One of the most important aspects of changing your mindset is keeping yourself motivated to reach your goal. Don’t get frustrated if you are lacking inspiration at the moment, here are some fun tips and tricks you can apply throughout your journey.

First, it’s important to focus not only on scale-victories but on your many other achievements as well. Notice that you might have an easier time working out, or that your clothes no longer feel as tight, you will also find yourself making better food choices and getting rid of bad habits. Highlighting these changes is always important so you do not get discouraged when you, for example, hit the plateau. Your body will always be changing for the better if you keep up with your healthy routine.

Another thing you can try is keeping a journal. This can be an outlet for your feelings even before undergoing your surgery. Being emotional is completely normal before, during, and after surgery and we believe that letting said emotions out, even on the pages of a diary, will help lift a weight off your shoulders. It can also be a great way to realize later in your journey how those fears, insecurities, and doubts are long gone and your logs have become more positive and optimistic.

Something similar you might enjoy is sharing your weightloss journey online. Whether its a text-only blog detailing your experience or a photo-diary on a platform such as instagram, you will find that 1) people going through the same experience can find help in knowing they’re not alone, 2) you might inspire someone to begin their own weight loss journey, or 3) later on, you might want to look back at your earlier posts and realize how much you have changed physically and mentally. Don’t hold back from following other bariatric patients on their journeys. Everyone’s experience is different but you are all working towards a common goal. Remember, community and support is key!

You can also use one of the many bariatric apps to keep yourself on track. Seeing how you’ve progressed since you started losing weight and how your food choices keep getting better and better will help keep you on the healthy path.

Let them know that they’re not alone in this journey and, like us, you’re there every step of the way. 

Last but most importantly, strong relationships. Together is better, so ask friends and family to join you in your activities, let them hold you accountable for your workouts and diet. You’re not alone in this journey. This is why we always circle back to our private Facebook Patient Support Group, mostly because having a large group of people rooting for each other’s success is a great source of encouragement and motivation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your experiences, and be completely honest how you’re feeling because it’s likely that more than one person has gone through the same thing and is more than happy to give you some advice. Plus, our team and Dr. Ismael are constantly checking the group’s feed, answering questions, and providing words of encouragement. 

If you’re feeling discouraged or frustrated because of lack of motivation, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You can also talk to us through our social media:

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Youtube Channel Diabetes Obesity Clinic 

Dr. Ismael Bailon

Dr. Ismael Bailon Facebook

Did a loved one recently undergo weight loss surgery? Good for them! As you know, having a strong support system is crucial for bariatric patients, as this  life changing decision  is a very emotional one and it might have its ups and downs. There are many ways you can be a part of their weight loss journey. Trust us, It will benefit them greatly and we’re pretty sure it may start to benefit you and your health in the long run!

First of all, try to join in on their diet once the seven stages of their pre-op diet are over. You might have to adjust a few of the portions since theirs will be much smaller, but cooking healthy meals for the whole family can make them feel less like an outsider. Another thing you can do, food wise, is avoid having junk food in the house. 

This will help avoid unhealthy snacking and/or cravings. Fill your cupboards and fridge with healthy food instead! As you know, sticking to a meal plan is only part of the effort. 

You also have to maintain an active lifestyle! Encourage them by exercising together! It’s always more fun to have a gym buddy to share your workout routine with. You can hold each other accountable and make sure you’re both being constant. Since walking is such a crucial step at the start of your weightloss journey, this can also be a great opportunity to get to know many hiking trails around your area and enjoy the scenery.

Patients tend to focus on the changes in the scale. Remind them of the many little victories like walking 5 minutes more than usual, or having to resize their favorite pair of pants! As always, try to celebrate victories with things that don’t involve food or alcohol. 

It’s better to not associate empty calories with rewards. Instead, you can plan a weekend getaway,  a shopping trip, flowers,  maybe bring them breakfast in bed?

Lastly, give them lots of love and affection. They are undergoing many changes in every aspect of their lives and in a very quick way. It’s normal for them to be overwhelmed sometimes, so create a safe space for them to express themselves, their feelings, their frustrations, and their thoughts.

Let them know that they’re not alone in this journey and, like us, you’re there every step of the way. 

For a greater sense of community, we encourage you to join our support group and follow us on social media for tips, motivational content, and delicious recipes.

