New Year, New Outlook

“New Year, New You” sounds good, but it does not do you justice. Your history is what makes you, “YOU,” and “YOU” are great. What could change, though, as you carry your great self forward into 2018, is your outlook. A few changes in attitude can lead to big gains in weight loss.

Life Is Great

Actually, life is what you make of it, so you might as well make it great. If you expect it to be great, it probably will be. Some lucky people have a naturally positive outlook; if you do not, you can practice. Get in the habit of finding the positive side of situations, and make a conscious effort to be happy in the moment – right here, right now – instead of wishing you were elsewhere. If a negative thought pops into your head, acknowledge it, then figure out how you can make your perception happier.

People Are There for You

Something that can make the world friendlier and seemingly easier to navigate is feeling as though everyone is on your side. The truth is that many of them are. You can find out how willing people are to help by…asking for help! Many people are thrilled to help you out, especially if you help them in return. For example, you both win when:

• You find a weight loss or workout buddy. Be a good listener to someone who needs help with weight loss, quitting smoking, or even a tough divorce, and you may find a sympathetic ear to help you through your tougher days.
• You carpool or watch each other’s children to free up some time.

Some Things Matter

Focus on what matters, and you will get better results. These are a few things worth putting energy into.

• The size of that spoonful. Or bowl, plate, or slice. Measure your food every single time you serve yourself, and you are far more likely to lose weight than if you just guess.
• The rest of the day. If you made a poor decision, such as skipping your workout or ordering a stack of pancakes, earlier in the day, you can turn it around now because the rest of the day does, in fact, count.
• Attending your support group meetings. They help you yourself accountable, give you ideas and leads for bariatric foods and products, and keep you connected to the inspiration you had early on in your journey.
• Lacing up your shoes. You may feel too tired to go for a walk on some days, but trying will at least keep you in the habit, and you may end up having a nicer walk than you expected.

Some Things Do Not Matter

At the same time, you need to let go of the things that are not important, so you can focus on what is. You may find this concept familiar if you ever had children – the second a baby enters your life, so many other things become unworthy of your time and worry. With weight loss surgery, your focus turns to diet, support, and meal planning. The list of things that do not matter grows.

• One bad day or meal. Acknowledge your mistake, figure out why it happened, and move on. Dwelling on it or trying to punish yourself will lead to more mistakes.
• People. At least, people who try to make you go off your meal plan, who tell you that you are failing, and who diminish your hard work. You do not have the energy to spend on these people.

It Is My Choice

Things somehow seem easier when you know that you have chosen them. Moreover, you can be more dedicated when you know there is no turning back. You chose WLS, and there is no going back after the operation, so…embrace it! Welcome every challenge and triumph, every setback and leap forward. You will find that the steps forward add up more quickly when you take ownership of the journey.