DayOne Health wishes you a happy and healthy 2010!  The New Year is a great time to make positive life changes.  This is the year you may finally consider bariatric surgery, such as the LAP-BAND^®, to help you achieve your weight loss goals.  Or, if you’ve have already had weight loss surgery, now is a great time to assess your progress and set some new and challenging goals.

DayOne is here to help!  Follow these easy steps to help you to achieve your New Year’s Resolution goals:

Step 1:

Set attainable goals.  If you are just starting out-do not make a goal stating you will go to the gym 7 days per week.  A more realistic achievable goal is going to the gym 2-3 days per week and work your way up to more.  If you make too lofty of a goal you may become frustrated and give up on your goals.

Step 2:

Begin thinking of a plan.  If your goal is to become more active you need to decide how you are going to achieve this goal.  If your plan is to exercise after weight loss surgery by going to the gym 3 days per week- decide when you are going to go during the week, how long will you stay there for and always remember to start small with your plan.  You can always add to it as you feel more comfortable.

Step 3:

Once you have your plan in place, begin to think about times when you may have a situation that will cause you to stumble a bit.  Maybe it’s a busy week at work or a vacation that’s fast approaching.  If you have a plan in place prior to the occurrence you will continue to stick to your goals.

Step 4:

Have rewards in place for you but try to stray away from rewarding yourself with food.  Food rewards outside of your bariatric diet may cause you to fall off track.  Try rewards such as a night out with friends, a manicure, a golf session or a new article of clothing.

Step 5:

Finally, seek out support. You can find other bariatric surgery patients through our support groups. Inform your friends and family of your New Year’s Resolution and goals so they can help you stay on track and maybe even join in with you!