One of the biggest road blocks for those struggling with obesity, or anyone working on their weight, is fear. Fear of failure. Fear of disappointment. Fear of health issues. Fear of being judged by others, society, and a loved one. Fear of admitting your weight is a bigger issue to you than you’ve ever let on. Fear of having no other option and being stuck in this body that doesn’t feel like yours anymore. Fear of bariatric surgery.
We understand that fear. We understand that breaking out of comfortable but unhealthy cycle of habits can be hard. We know overcoming your fears will take time and dedication as well as commitment. We also know it takes a strong support system, and we understand that fear pushes everything aside and alienates us from anything or anyone that’s trying to help.
Fear is a huge factor that keeps potential patients from taking the first step in tackling their weight issues. How can Dr. McEwen and his team help with fear? Where do these fears come from? Why do potential LAP-BAND patients have these fears? Below are a few steps to take in overcoming your fears:
Fear of failure when starting a new diet is common, and that’s because you’ve tried many diet plans that ultimately resulted in re-gaining all the weight back you lost and then some. The constant letdown of yet another failed diet attempt takes a huge toll on your self-esteem and affects the amount of effort you will give towards your future weight loss endeavors. Working with a registered dietician to create a diet plan customized to fit your body, your needs, and your weight, will improve your chances for success and provide you with someone that will support and guide you along the way.
Having a support system is crucial to weight loss. Just like any other major projects in your life, having dependable help is important. In weight loss, it’s important to have a support system that will hold you accountable. Life after your LAP-BAND surgery will offer many challenges. Our monthly support groups offer that additional level of accountability and support. Your monthly follow up for weight loss surgery help support you. If your insurance requires supervised weight loss, it is a great way to engage a positive support system with your dietitian and others in the same process. Your friends and family members are important to your success as well so be sure to surround yourself with those who support your journey instead of putting you down.
Fear of success. This fear goes beyond losing weight. This fear is about what happens once you’ve reached your goals, you’ve kept your goal weight… what will your life be like once you lose the weight. What will your relationships be like? What will people say about it? For how long will people talk about it? Looking back, at pictures of your old self, and having them as a constant reminder: What if I don’t keep the weight off? All of these fears are real and known to many of our patients who have lost the weight and kept it off. They will tell you that your weight loss journey does not end there –it will continue after as you reconcile your old body image with the new. Working with a counselor on these issues can often help as the mental battle can be more tiring than the actual physical battle with weight.
Some days will be tough and some challenges will make you want to give up. That’s part of the process. On the hard days, rely on your support system. During any challenge utilize the plan you’ve built with your dietitian. Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Let our team help you plan your future after weight loss surgery.
Dr. McEwen and his team constantly motivate and encourage anyone seeking weight loss surgery to push beyond the fear and rely on our team to guide them to success. If you would like to learn more about Dr. McEwen and his Community Surgery Center Hamilton team please visit our Facebook page or call our office at 317-621-2500.
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Weight Loss Solutions 