To Tell or Not to Tell

TO TELL OR NOT TO TELL

 

To Tell or Not to Tell – do I tell them or don’t I?  I’ve just made one of the most important decisions in my life.  I’ve done the research, looked at the pros and cons, and made the commitment emotionally and financially.   I feel great, it’s the right decision for me.  Weight loss surgery is going to help change my life in so many ways.  I deserve this.

The decision to tell or not to tell now overwhelms me.  I feel like a thunderbolt struck right in the middle of my chest. Those euphoric moments of a new slimmer life are replaced with fear, dread, shame, and guilt.

 

To Tell or Not to Tell

If I tell, who do I tell and why?

What do I expect their response to be?

What if it’s not what I wanted or expected

Can I cope with negative responses to WLS?

Do I have to tell?

If I don’t tell and they find out, how will I cope with that.

Won’t they suspect anyway, I can’t hide a massive weight loss?

If it was them, would they tell.

And on and on and on….

 

We can never pre-empt what another’s response will be.  The very people you thought would support and encourage you through this journey can often be the very people who shoot you down.  Comments like:

 

To Tell or Not to Tell
I’m confused – do I tell or don’t I?

Just stop eating so much

Get off your backside and exercise.

Surgery is taking the easy way out

You’ve always been big that’s who you are

You will just put it back on like you always do

It’s the lazy persons way of cheating

Just diet and exercise that’s all you need to do

 Confiding in someone you thought would have your back and getting an adverse response is devastating

 

Take the time before disclosing to really think about why you are disclosing.  Do you want support and encouragement or are you just telling because you feel obligated to?  Maybe it’s because you are excited about a new slimmer future and just want to share that.  We want those we love to feel our excitement, to be happy for us like they would an upcoming wedding or birth.

Reflect on Your Intentions

Understanding your motivation for disclosing is important. The need for emotional support, encouragement and accountability from loved ones cannot be underestimated. Having an understanding and compassionate support and/or a support network can make an enormous difference to your journey after weight loss surgery.

Evaluate Your Support System

Sharing your decision for weight loss surgery you may encounter judgement, unsolicited advice, opinions, and privacy concerns.  Revealing personal health information might challenge your sense of privacy, especially with acquaintances or colleagues.  Many are quick to announce that your weight loss is due to surgery rather than your hard committed work.

Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries with individuals who might not be supportive or understanding, focusing on your well-being.  Knowing you have had Weight Loss Surgery some people take on their role in the Food Policing Squad with even more vigour.   Scrutinising and issuing “warnings” about how much and what you are eating.  Contemplate the extent to which you are comfortable with vulnerability and openness.

Anticipate Potential Reactions

Sharing your story might impact your emotional health.  Consider the potential reactions you might receive upon disclosing your weight loss surgery. While some may offer support and encouragement, others might not fully understand the complexities of your decision. Be prepared for a range of responses, both positive and negative. Negative reactions or judgment from others could potentially affect your self-esteem and progress.

Weight Loss Surgery is a recognised medical procedure.  You do not need to justify your decision to anyone.   Unfortunately, there will always be some who seek to undermine your choice.

Seek Professional Guidance

To Tell or Not to Tell
Talking with a professional can help with your decision to tell or not to tell

 

If you’re unsure about whether to disclose your weight loss surgery, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional. A therapist can help you navigate your feelings, provide coping strategies, and assist in making an informed decision.

 

To Tell or Not to Tell – It’s not an easy decision.  But whatever you decide, be comfortable and happy with it.  Decide, commit, and focus on your weight loss journey with pride and confidence.  It’s your life, your decision and you deserve a slimmer healthier body.

 

If you have any queries or would like to know how we can help you on this amazing life changing journey, please contact us or book a free strategy call via our  website  https://www.savvybariatrics.com

Stay Savvy

 

 

What is Mindful Eating?

What is Mindful Eating?

 

Mindful eating is a practice that has gained popularity in recent years as people seek to improve their relationship with food and their bodies. It involves paying attention and being present in the moment while eating, without judgment or distraction.

The goal of mindful eating is to cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations while eating, to develop a healthier relationship with food. This can involve slowing down while eating, savouring each bite, and paying attention to feelings of hunger and fullness.

Many of us have busy lives, and we often eat on the go or while multitasking. We might eat while watching TV, working on our computers, or scrolling through social media. This can lead to mindless eating, where we don’t pay attention to our food, and we might eat more than we need to without even realising it.

Mindful eating is the opposite of mindless eating. It involves being fully present in the moment while eating and paying attention to the experience of eating. This can help us tune in to our bodies’ needs and recognise when we’re hungry or full.

