By Lori Skurbe, MPH, CDE, Prime Surgicare Dietitian
The year 2020 has certainly has been a challenge, to put it mildly. COVID-19 changed our world, particularly how we work, go to school, dine, work-out and a host of other things.
In tumultuous times like these, it is easy to get bogged down in the negative.
But with Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought it would be nice to reflect on our lives and look for things in which to be thankful.
During our November Bariatric Support Group meeting, participants shared their personal gratitude; many of our weight loss surgery patients were thankful for:
Being able to take care of their loved ones.
Some patients were thankful they had WLS as it allowed them to take better care of sick loved ones, be better parents and friends.
Many also felt the WLS support group was an integral part of their long term success post-op and were thankful for having a support group to attend on a regular basis and for the friendships that were made there.
Before having WLS, many felt trapped in their body and could not fully enjoy their lives. Once they lost weight, they could enjoy playing with their kids or grandkids, taking part in family vacations and doing things they never thought possible (like rock climbing, amusement park rides and other activities).
For being able to create happy and lasting memories with family and friends.
Inspiration from other patients and staff that helped them achieve their WLS goals.
For the clinical and administrative staff at Prime Surgicare who helped with the administrative aspect before the surgical weight loss operation.
The Prime Surgicare staff who provided a steady stream of tools and support to be successful.
Pay it forward
Our clients also enjoy helping other bariatric warriors to be successful by offering words of encouragement on social media, via a quick text or sharing experiences and insight at our meetings, held twice per month on Zoom.
Our patients were all thankful for the gift of good health and a better quality of life!
Take a moment right now and think about what you are grateful for.
In fact, commit to finding at least one thing to be thankful for every day – it will change your outlook for many days well beyond Thanksgiving.
Finally, if the approaching Biggest Meal of the Year makes you worry about weight gain–don’t.
Watch Dr. Seun’s tips to stay on track, enjoy Thanksgiving and wake-up guilt-free the next day.
On behalf of our Prime Surgicare team, we wish you a warm, happy and healthy holiday!