Facebook Diabetes Obesity Clinic 

Instagram @diabetesobesityclinic

Youtube Channel Diabetes Obesity Clinic 

Obesity is a term that means you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Overweight and obesity may increase the risk of many health problems. Here you’ll find out more information.

Sleep Apnea:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that obesity is the most important risk factor for sleep apnea. A person who is overweight may have more fat stored around his or her neck. This may make the airway smaller. A smaller airway can make breathing difficult or loud (because of snoring), or breathing may stop altogether for short periods of time.

Type 2 Diabetes

More than 87% of adults with diabetes are overweight or obese. It isn’t clear why people who are overweight are more likely to develop this disease. It may be that being overweight causes cells to change, making them resistant to the hormone insulin. Insulin carries sugar from blood to the cells, where it is used for energy.

 

Cancer:

Gaining weight as an adult increases the risk for several cancers, even if the weight gain doesn’t result in overweight or obesity. It isn’t known exactly how being overweight increases the risk of cancer. Fat cells may release hormones that affect cell growth, leading to cancer. Also, eating or physical activity habits that may lead to being overweight may also contribute to cancer risk.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

The frequency of being overweight in children and teenagers has increased dramatically in recent years. Nearly one-third of youths are either overweight or obese. Sweetened drinks, fast food, snack foods, a lack of physical activity all contribute to the problem. Here are some benefits you can get from bariatric surgery.

Better Health

Some medical problems in obese teens that may improve after bariatric surgery are:

• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Heart disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Heartburn and GERD
• High blood pressure
• Asthma

Quality of life

It’s well known that losing weight can improve your lifestyle completely giving teens the chance to live a better life. The goal of bariatric surgery is to provide the highest possible benefits with the lowest risk. After having surgery, adolescents can get involved in physical activities, such as sports, and can easily develop new healthy habits.

When you are on a new path for a healthier lifestyle there are some simple steps that can make a difference.
By eating slow, you digest food better, so it will be easier to lose or maintain your weight, your body will be better hydrate, and you’ll have greater satisfaction with your meals. On the other hand, eating quickly leads to poor digestion, lower satisfaction, and increased weight gain. That’s why the message is clear: Slow down your eating, enjoy your food and improve health and well-being.

Eating slowly makes you digest better. Yet you also feel more satisfied with each meal and you lose or maintain weight more easily.
Think of every time you are on a rush over a meal and barely sit down. In this sense, meals are a stressing time for busy people making them eventually eat more. Finishing your meal before your natural satiety kicks in, and suddenly ending up makes people feel uncomfortable and overstuffed.

Why eat slowly?
When you eat slowly, taste food, feel the texture of the food, savor a meal, and appreciate each bite you leave the table feeling good not only in our body but in the whole eating experience even if all you eat was a snack.

Some helpful tips
Sit down to eat in a calm environment with minimal distractions. Don’t eat while driving, watching TV, texting, etc. Pay attention to your food not only in flavors but in quantity.
Choose high-fiber foods that take more time to chew, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Put down your utensils between bites. Take a moment. Breathe. If you’re eating with other people, enjoy the conversation for a few minutes.
Try setting a minimum number of chews per bite. This will feel strange at first, but give it a try and see what you discover.
Use smaller plates. This obviously reduces the intake of food each meal.

The preoperative diet marks the beginning of the journey towards a different lifestyle. According to the remaining time for the surgery date it can be done in two stages.

The first one includes most of the foods where the intention is to start creating new eating habits with established schedules, knowing the food groups and starting to measure portions of each meal with the intention of promoting a slight weight loss.
The second (in most cases only begins with this diet before surgery) the liquid diet, where days before surgery (between 3 and 5 depending on each patient) solid foods are eliminated with the intention of preparing the digestive system for the day of surgery.

Why should I go on a liquid diet before surgery and what is it for?
Carrying out the pre-surgery diet aims to improve surgical results. Excess weight, particularly the fat located in the liver, increases the surgical risk during abdominal laparoscopic surgery. This reduces surgical risks and facilitates the performance of the laparoscopic procedure.

Is there any health risk from the preoperative diet?

There is no risk, since the diet was designed to slightly improve weight loss and fat in the liver. According to each patient, some vitamins, minerals or protein supplements may be added during this stage.