 

Some common techniques for practicing mindful eating include:   

  • Eating slowly and chewing each bite thoroughly: Taking the time to chew each bite of food thoroughly can help you savour the flavours and textures of your food.
  • Paying attention to the taste, texture, and smell of your food: Focusing on the sensory experience of eating can help you enjoy your food more fully and appreciate its qualities.
  • Eating without distractions such as TV or phone: When you eat without distractions, you can fully focus on your food and your body’s signals, rather than being pulled in different directions by external stimuli.
  • Tuning into your body’s hunger and fullness signals: Mindful eating involves paying attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. This can help you eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full, rather than overeating or under-eating.
  • Being aware of your emotions and thoughts around food: Mindful Eating also involves tuning in to your emotions and thoughts around food. This can help you identify triggers for emotional eating or unhealthy food choices and develop strategies for coping with those triggers.

 

Practising mindful eating will help you improve your overall eating habits, reduce overeating, and increase your enjoyment of food.

 

What is Mindful Eating?  Mindful Eating is a powerful practice that can help you improve your relationship with food and your body. It also may help you lose and maintain weight by becoming aware of your body’s signals and develop a more balanced approach to eating and nourishing your body.

If you have any queries or would like to know how we can help you on this amazing life changing journey, please contact us or book a free strategy call via our website www.savvybariatrics.com

Stay Savvy

 

Managing Easter Chocolate Temptations

 

 

Managing Easter Chocolate Temptations, cravings and consumption of Easter eggs after weight loss surgery can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can enjoy the holiday without derailing your weight loss progress.

 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for managing chocolate cravings and enjoying Easter eggs after weight loss surgery.

 

 

Plan Ahead

Before Easter arrives, plan ahead for how you’ll manage your chocolate cravings and consumption of Easter eggs. Consider setting goals for how much chocolate you want to consume and plan your meals and snacks accordingly. You may want to consult with your weight loss surgeon or dietitian to develop a plan that’s right for you.

Choose Small Portions

When it comes to Easter eggs and other chocolate treats, portion control is key. Instead of indulging in a large Easter egg or box of chocolates, choose small portions that fit within your daily calorie and protein goals. For example, you could enjoy a small Easter egg after a high protein meal or split a larger Easter egg with a friend or family member.

Opt for Dark Chocolate

If you’re going to indulge in chocolate, opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and more cocoa solids, which can provide health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Just be sure to choose dark chocolate that’s at least 70% cocoa solids to maximize the health benefits.

Don’t Forget Protein

After weight loss surgery, getting enough protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting weight loss. When you’re indulging in Easter eggs or other treats, don’t forget to include protein-rich foods in your meals and snacks. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, and protein shakes.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a technique that involves paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues and savouring the taste and texture of your food. When you’re indulging in Easter eggs, try to practice mindful eating by taking small bites, chewing slowly, and focusing on the flavours and textures of the chocolate. This can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions and reduce the risk of overeating.

Find Alternative Easter Activities

Finally, consider finding alternative Easter activities that don’t revolve around chocolate and sweets. You could plan an Easter egg hunt with non-food prizes or organize a family game night or movie marathon. By focusing on activities that don’t involve food, you can reduce the temptation to indulge in Easter treats.

 

In conclusion, managing chocolate cravings and consumption of Easter eggs after weight loss surgery can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can enjoy the holiday without derailing your weight loss progress.  To find out how we can help you manage your chocolate cravings go to our website www.savvybariatrics.com.

 

Remember to plan ahead, choose small portions, opt for dark chocolate, don’t forget protein, practice mindful eating, and find alternative Easter activities. Happy Easter!

 

Stay Savvy

 

 

8 Things I Wish My Surgeon told me Before having Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

8 Things I Wish my Surgeon told me before having Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

 

Contemplating Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery?   I have listed the most common “8 things I wish my surgeon told me before having Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery” .

Bariatric weight loss surgery is a major life decision which requires a lifelong commitment to healthy eating. Realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery is critical.  Addressing emotional and psychological issues is paramount before and after surgery.  Everyone’s journey is different.  Be well-informed about the procedure before deciding to have surgery.

 

Discuss these issues with your surgeon and associated health professionals.  Knowledge and awareness will alleviate many problems that can and may occur after weight loss surgery.

  1. The recovery process can be longer and more difficult than expected:  Be prepared for the physical and emotional challenges of the recovery process after surgery, such as pain, fatigue. Gas pain can be a particular issue for some patients.

