Bariatric Surgery Pre Op Preparation List:
Accountability
Edition
Allow me to let you in on a little secret: getting your mind right is just as crucial as getting your body ready, as part of your bariatric surgery pre op preparation.
Ready, Set, Accountable
Like the old adage goes: “'Say what you'll do, and do what you say.” Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, right? Well, maybe not so much…. It’s easier said than done, I say.
So…
Before you’re wheeled into the OR, make a game plan for how you’ll stay accountable (and motivated). Without these two key factors, long-term success is just a pipe dream.
It's not only what you do, but also what you don't do... for which your are accountable!
So let’s get you prepped and ready to crush it! Here are my top tips for staying on track:
Weighing in on Accountability:
Top 5 Strategies for Bariatric Surgery Success
1. Two Heads Are Better Than One
Want to ensure a successful weight loss journey? Bariatric
surgery pre op preparation 101 says: get yourself an accountability partner,
stat!
This person can be anyone from a spouse, a friend, a dietitian like me, or even a Facebook group, as long as they're willing to have real, honest conversations with you about your choices...not your weight. You know what to do. Your accountability partner is there to help you just.do.it.
Think of them as your very own personal cheerleader, not your food police. They're there to hold you accountable for your choices, reflect on them with you, and guide you back on track when you stray.
They're not there to judge you, but to support you in a graceful, non-punitive way. So, go ahead, find your accountability partner and conquer this weight loss journey hand in hand.
2. Workout Wingman/Wingwoman
Let's face it, working out can be a real drag…but it doesn't have to be!
One of the best ways to stay accountable is to get a workout buddy. Whether it's a friend, co-worker, neighbor or even your furry companion, having someone else counting on you to show up will help you …show up! …and push harder and get better results than you would on your own.
Think about it, you're more likely to hit snooze on that early morning workout if you're going alone than if you have a friend waiting for you. You don't want to let them down. So, go ahead and find your perfect workout partner…
Pick someone with the same:
- Goals
- Commitment
- Schedule (exercise in the morning, after work, or evening?)
You can also try a workout app to connect virtually with others that are having bariatric surgery and have the same goals. Achieve weight loss success together…and have fun doing it!
But before you start, remember to figure out your own fitness goals and how much time you're willing to commit. Be the workout buddy you'd want to have!
Make sure your bariatric surgery pre op preparation is top notch by getting yourself a workout buddy…yesterday!
3. Bite it, Write it.
We’ve all been there. You know, the
moment when you reach for that food you shouldn’t be eating, and think to
yourself, “I’ll just get back on track tomorrow, or "I'll just workout
extra hard tomorrow." But let's face it, “tomorrow” never comes.
That's why keeping a food diary is essential. It’s personal accountability…whether you show it to anyone or not.
It's like a checkup that helps you stay on track and get back on track when you've fallen off. It's like having a personal trainer for your food choices.
So when you make a choice, own it. Even when it’s the “wrong” choice, write it. You might be surprised at how being accountable helps you get back on track…fast!
Pro Tips: How to Write to Lose
Early post op, it's smart to keep a food log every day. As time goes on, you may find some of the other ways I suggest journaling more helpful.
So go ahead, start your food diary today as part of your bariatric surgery pre op preparation. Download my free daily food journal, get a fancy schmancy blank notebook, or download an app.
There’s no wrong way to food journal….except NOT to do it.
Research shows that if you weigh in regularly, you'll be a weight loss winner in the long run.
4. Weigh in Wisdom
Commit to Regular Self Weighing
Regular weigh-ins can be a tricky business. On one hand, they can be a valuable tool for tracking progress and keeping yourself accountable. On the other hand, they can be a source of obsession and self-doubt.
Let's cut to the chase, shall we? The scale is a fickle friend that can change its tune faster than a teenager's mood. Your weight can fluctuate like the stock market… day-to-day, hour-to-hour, even minute-to-minute.
Keep in mind, that weight gain or loss isn't always about fat gain or loss, it's also about water weight. So, don't weigh yourself every day or multiple times a day, you'll drive yourself nuts.
Instead…
Aim for weekly weigh-ins. Pick a day of the week, say Monday mornings, and stick to it. This way you can track your progress over time and avoid getting caught up in daily fluctuations.
Next…
Record your weight. Whether it's on a calendar, or an app, or my trusty weight log, keep track of your progress. This gives you a sense of accomplishment when you see the numbers going down, and also helps you identify patterns and trends over time.
And finally…
Remember that weight loss is not linear. It never will be. There will be ups and downs, plateaus, and setbacks. So, don't beat yourself up if the numbers don't always move in the direction you want them to. (Focus on NSVs!) The trend over a long period of time matters most.
Look at the scale as a personal trainer, not a personal critic. It's there to give you feedback on your choices, not define your self-worth. (FYI: You’re a rock star I’m telling you…no matter what you weigh!)
With the right perspective and these tactics, you can make weigh-ins work for you, not against you.
5. Make a Public Pledge
Find a support groups(s) well before surgery.
Tell others about your goals and your achievements. Scream if from the rooftops!
Publicly saying what you’ll do, helps you privately do what you say. Hmmmm.
So make a public commitment. Shout it out loud and proud (get a megaphone?!), let the world know your goals and hold yourself accountable to them.
…Oh, but hey, I get it – Standing up in front of a room full of strangers and baring your soul isn't for everyone.
So get this…
Just showing up and being present in a support group can be just as powerful. If you attend a support group meeting and never say a single solitary word, you still get the benefit of a cheering squad on your side, ready to lift you up on the good days and carry you through the tough ones.
Look into a weight loss support group facilitated by your hospital or surgery practice, organize a group of trusted friends or family members, or research online support groups as part of your bariatric surgery pre op preparation, so you know you have accountability waiting on the other side.
Having a group of people cheering you on can make all the difference. Trust me, you won't regret it!
The Bottom Line for Your Bottom Line:
Bariatric Surgery Pre op Preparation
As you embark on the weight loss journey, remember that it's not just a physical transformation, but a mental one as well. At the end of the day, it's not the surgery that defines your success, but the effort and commitment you put into it every day.
Your pre op prep includes deciding, in advance, how to take responsibility for your choices… and ultimately own your progress.
Get an accountability friend and a workout buddy. Commit to writing in a food journal. Make the scale your ally, not your enemy, and find a support group(s)…all STAT!
Embrace the power of personal accountability and watch as it transforms not only your body, but your mind and spirit as well.