Have you been thinking about having weight loss surgery?
Get in touch
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
01213300828
BREAKING FREE FROM BAD HABITS: OVERCOMING NEGATIVE BEHAVIOURS AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
Today, let's dive into a topic that's crucial for post-bariatric surgery success: overcoming bad habits and negative behaviours. It's time to reclaim control over your life and build a healthier, happier future. Here are five key points and action steps to help you break free from bad habits and create positive change after weight loss surgery:
1️. Recognize Your Triggers and Patterns 🚩 📝:
Take a closer look at your habits and identify the triggers that lead to negative behaviours. Is it stress, boredom, emotional triggers, or certain environments? Awareness is the first step towards change.
Action Step: Keep a journal to track your habits and the circumstances surrounding them. Reflect on your entries to uncover patterns and triggers.
2. Replace Bad Habits with Healthy Alternatives 🔄 🌱:
Once you identify your triggers, find healthier alternatives to replace the negative behaviours. For example, if you turn to food, explore alternative coping mechanisms like journaling, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in a creative outlet.
Action Step: Make a list of healthy alternatives that align with your goals and values. Keep these options easily accessible and practice them whenever you feel the urge to engage in a negative behaviour. Remember food can be in your rescue list!
3. Build a Supportive Network 🤝 💕:
Surround yourself with a positive and supportive network of friends, family, or a support group who understand your journey and can provide encouragement and accountability. Share your struggles and victories with them, knowing they have your back. If you have kept Bariatric Surgery a secret, it’s a MUST to invest in support to help navigate your weight loss and transformation.
Action Step: Work with a Bariatric dietitian, join a local or online support group for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. Attend meetings or connect with others through social media platforms to share experiences and receive support.
4. Create a Routine 📅 🗓️:
Establishing a routine can help you stay on track and minimize opportunities for negative behaviours. Plan your meals, snacks, and physical activities in advance to provide a sense of stability and control.
Action Step: Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule your meals, exercise sessions, and self-care activities. Stick to the routine as much as possible to create a sense of structure in your daily life.
5. Practice Self-Compassion and Forgiveness 🤗 ❤️:
Remember, nobody is perfect, and setbacks are a part of any journey. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness when you stumble. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, focus on learning from them and using them as stepping stones to grow.
Action Step: Develop a positive self-talk mantra or affirmation to remind yourself that setbacks are temporary and that you are capable of overcoming challenges. Embrace self-love and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
You've got this 💪 💙. Breaking free from bad habits takes time and effort, but with determination and the right strategies, you can create lasting positive change. Stay focused, work with your dietitian/aftercare team, lean on your support system, and remember that each day is a new opportunity to rewrite your story.
I offer a Bariatric Nutrition & Emotional Eating Coaching Program to support you before and after WLS, to work on your relationship with food to skyrocket your transformation.
You can apply to work with me here.
