Attitude is Everything for Successful Weight Loss

Guest post by Vicki Bovee, M.S., R.D., L.D., a registered dietitian with over 25 years experience in weight loss, weight management, and specializing in bariatric nutrition since 2003.  www.chefdave.org

I recently read a brief from an article in Science Digest that has implications for your success with weight loss surgery. Researchers from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research analyzed data from more than 7,000 people regarding diet, exercise, and personality types.

The study found that people who believe their life can be changed by their own actions ate healthier food, exercised more, smoked less and avoided binge drinking. Those who believed in luck or fate were more likely to live an unhealthy life.

Weight Loss Surgery is Only One Tool You Must Use

Let's translate this to weight loss surgery. How many times have you been told the surgery is only a tool? If you know and practice healthy eating and exercise habits, your surgery will help you along and it is a tool. Your actions are creating your success.

I have worked with people who expect the surgery to do the job (luck or fate) and sit back and wait for results. I once a had patient who had LAP-BAND® surgery and at her 1-month post op visit with me she said, "I'll start working at this when the band starts to work."  As you would expect that attitude didn't get her very far in her weight loss. That tool, no matter what kind of weight loss surgery you have had,  will only work when you use it correctly along with all the other important tools/steps for successful weight loss.

You've heard the phrase, "If you believe it, you can achieve it."

Eat Smart…

Vicki Bovee, MS, RD

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