Repost - Improving your journey by focusing on the positive!
I originally posted this on my 1 year surgiversary. I thought it might be a good time to repost since there seem to be more new members these days. I also added a couple of things since my last post that seemed appropriate.
Many times, people will focus on the negative instead of the postitve. For most of us, the things we see as negative are only temporary. It may not feel that way when you are going thru it, but I can say from experience that once you reach your goal and look back, you realize that the time has gone by so fast. If you try really hard to focus on the positive side of things, it will help you thru the tough times.
For example:
Liquid diet - instead of focusing on the your xx weeks of liquid diet, take it day by day. I would wake up each day and tell myself, today is a liquid day. After day 3 it was much easier. It seemed less painful than telling myself I would be on liquids for 2 weeks.
Pain - yes there is pain (this is a major surgery, even if the incisions are little) and everyone's tolerance of pain is different. But it doesn't usually last more than a couple of weeks. Take your meds or at least some tylenol to help you through. But know that it will get better!
Losing slowly - everyone is different and loses at different rates. Try not to compare yourself to others. If you hang in there, the weight will come off. I lost at an average of 2 lbs per week. Seemed slow to me, but looking back over the time, it was quick.
Stalls - instead of stressing over the scale not moving, focus on other things that are showing progress such as losing inches, fitting into clothes that didn't fit before, being able to do things you weren't physically able to before, improving or eliminating comorbidities. I know it's hard...after all it's WLS, we should be losing weight! But since stalls are a normal part of the process (allowing the body to catch up now and then) it's so much easier to deal with if you just accept that it will happen and try hard not to get frustrated.
Goal weight - several months ago, I decided it was better to have a "goal weight range" than just a particular number. Since weight will fluctuate daily, it's less frustrating when you see the 1-2 lb increase...just keep within a few pounds one way or the other.
Have a bad day? It's much easier to fix now that you have the sleeve! You've got the tool, you just need to use it properly. Get back on track now, with the next meal. I found this quote recently...it's very appropriate:
The past does not equal the future. Because you may have failed a moment ago, all day today, or for the last six months, or for the last sixteen years, or for the last fifty years of your life doesn't mean anything. All that matters is what are you going to do now? Anthony Robbins
If you haven't had surgery yet, I urge you to read everything you can so you know what to expect. Ask questions of your doctor or here if you want to hear what others have experienced. Expect to do your share...the weight doesn't go away without your participation. If you have had surgery, congratulations! You are on the way to a new and improved you! Try to keep focused on making your goal! Hang in there, you CAN do it!
Many times, people will focus on the negative instead of the postitve. For most of us, the things we see as negative are only temporary. It may not feel that way when you are going thru it, but I can say from experience that once you reach your goal and look back, you realize that the time has gone by so fast. If you try really hard to focus on the positive side of things, it will help you thru the tough times.
For example:
Liquid diet - instead of focusing on the your xx weeks of liquid diet, take it day by day. I would wake up each day and tell myself, today is a liquid day. After day 3 it was much easier. It seemed less painful than telling myself I would be on liquids for 2 weeks.
Pain - yes there is pain (this is a major surgery, even if the incisions are little) and everyone's tolerance of pain is different. But it doesn't usually last more than a couple of weeks. Take your meds or at least some tylenol to help you through. But know that it will get better!
Losing slowly - everyone is different and loses at different rates. Try not to compare yourself to others. If you hang in there, the weight will come off. I lost at an average of 2 lbs per week. Seemed slow to me, but looking back over the time, it was quick.
Stalls - instead of stressing over the scale not moving, focus on other things that are showing progress such as losing inches, fitting into clothes that didn't fit before, being able to do things you weren't physically able to before, improving or eliminating comorbidities. I know it's hard...after all it's WLS, we should be losing weight! But since stalls are a normal part of the process (allowing the body to catch up now and then) it's so much easier to deal with if you just accept that it will happen and try hard not to get frustrated.
Goal weight - several months ago, I decided it was better to have a "goal weight range" than just a particular number. Since weight will fluctuate daily, it's less frustrating when you see the 1-2 lb increase...just keep within a few pounds one way or the other.
Have a bad day? It's much easier to fix now that you have the sleeve! You've got the tool, you just need to use it properly. Get back on track now, with the next meal. I found this quote recently...it's very appropriate:
The past does not equal the future. Because you may have failed a moment ago, all day today, or for the last six months, or for the last sixteen years, or for the last fifty years of your life doesn't mean anything. All that matters is what are you going to do now? Anthony Robbins
If you haven't had surgery yet, I urge you to read everything you can so you know what to expect. Ask questions of your doctor or here if you want to hear what others have experienced. Expect to do your share...the weight doesn't go away without your participation. If you have had surgery, congratulations! You are on the way to a new and improved you! Try to keep focused on making your goal! Hang in there, you CAN do it!
What an awesome post Katie!!! Love, love, love your positive energy and attitude! Nothing is ever as bad as someone thinks it will be.
I tried to travel my journey with a good attitude, and the struggles were certainly temporary!
Congrats on sending such a positive message!
Heidi
I tried to travel my journey with a good attitude, and the struggles were certainly temporary!
Congrats on sending such a positive message!
Heidi
Age 49 Height 5'5" HW/280 SW/250 CW/157
Behind every success is effort...Behind every effort is passion...Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.
Behind every success is effort...Behind every effort is passion...Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.
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