Happy New Year! The New Year 2012 is here, and so is the Chicago winter. To all of our DayOne Health patients, lap-banders, and those of you who are considering weight loss surgery, we wish that your band serves you well, and that this year will be even better than the last. We wish you weight loss successes, lots of smiles, and that you stay warm during the winter months (especially if you’re from Chicago).

January is traditionally the time of New Year’s resolutions. How about you? Did you make any yourself? Let the New Year inspire you to aspire. No matter whether your New Year’s resolutions are about weight or something else, here are some tips on how to make those resolutions not melt away with the beginning of February.

1. Start slowly

Habit change is probably one of the hardest things to do. Especially if the bad habit is pleasurable, and change may not seem to be as pleasant (beginnings are always hard). So how can you change? Start slowly. Habit forming is a slow process, and breaking a habit with a new habit should be a slow process too. It’s not that no one can do it. We all know someone who has quit something, or at least claims he or she did, cold turkey. Nevertheless, by attacking your habits with an all-or-nothing attitude, in reality you greatly diminish your chances. Start slowly and keep expectations modest and realistic – that’s how to best start on resolutions. Set yourself achievable goals and be positively surprised when you meet them. Don’t confuse starting slowly with setting yourself up for failure; by starting slow you’re setting yourself up for a long-term success.

Lap-Bander Tip from DayOne Health:

No matter if you have a lap-band or not, everyone has their good times and bad times. If you feel like you have fallen off the dieting wagon, the New Year is a great moment to get back on track.

• If you have a band, get an adjustment.
• If you’re eating portions that are too large or you’re just eating the wrong foods come and visit us, or talk to your dietitian.
• The best place to begin your diet is to start a food log. After a few days of keeping track of what you’re eating and in what amounts, this will give you a rough idea on where to make some cuts. Don’t change everything at once, and get tired after two weeks. Instead, make changes gradually.

2. Tell everyone around you

Depending on what your New Year’s resolution is, you may consider telling other people around you. Despite the social norm that resolutions shouldn’t be told out loud, you should definitely consider breaking that rule. After all, why wouldn’t you? Maybe you’re worried that if you fail others will know… Well, that’s the point. Your friends and family will be your external motivators. Don’t set yourself up for failure by assuming you’re not going to tell anyone because you’re afraid of failure. Boldly step up and let your friends know. You’ll see how much easier it is to make changes with the support of your closest ones.

Lap-Bander Tip from DayOne Health:

We understand that talking about your weight can be a hard thing to do. Things might not have worked out for you in the past, and maybe you’re afraid more than ever for people to judge you on the basis of prior experiences. You may really not feel like sharing the idea with anyone. Nevertheless, it is good if you have someone there to support you in your quest.

• If you don’t feel comfortable telling everyone, tell just your closest family member or a friend.
• If you are a DayOne Health patient, but you don’t feel like talking to anyone from your surroundings about the lap-band or your weight loss, call us. We’re here to help you get through all the good and all the bad.

3. Team up

Sometimes the best support you can find is in those who have made the same resolutions. Team up and support each other in your quest. Your resolution buddy will get you out of trouble when you fall back on your promises, and if your resolution requires any activities like working out, you’ll have someone to join you at the gym. If you’re planning on quitting smoking, there’s no better companion than the co-worker you’re going with on smoking breaks. If you feel like you’re already falling off the New Years resolution wagon, get out there and find your resolution buddy!

Lap-Bander Tip from DayOne Health:

At DayOne Health we have many patients who have received their band along with a friend or a spouse. Having a partner in your weight loss journey is one of the best things you can do. There is no better way to get through your lap-band experience than to have someone around you who can understand everything you’re going through because he or she was or is in the exact same place. If you don’t have anyone to team up with you, let DayOne Health and our patient advocate be your team for rainy days. Gladys, our patient advocate, is a lap-bander herself and will be more than happy to talk to you about her gastric band experience. Gladys will not only answer all of your questions about the procedure, but will be able to provide you with the insight that only a fellow lap-band patient can provide.

4. Reward yourself

Every time you’re doing good, reward yourself. Find something you like, and every time you feel you met your goal for the day/week/month, give yourself a small gift. If you’re goal is to lose a certain number of pounds, cook something or eat something you love as a reward. If you’re trying quit smoking, you may put aside all the money you would be spending on cigarettes, and once you reach a nice sum buy yourself something nice. The prize can be anything, from a time of relaxation to a material incentive. Never allow a victory to pass unnoticed!

Lap-Bander Tip from DayOne Health:

• If you are significantly overweight and you are ready to change, make 2012 your year to become a new, healthier you. Call our Chicago clinic today and schedule your one-on-one consultation with a lap-band surgeon.
• If you would just like to talk about the lap-band procedure or our DayOne Health weight loss program, call our patient advocate and a lap-band patient at 312-239-3838.

*Image from here.