The Weight Loss Challenge

How to spot health obstacles from a mile away, and overcome them like a champ after weight loss surgery

The Weight Loss ChallengeWeight loss surgery is the most effective method for overcoming obesity and maintaining weight loss long-term. Recent studies have found that using weight loss surgery to overcome diseases like type-2 diabetes leads to the greatest success.

Weight loss doctors across the country recognize the benefits of bariatric surgery. According to researchers from the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, most people who have weight loss surgery reach their weight loss goal and are able to keep it off. Statistically, 80% of people who do have weight loss surgery are successful, at least to start.

What defines success after weight loss surgery?

Success depends on your goals and everyone has a different definition. For some it is measured in pounds, in others inches and still others it is as simple as being able to tie their shoes.

Weight loss surgery can help you:

  • Lose a significant amount of weight and work towards your weight loss goals
  • Overcome obesity related diseases like type-2 diabetes
  • Reduce your risk of heart attack
  • Reduce your need for medications
  • Help you live a healthier and more active lifestyle

This all being said, having weight loss surgery in Atlanta doesn’t mean that reaching your goal will be smooth sailing 100% of the time. Having surgery is the first step. Reaching your goal takes work, dedication and no small degree of change to your existing lifestyle habits.

Researchers have found that the reasons bariatric surgery patients struggle to make lifestyle changes can be categorized as either intrinsic or extrinsic:

  • Intrinsic reasons are circumstances under the patient’s personal control, such as willingness to make time to exercise, making the effort to eat high quality proteins first and avoiding sweets and low-quality snack foods.
  • Extrinsic reasons are circumstances beyond the patient’s personal control such as a surgical complication, development of an unrelated health problem, loss of a job or lack of family support.

Understanding this can make it a lot easier to identify obstacles before they strike. Strong intrinsic motivations to lose weight can overcome extrinsic obstacles to weight loss. Just like people following other types of weight loss programs, bariatric surgery patients who have the greatest intrinsic (personal) motivation to succeed tend to lose the most weight after surgery and are the most likely to keep it off in the long term. In other words, people who lose weight for their own personal goals—not because they feel pressured by their family, friends, or even healthcare provider—and who are losing weight for a more long-term reason than looking good for a wedding or high school reunion have the greatest chance of success.

Having a strong weight loss goal in mind gives you something positive to work towards after weight loss surgery, but beyond that, think of the benefits that being healthier can bring to you. Focusing on these intrinsic motivations can help you overcome potential obstacles as you continue on your weight loss journey.

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