4 Tips For Navigating Life’s Curveballs After Bariatric Surgery

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

Wouldn’t this weight loss journey be easier if every day went according to plan? When that happens, I reach 100 grams of protein, make good food choices, and achieve my exercise goals, and at the end of those days, I feel great.

Unfortunately, the reality is that every day is not perfect because life throws curveballs. Most times, they are small, like missing lunch because work is busy, but sometimes they are big, like a medical issue that keeps you from working out for weeks or months.

To be successful post-bariatric surgery, you have to prepare for the curveballs that come your way. Here are the top four things that I plan for to maintain my weight loss after bariatric surgery:

Fluids: I always have a drink with me. I know which decaf, unsweetened beverages I like and always have plenty on hand. I never get into my car or sit at my desk without a water bottle.

High Protein: If I don’t get adequate protein, I make poor food choices and don’t build the muscle needed to stay healthy and keep my metabolism running efficiently. To get enough, I always start the day with my Unjury^® Chocolate Splendor shake, keep protein at home and at my son’s house (which is close to my work), and have small Unjury Stick Packets in both my briefcase and my car.

Exercise: I aim for 30-60 minutes of physical activity six times a week. At the start of each day, I plan when to work out. Sometimes it’s in the morning, sometimes in the evening, and sometimes it’s in small intervals throughout the day. Am I always able to get at least 30 minutes? No, but I can always do a little. Ten minutes is better than nothing. By the way, you don’t have to like exercise or want to do it; in fact, many times, I don’t. You only have to be willing.

Meals: You feel good about yourself when you make wise food choices and have healthy eating habits. This is the area where I struggle the most, so it’s where I spend the most time planning. I try to be aware of potential food choices before I face them. I always check restaurant menus ahead of time and bring healthy foods to potlucks. Planning reduces the chance of sudden (and likely poor) food decisions. 

Do curveballs mess with my plans and make me feel out of control? Yes, sometimes, but by becoming a planner, I feel more in control. It takes time, but we are worth the small amount of extra effort.

Try one of these planning techniques tomorrow and see if it turns a curveball into a home run for you too!

- Your bariatric friend