(Ed. Note: The bariatric weight loss journey is just that–a journey. We are grateful to our patients, like Jennifer Miranda, below, who shares their insight before, during and after they have achieved goal weight. This month, Jennifer shares her experience and advice as she approaches the “1s” (under 200 pounds) and loses the last 50 pounds before her goal. Thank you for your wisdom and inspiration!)
The Eight Weight Loss Tools You’ll Learn After Weight Loss Surgery
By Jennifer Miranda – Gastric Sleeve – Nov. 2021
I have body dysmorphia, so it’s hard for me to see my 112-pound weight loss, going from 316 to 204 pounds. Logically, I know it is a huge difference. I recently hired a trainer to lose the rest of the weight and tone up. The journey is getting easier over time–seeing, feeling, and recognizing triggers (and stopping them dead in their tracks before they become a bigger issue). ‘Mental hunger’ versus ‘body hunger’ has also become clearer as I progress.
I resented having the surgery for a good while because I could no longer ‘eat’ my feelings. This made me feel a bit like I wasn’t in control. But I’ve since learned that control isn’t about what I can or can’t eat or how much I can eat; it’s about knowing why I want to do it and how to better manage those feelings.
My advice to people considering weight loss surgery? As I head into the home stretch of my journey, I can assure you this is not a ‘quick fix.’ Here are eight lifelong tools you will relearn during the weight loss surgery process:
- How to have a proper relationship with food
- How to listen to our bodies
- How to properly handle stress and emotions
- Discover or rekindle a food-free hobby to do when you would previously turn to eating.
- Journal everything: your ups, downs, feelings, measurements and print out photos to drop in!
- Call Prime Surgicare if you are feeling overwhelmed, having physical issues or need guidance.
- Do not compare journeys with others who are losing weight
- Stick with what Dr. Seun suggests. He knows the magic formula. Trust it.
During this life change, please put yourself first for once! Love yourself enough. Trust your decision. Don’t rush it. Enjoy each and every new victory coming your way! The rest (and the best) is yet to come.
Read more weight loss success stories