Accountability: How To Stay On Track After Bariatric Surgery

Why is Accountability Important in Weight Loss?

Accountability is crucial when it comes to weight loss because it helps you stay on track and make progress towards your goals. When you hold yourself accountable, you're more likely to make healthy choices, exercise regularly, and stick to your meal plan. It's easy to slip up or make excuses, but when you have someone or something to answer to, you're more likely to stay motivated and focused. Plus, having a sense of accountability can boost your confidence and self-esteem, making you feel more empowered and in control of your weight loss journey.

How to Stay Accountable After Bariatric Surgery

If you've had bariatric surgery, you know how important it is to stay motivated and accountable to your goals, whether they are mental or physical goals. The journey to long-term weight loss success can be challenging, but by staying accountable to your goals you will help yourself stay motivated and on track. Here’s a few tips to help with your post-op life:

• Set Specific and Realistic Goals: One of the best ways to stay on track is to set specific and realistic goals. Think about what you want to achieve and make sure your goals are clear, measurable, and have a deadline. For example, aim to lose 10 pounds in the next 8 weeks by exercising for 30 minutes a day. By setting achievable goals, you'll feel more motivated and excited to work towards them.

• Keep a Food and Exercise Journal: Keeping a food and exercise journal is a game-changer! Not only does it help you stay accountable to your goals, but it also lets you track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate your successes. You can use a cute notebook, a free app on your phone (there are tons out there), or a website to log what you eat and how much you exercise. Don't be afraid to get creative with it - add stickers, drawings, or motivational quotes to keep you inspired.

• Seek Support from Others: Having a supportive network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals is key! But why stop there? Joining a support group for bariatric surgery patients or finding an accountability partner can make all the difference. You'll have someone to share your successes and challenges with, cheer you on, and hold you accountable. Plus, you can make new friends who are on the same journey as you! So don't be shy - reach out to your healthcare provider, check out local support groups, or even try finding an accountability buddy online.

• Embrace the Power of Technology: Technology can be a game-changer when it comes to staying accountable and motivated. Whether you're into fitness trackers, calorie tracking apps, or meal planning websites, there's something out there for everyone. These tools provide motivation, support, and accountability, making it easier to reach your weight loss goals. Plus, they're super convenient! No need to carry around a heavy notebook or calculator - just whip out your phone or computer and get tracking.

• Set Rewards and Consequences: Consider setting up a fun rewards and consequences system! Here's how it works: set a goal, like hitting your exercise target for the week or sticking to your meal plan, and then pick a reward or consequence to match. For example, treat yourself to a fancy coffee or a new outfit if you meet your goal. Or, skip your favorite TV show or give up social media for the day if you fall short. It might sound simple, but it's a great way to stay accountable and motivated. Plus, who doesn't love a little treat every now and then? So get creative, pick your rewards and consequences, and enjoy your weight loss journey!

• Stay Positive and Focused: Staying positive and focused is not always easy, but it's crucial for maintaining long-term success. One way to do this is to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. Did you hit your step goal for the day? Feel great about yourself! Did you make a healthy meal choice when it wasn’t easy to do? Celebrate! It's the small wins that add up to big progress. Another tip is to focus on the progress you've made, not the setbacks you've faced. And when things get tough, practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help you stay positive and focused. So take a deep breath, think about all the amazing things you're doing for your health, and keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

Keep yourself motivated while on your post-op journey by setting realistic goals and then sticking to a fun rewards and consequences system. Use technology to your advantage with digital journals and tracking apps to help keep yourself accountable. Staying positive and focused, but while also holding yourself accountable, will help lead you to a great life after bariatric surgery. Remember, the journey to long-term success is a marathon, not a sprint!