To reach your weight loss goals, you’ll be making some changes to your life, both big and small. Many of my bariatric patients are surprised to learn that these changes can make certain people uncomfortable because your efforts are upsetting their personal “status quo”. As a result, they can intentionally, or inadvertently, attempt to impede your route to success by sabotaging your efforts and making negative comments.
As examples, patients have told me that co-workers, acquaintances ─ even friends and family members ─ have shared their negative comments with them:
“Being overweight is in your genes and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
“I’ve heard that most people who have weight loss surgery gain it all back.”
“It’s going to take a very long time for you to lose all that weight.”
“Are you really going to give up eating all your favorite foods for the rest of your life?”
If you encounter negativity or just feel a little frustrated in general, follow my tips below to keep moving forward ─ no matter what:
Think positively—no matter what
Your thoughts are very powerful. You can make yourself believe something simply by repeating it over and over. If you think negatively, eventually you’ll start to feel this way.
Actively think positive thoughts about yourself as a person and your weight loss mission; soon those feelings of positivity and confidence will come naturally.
Celebrate small victories
It’s important to have long-term goals, but don’t forget to acknowledge success along the way. Congratulate yourself for spending some extra time at the gym or pre-planning all of your meals for the week. Recognizing small steps will help keep you feeling positive and in control.
Learn from negative setbacks
Don’t beat yourself up if you overindulge one weekend or skip a workout. It’s okay to slip up once in a while ─ we all do it ─ overweight or not. If you splurged and enjoyed a cupcake, assume responsibility: Eat only healthy snacks for the next few days or spend a few extra minutes at your next work-out and you will be fine.
As you work towards your goal weight, plan to hit some bumps in the road. Surround yourself with people that are supportive and know you are in the midst of the fight of your life. If others have difficulty dealing with your transformation, that is their own issue to resolve.
If you believe in yourself and stay positive, you cannot be defeated by anyone or anything!
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
“Dr. Seun” is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon. He has advanced expertise performing the safest, most advanced laparoscopic and general surgical operations. To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732) -982-2002
Great post.