It’s not uncommon that after bariatric surgery, many patients who experience weight loss discover that along with a need to change their wardrobe, they may also need to change the way they view themselves. As you grow closer to your ideal weight, an important step toward embracing your new lifestyle is developing a healthy body image. Healthy body confidence can help you enrich your life, discover new hobbies you may have been afraid to try, and to live life to the fullest. Here are a few ways you can develop body confidence, or maintain a healthy body image as you travel your weight loss journey:
Positive Self Talk
A giant part of body image is the way you talk to yourself (self talk). Are you a perfectionist? Are you constantly putting yourself down? Stop right now. Being kind to yourself during your new lifestyle journey can make losing weight more pleasurable and take the stress away from feeling like you have to have to be perfect. Praise yourself for accomplishments and enjoy the increased ability of your ever healthier body. According to some studies, positive affirmations can enhance the way a person perceives themself and the world around them.
Attend Support Groups
The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana and Mississippi offers support groups for patients who have recently elected for bariatric surgery like the gastric sleeve. During a support group, patients will have the opportunity to gain knowledge from other patients who have had similar experiences as well as learn techniques from one of our trained professionals about developing or nurturing a healthy body image.
Enlist Loved Ones
Family and friends can offer a healthy dose of reality if you start to have doubts about your new healthier self. Having someone who will be your cheerleader as you experience both weight loss triumphs and slumps can help you remain focused and positive about your successes after LAP-BAND or gastric bypass.
Alternatively, occasionally family and friends can be resistant to change. Comments about your new physique and slimmer self might not always feel positive or encouraging. Just like you, friends and loved ones may need to learn how to adjust to your new healthier self. Take solace in the knowledge that not only are you giving yourself a healthier new lifestyle, but you are setting a positive example.
As you draw nearer to your healthy body weight, you might find yourself realigning your new figure with old body image perceptions. Attending a support group, utilizing loved ones, and self-encouragement are all excellent ways to develop positive body confidence. At Surgical Specialists of Louisiana and Mississippi, we’re dedicated to helping our patients not only lose weight, but develop a healthy self-image. To learn more about our bariatric centers, contact us at 877-691-3001 or sign up for a free informational seminar.
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