Inspiration

November 13, 2013 | All Articles, post-tsb-team |

What inspired you to consider weight loss surgery? This question is probably very easy for you to answer. One person may answer “my health”, while another may quickly answer “because of my family”. Yet another might say “I just want to feel better”. Yes “wanting to look better” is another reason. None of these reasons are wrong and the lists of reasons or inspirations are endless. When you have weight loss surgery your inspirations are needed to keep you going from day to day. Inspiration is what motivates us through good times and bad times; before surgery, after surgery, and throughout maintenance. In this article I will be discussing how to keep your inspiration going before surgery. In future articles I will cover inspiration after surgery and at maintenance.

One first embarks on the idea of weight loss surgery with many dreams, but also concerns. Please be reassured this is normal. It is also very important for you to realize your family and friends will be going through similar feelings. But let’s first dive into your own dreams. As already mentioned you have your own initial reason for considering surgery. First you have to go on a fact finding mission. There is a lot of misinformation out there. You need to learn first hand what weight loss surgery is, and how it works.

Yes the internet is a great resource, but it’s just that – only a resource. At Tri-State Bariatrics we are committed to giving you the resources you need to learn the real facts about weight loss surgery. The end result is that you need to know first hand what to expect with weight loss surgery. Knowledge provides you with inspiration. The more you know the easier it is to see how you’re going to reach your dreams.

Inspiration can absolutely come from your family and friends. When your family knows what your dreams are they can be there to help you. So empower them with how they can help you. Ask someone to be your walking buddy – this will keep you going on those days that you may not want to go walking. Having someone understand what foods you can have and what foods you need to avoid is a big help. A person to just listen to you and not try to solve your problem is a big help. Having an open door for someone to just ask “how can I help” will mean so much. Compliments are also very inspirational.

Don’t be too surprised if some friends or family members are not supportive. They may be afraid of a complication from the surgery itself or that “who you are” might change. Just know and understand they will have their own opinions. It will be up to you if you choose to help them understand how weight loss surgery will give you that extra edge that you’ve always needed – not with just getting the weight off, but keeping it off long-term.

Inspiration is found inside yourself and all around you if you’re willing to reach out and take hold of it. Wanting to feel better, look better, be healthier, or get back into life are inspirational reasons. I encourage everyone to write down in as much detail as possible about why they first started on this weight loss journey. No detail or reason is too little. As you go along your new journey you’ll find more reasons or inspirations to add to your list that you never dreamed would be possible.