                  1. The potential for complications: While bariatric surgery is generally safe, there is a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and blood clots. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks before you undergo surgery and discuss this with your surgeon.

 

                  1. Long-term commitment: Many people do not fully understand the long-term commitment required after bariatric surgery, including regular follow-up appointments, adhering to a specific diet, and making lifestyle changes

 

      1. The possibility of weight regain: Some people may regain some of the weight they lost after surgery, and it’s important for to be aware that surgery is not a magic solution and that it requires a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and regular physical activity

 

  1. Difficulty with certain foods: Some foods such as dry or tough foods, may cause mild to severe difficulty with eating after surgery.  Foods that you normally found easy to eat may create new food restrictions and limitations.

 

  1. Nutritional deficiencies: Some people may not be fully aware of the potential for nutritional deficiencies after surgery, and may not understand the importance of taking supplements and monitoring nutrient intake

 

  1. The importance of lifestyle changes: Surgery is only a tool and it’s important for people to understand that they need to make permanent lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, stress management, sleep, and healthy eating habits, in addition to tracking food intake and weight loss.

 

  1. Emotional and psychological challenges: Many people are not aware of the emotional and psychological challenges that can occur after surgery, such as body dysmorphia or dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.

 

It’s important to note that with this knowledge it did not deter any of my clients from having their weight loss surgery.  Prepared for any issue that may have arisen,   their process of mindset and lifestyle transformation to a slimmer and healthier body began with me prior to surgery.

 

If you have any queries or would like to know how we can help you on this amazing life changing journey, please contact us or book a free strategy call via our website www.savvybariatrics.com

 

Stay Savvy

 

 

Beware the Feeders and Food Pushers at Christmas

Feeders and Food Pushers at Christmas  

The Weight Loss Saboteurs

Beware the Feeders and Food Pushers at Christmas.  Are you one who dreads Christmas because of social functions and Christmas day Lunches & Dinner?  All that wonderful food.  Lovingly cooked hams, turkeys, beef, chicken.  Vegetables of all sorts and salads that would rival any royal banquet.  Those enticing desserts and chocolates.  The obligatory alcohol.

AARRRGGGHHHHH – stop.

If you struggle with ongoing weight issues or have had weight loss surgery, the dread of Christmas cheer will start early December and continue most likely until New Year’s Eve.   You tell yourself next year will be different, I will be prepared but it becomes a cycle repeated year in year out always with the promise of change next time.

christmas2

 

Part of breaking this cycle is being aware and mindful of a few things which are particularly prevalent around the festive season.

Watch out for the Feeders.  You know the ones.  They want you to pile your plate up high with everything in sight and if you don’t do it, they will do it for you. A Mt Everest of food. It’s like a competition to see who can stuff down the most food but there is no prize at the end just a feeling of bloating and nausea with a commitment that you won’t be doing that again.

Feeders come in all shapes and sizes from all ethnicities.  They are constantly walking around with plates and tongs dumping morsels onto your plate reassuring you there is more than enough for a second helping.

Then there are the Feeders that guilt you into eating even when you don’t want to or don’t like what is on offer.  They have spent all week cooking and preparing for this wonderful day just so you can share in their legendary gourmet offerings.  Don’t even think about refusing their food for you will offend them on a scale of epic proportion.

christmas3

As you are being coerced into stuffing yourself, I want you to be aware and take note of what size the host feeder is and how much they eat themselves.  My experience with a lot of observant research shows that generally the host feeder is slim or slim-ish.  Other information of note is that rarely will you see these Feeders each much themselves.  Their sole purpose is to feed everyone else which becomes merely an exercise in making themselves feel emotionally fulfilled.

To survive these Pushers of Food and not sabotage your weight loss, here are a couple of tips that work.

  • Put a little of each food item on your plate. You will find if you do this the host Feeder will most often leave you alone.
  • Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly and savouring the taste, really enjoy every mouthful you eat.
  • Stop eating when you get that initial feeling of satiety. Remember its ok to leave food on your plate and not eat it!
  • I know someone who takes a “doggy bag/container” with them, so they take home what is left on their plate to eat at the next meal or next day. If you have real issues with wasting food, then this is a good option.
  • Communicate you have had enough to eat and that you are satisfied. If this is met with resistance from the Feeder you need to be firm in your stance.

Eat and be merry.  Enjoy yourself.  Enjoy your food, really enjoy it.  Its one day, one meal and it doesn’t need to be the catalyst for fear or weight loss sabotage that it may have been in the past.

 

Merry Christmas and a successful  2023

www.savvybariatrics.com

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