When All Else Fails

Ask for Help. I wanted to talk about this tonight.  I think it is important to remind ourselves that we are not in this alone. When losing or maintaining weight, we don’t have to do this alone.  And we shouldn’t. If you’re like me, I have always tried to do things myself.  I’m not sure why.  But I’ve always waited way too long before I ask for help.   

It’s was almost like a didn’t want to burden anyone else with my issues.  This is not a good quality.

Whether it’s help or support that you need don’t wait too long to reach out and ask for it.

Create a support system.

Family can be a good source of support but it makes sense to also have other support.  If you are living alone and not near family than it is even more important to create a support system.

Try to make these types of connections

• Find at least one other person who has had weight loss surgery.  Many times there are others having surgery around the same time as you.  Or your surgeon may have a support group.  Online weight loss surgery support is a great source as well.  There are lots of sources.  My Fitness Pal, Facebook, Twitter, Thinner Times Forum, and many more.
• A therapist familiar with weight loss surgery and or food addiction.  There may be a time when you need to talk privately with a professional about your issues with food or relationships as your lifestyle changes. Almost every person I know that has had weight loss surgery has worked with a therapist at one time before, during or after their dramatic weight loss.
• Find a nutritionist. It is so so important to stay connected with a nutritionist.  More so in the beginning and in maintenance phases.  You will need this resource as the foods you can eat will change as years pass.  And you’ll need someone to help address nutritional issues as you review your blood work should you have to manage any deficiencies.
• Find someone who you will enjoy exercising with.  This person does not need to be a weight loss surgery person, just someone you enjoy being with and are comfortable exercising with.

Surrounding ourselves with people who know what it’s like to have had weight loss surgery is critical.

And ultimately surrounding ourselves with people who allow us to be who we want to be.  This means spending time with people who live a healthy lifestyle.

The lifestyle you are meant to live.

Be ready to think about who your support system is throughout your journey.  It is critical to your success to surround yourself with the right people.

You will lose some people.  Most of us do.  It will be a loss just like the loss of your weight.  Shedded out of your life.

I know, a lot to think about.

Take a minute and write down who your support system is made up of.  Find your gaps and seek out who is missing.