Practice does not make perfect. Yep, you read that right. If you are hoping for perfection in the journey after weight loss surgery, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. There are going to be setbacks along the way, so how do you prepare for that?

Depending on how you approach this journey, you may enter it “gung-ho” thinking “I'm in this to hit my goal in the quickest time possible and I'm going to stay there no matter what!” That is an awesome attitude! I think it is great! However, when a setback occurs, it's best to be prepared so that it doesn't hit you so hard that you fall on your butt in shock and not know how to jump up and keep pushing forward again. Here are some key things to remember.

1. You are not perfect. Sorry, but it's true. Neither am I. None of us are. It's a fact that we all have to embrace and accept. If we can come to terms with the fact that there WILL be setbacks, we will get a lot closer toward are goals than if we get discouraged by every bump in the road.
   
2. There is something to be learned from a setback. So you gave in and had some of your “old” favorite food. Was it fabulous? Okay, cool. What did you learn from the experience? Did you dump? Have guilt? Feel disappointed? Take a moment to really listen to your mind, heart, and body to determine what you learned and go forward from there.
   
3. Success is long term. You did not gain the weight overnight, and you won't REGAIN it all overnight, either! Don't beat yourself up over one setback. If you start being too hard on yourself, go back to #2 and check in again. Live through it, learn from it, and don't press the repeat button.
   
4. Be kind to yourself. Take note of the small successes along the path of your journey. You chose not to partake in your “old” favorite food? Bravo! Do something nice for yourself that DOESN'T involve food. You came up with a new recipe that is a WLS-friendly version of something you love? Way to go! Share it with friends as you binge watch your favorite series.
   

There are so many obstacles that you will face in your new life, don't overwhelm yourself trying to get everything perfect. There's no such thing. Just aim for “close enough” and you'll stay on track.

Wonderful post. We could all use those reminders and that encouragement. Thank you.

The special forces have a dictim...amateurs practice until they get it right, professionals practice until they can't get it wrong...But the key word in this is "practice:" repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it. When you think about it pro-football players only work one hour a week. All the rest of the time is preparation for work. They are the best in the world, yet they know they have to keep working, learning and keeping their skills going (and anyone who saw the Colt's game Sunday) and yet they still make mistakes. So practice so you can't get it wrong, but remember it is practice.