the freezer. Your children will eat fewer pieces at a time, and the candy is less accessible.

Set the date for a candy-free home!

Choose a date in November and mark it on your calendar. This is the day all of the Halloween candy will be removed from your home. The candy-free zone will be conducive to your diet once again.

Don’t deprive yourself on Halloween!

Don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat or Halloween candy when you have a craving. Try to find healthier options to chase the urge away, but if the craving lingers, have a small bite so you don’t binge later.

Read the label before eating a piece of candy or treat!

Before putting any holiday candies or treats in your mouth, know exactly what the label says regarding calories, sugar, and fat grams. Reading labels can often discourage you from eating something, as you decide if the calories are worth the short term rewards.

 

 

Recording Your Weight Loss Journey

Motivate Yourself with a Weight Loss Journal

There are numerous ways to find support after weight loss surgery. If you live in a more populated area, there are support groups you can visit weekly, if not daily. Rural dwellers have a more limited access to support groups but several active online weight loss groups can be found that really helps you chase away that feeling of being alone in your journey.

One of the best ways you can motivate yourself is with the help of a weight loss journal. Keeping track of your weight loss and other milestones, including what you eat, can really helpyou on your weight loss surgery. It is best to start keeping a record of your journey from the moment you decide to have weight loss surgery, but it is never too late to start recording your progress.

Additionally, the journaling process could be helpful long after you have reached your desired weight to help keep old habits at bay and remain focused. If you make a commitment to the record keeping process, journaling is also a great way to maintain your ideal weight and prevent any risk of weight gain after Bariatric surgery.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!  

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Journaling your Weight Loss Journey

Keeping a record of your weight loss journey can be done in several ways. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and will motivate you the most. If keeping a written record such as a joJournaling WLSurnal or a blog, don’t shy away from cameras. Snap those before and afters with pride because you are dedicated to your journey.

The most common choices for keeping a weight loss record include the following: keeping a written journal much like a diary, writing a blog, creating a dedicated social media fanpage such as Facebook, vlogging (which is video blogging), or picture blogging on Instagram. It doesn’t really matter which method you choose so long as you are comfortable and consistent.

When you begin the journal, be sure to log in, write or make your videos as much as possible. Set a minimum requirement for yourself as well. This is a habit which must be properly formed and your schedule may not always be regular.  You can easily balance the journaling process with your lifestyle once keeping a record has become a habit.

Sharing Your Weight Loss Journey

The weight loss journal is a record of your weight loss journey, so share the details that will motivate and build your confidence.  If you aren’t comfortable sharing certain information, then don’t! Using your own personal preferences and making your own rules regarding details will help to create a journal that keeps you focused and hopeful. Below are some of the most commonly shared details in a weight loss journal:

Your Diet: food choices, vatamin and supplement information, nutrient and calorie intake, protein sources

When You Eat: describe portion sizes, hunger times, cravings, giving in to temptation, getting back on track

Your Exercise Plan: what works and what doesn’t, trips to the gym, stamina increases, favorite exercise products

Personal Weight Loss Goals: goals, plans, hopes and dreams, weight before and afters, personal measurements

Your New Life: new sleeping habits, relationship changes, family life, activities you were unable to do before

 

Whether you decide to write or record long emotion-filled journal entries or jot down a quick list of updates, the weight loss record will help keep you focused after weight loss surgery. Search the internet for other recorded weight loss journeys for inspiration and ideas. Be sure to visit YouTube where you will find an entire weight loss community devoted to journaling their results to help not only themselves, but others as well.

Interested in Sharing your Bariatric Journey with National Bariatric Link?

We would love to post your story to motivate our weight loss surgery community!  

We are always looking for guest bloggers, want to blog your weight loss journey with National Bariatric Link, please contact us!!

Family Dynamics with Weight Loss Surgery

 

Significant Weight Loss Brings Many Changes for You and Your Family

First, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is a personal one that should be decided upon with the assistance of your doctor and nutritionist. However, the results will be life-changing for you and this will affect your family as well. Your new boost in confidence will bring out a new attitude and outlook, one that your family members may have never experienced before. While the many health benefits are great motivation, this new and improved family life may well become your most favorite result of weight loss surgery.

family weight loss issues

Most people who suffer from obesity deal with many other mental and physical issues, robbing their happiness and leaving depression in its place. Some patients feel as if they aren’t the same person anymore and report that family activities have been reduced to a minimum since obesity has stolen their ability to enjoy normal activities.

After bariatric surgery, your pounds slowly slip away and a new life emerges – one that is greatly enriching to you and your family. Friendships flourish as you have more energy and time to enjoy those around you. For your consideration, here are just a few of the many benefits that can be enjoyed after undergoing weight loss surgery by both you and your family.

 

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Relatives will spend less time worrying and more time making memories with you. Whether you realize this or not, your spouse and children worry about your health and the risks associated with obesity and whichever additional health complications you may suffer from. Children hope that you will be present at all future landmark events: graduations, weddings, the births of your grandchildren as well as many other special occasions. Your family loves you and wants only your happiness and health – even if that means weight loss surgery.

 

Your family will becomes more healthy and health-conscious after your weight loss surgery experience. You will become a role model regarding your family’s health. Research has proven that those who have undergone weight loss surgery noticed positive health benefits for their family members as well. Researchers believe that this happens because the patient’s new and healthier lifestyle extends to the family in regards to meals, activities and even attitudes.

 

You will spend more quality time with your spouse and children. After bariatric surgery, you can expect to feel better and have more energy to invest in relationships with those you love. You will also show an increase in mobility and stamina levels which will lead to more freedom and activities, providing the ability to do things you could have never done before such as camping, sports and amusement parks.   

 

By making your own list with pen and paper, you can probably add several more items to this list. Take your list when you visit the doctor to discuss your options regarding weight loss and if bariatric surgery is right for your situation. There are many more benefits of weight loss surgery regarding your family, depending on your individual situation. In your world, your children and your spouse are the most important people in your life. This is exactly how they feel about you as well. Weight loss surgery improves the relationships in your life as a brand new YOU emerges.