6 New Year’s Resolutions Every Weight Loss Surgery Patient Should Consider

Going into the New Year, it almost goes without saying that your resolutions include losing weight (or maintaining goal weight) and getting healthier. The only question is, how? The more specifically you can name the steps you will take, the more likely you are to reach your goals. Here are 6 New Year’s Resolutions that can help you look back on 2018 with pride.

1. Eat enough protein. It is Rule #1 of WLS Surgery 101, and for good reason. Hitting your 65 or more grams of protein each day can help you reduce hunger, improve your immune system, and gain strength. Even if your bariatric surgery is long behind you, check weekly, if not daily, to be sure your protein intake is as high as you think it is.
   
   
2. Drink more fluids. Lose more weight, stay fuller, and prevention dehydration fatigue and headaches with enough fluids. The goal is to get at least 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day, but a lot of bariatric patients have trouble getting there.
   
   You can help yourself out by putting out for 16-ounce water bottles (or a 64-ounce [half-gallon] pitcher) and making sure you finish them by the end of the day. Or, use a high-tech tool such as a Hydration Reminder that synchs to your smartphone and will not let you forget to drink! Water, ice water, water with lemon or mint, decaf tea and coffee, and low-calorie flavored water are all good choices.
   
   
3. Find a friend. A weight loss buddy is worth her weight in gold. Paand weight loss If one friend is good, more friends are better – the more, the merrier when it comes to help eating right, exercising, and reducing stress. The Forums can help you connect with other patients looking for a friend.
   
   
4. Go to the doctor. It is easy to see why going to a doctor is necessary if you are thinking about surgery or have it scheduled, but it is not only your surgeon whom you should see. Pre-op or post-op, seeing your primary care and any other of your regular doctors can help you stay healthy or get healthy. You can monitor important measures such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and make action plans for any other conditions, such as knee pain or sleep apnea.
   
   
5. Take your vitamins. There is no substitute for a healthy diet, but a healthy diet is not always enough, especially for post-op patients. Talk to your surgeon or doctor about any vitamins you should take, and take them as recommended to prevent deficiencies.
   
   If your health is not motivation enough to get you to take your vitamins, consider this: staying nourished can also help you lose weight by keeping up your energy levels and metabolism. You can give yourself a hand by using aids such as a Tespo vitamin dispensers or choosing your favorite forms of vitamins, such as Patches, Pills, or Chewables.
   
   
6. Smile. Smile when you greet people. Smile when you say goodbye. Smile when you are talking and listening. Smile for no reason. It really works. The very act of smiling can help convince your mind that you are happier. Plus, smiling at other people will make them more likely to be friendly to you – and make you happier. All that extra happiness can make it easier to do your daily duties, such as eating right and working out.
   

These six strategies are simple enough, and they can help the pounds come off in 2018 with less effort. They are worth working on daily if you are going to hit your goals this year. Happy New Year!