After WLS, How to make yourself a priority.

03/21/18 • 5 min

The Fresh Approach Podcast: skills & strategies to live your healthiest & happiest life!

Life with weight loss surgery requires planning and making yourself a priority.

And I don’t mean...“Sure, I plan on exercising at some point,” or “If everything else gets done I might read for a while.”

I’m asking if you have specific things listed as priorities to take care of yourself today.

What are your boundaries around those priorities?

Have you practiced what you’ll do or say if your boundaries are challenged?

In today's Podcast I give you THREE examples of my boundaries being challenged, and how I STAYED STRONG and made myself a priority!

And YOU can do it too!

Life with weight loss surgery requires planning and making yourself a priority.

And I don’t mean...“Sure, I plan on exercising at some point,” or “If everything else gets done I might read for a while.”

I’m asking if you have specific things listed as priorities to take care of yourself today.

What are your boundaries around those priorities?

Have you practiced what you’ll do or say if your boundaries are challenged?

In today's Podcast I give you THREE examples of my boundaries being challenged, and how I STAYED STRONG and made myself a priority!

And YOU can do it too!

Previous Episode

Day 2 - Fresh Start WLS Master Challenge

Welcome to Day 2!

It's time for a Fresh Approach to health and happiness with weight loss surgery!

So let's get started!

Click here to join the Challenge! (March 20 - 26, 2018)

Fundamental Focus: VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

“...if you don’t take your vitamins, they won’t work. Many people become overly concerned about what they should take, but don’t necessarily do a great job at taking the nutrients they need on a daily basis. It’s also not uncommon for people to do a great job taking their vitamins for a year or two after surgery, but they may stop taking them over time. Most nutritional deficiencies are easier to prevent than to treat, and once you have had surgery, your risk for developing a problem never goes away." - Dr. Jacqueline Jacques

Your VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS Challenge:

Today, my goal is to take __________ multivitamins at this / these times: __________ , __________.

And to take __________ (mg) __________ # calcium at this / these times: __________ , __________ , __________.

And to take __________ at this / these times: __________ , __________ , __________.

And to take ___________ at this / these times: __________ , __________ , _________.
{Continue to fill out as many more Vitamin & Supplement goals as you need.}

I want to reach my goals because {insight} _____________________________________________________.

I will achieve my goal by {actions}:

Fresh Start Focus: GRATITUDE & JOY

"Before I did this research I thought joyful people were grateful people...But what I've learned unequivocally is that it's not having wonderful experiences that make us grateful, it's practicing gratitude that leads to wonderful, joyful experiences." -Dr. Brené Brown

Sometimes, are you so busy that you overlook the joy of ordinary moments?

Brené Brown spoke with people who'd experience extreme tragedy and learned that it wasn't the extraordinary moments they missed as much as the small ordinary moments they had overlooked every day. "I didn't realize the meaning they held until they were gone."

"There's a difference in feeling grateful and practicing gratitude. And it's during our darkest times when we don't feel grateful that practicing gratitude makes the difference. Joy collected over time, fuels resilience - so when bad, crappy things happen...we've got a reserve to lean into to soften the fall." -Brené Brown

Fresh Start Challenge:

Today, my goal is to practice GRATITUDE, to be grateful for {the ordinary moments} _____________________________.

I want to reach my goal because {insight} ___________________________________________________.

I will achieve my goal by {actions}:

And there they are, your CHALLENGES...and I hope you choose to accept them!

Stay tuned for more in the Fresh Approach Facebook group today!

Next Episode

Day 3 - Fresh Start WLS Master Challenge

Ready to live your best life with weight loss surgery?

Then it's time for a Fresh Approach!

Let's get going with Day 3 of the Fresh Start WLS Master Challenge!

To join the Challenge (March 20 - 26, 2018) click here.

Fundamental Focus: MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP

“...most bariatric surgery programs plan for long-term follow-up visits with a healthcare provider experienced with obesity management...surgeon, a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, dietitian, mental health professional, exercise specialist, or a medical weight-loss specialist (bariatrician). The most important thing is that you find a bariatric surgery program that provides for this long-term care, so that any problems or concerns that develop over time can be addressed by an experienced team." -ASMBS

“Nutritional problems actually become more common throughout time. This is both because it can take time for nutrient stores to run down but also because, throughout time, people may become more lax in their eating and in taking recommended supplements.” -Dr. Jacqueline Jacques

Your MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP Challenge:

Today, my goal is to call and confirm the date for my next bariatric surgery visit.

I'll also ask for my lab orders so my bariatric surgery team will have my latest results for my visit.

I want to reach my MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP goal today because {insight} __________________________________________________.

(If you do not have a bariatric surgery provider, click here to visit ASMBS for a referral in your area.)

I will achieve my goal by {actions}: ______________________

Fresh Start Focus: MAKING MYSELF A PRIORITY & SETTING BOUNDARIES

"Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others." -Brené Brown

"The moment someone asks you to do something you don't have the time or inclination to do is fraught with vulnerability. "Yes!" often seems like the easiest way out. But it comes at a price...feeling angry and resentful. For women, there's a myth that we're supposed to do it all...Saying NO cues a chorus of inner shame gremlins: "Who do you think you are?" "You're not a very caring [mother / wife / friend / colleague]." -Brené Brown

I have a Podcast episode that focuses exclusively on this topic! Just click here to listen!

Fresh Start Challenge:

Today, _____________ and _____________ are important priorities in my life. I will choose discomfort over resentment and protect my priorities by setting and holding my boundaries.

I want to reach my goal because {insight} ___________________________________________________.

I will achieve my goal by {actions}: _________________________________________________________.

If you've reached this challenge past March 26, 2018 but you'd like to join us in the Fresh Approach WLS Facebook Group - click here! There are 3 quick questions to answer before you're added to the group.