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If you are currently in a highly motivated and productive weight loss stage - CONGRATULATIONS! But don't take it for granted. There are things that you can do to help insure that you will stay motivated and successful. Becoming aware of our positive triggers (the thoughts that motivate us and keep us going) is just as important as understanding our negative triggers (the thoughts that discourage us and keep us "stuck" - more about that in Motivation Pt II). Some examples of specific and common positive triggers for weight loss are: a milestone life event, a wedding or class reunion or having a pressing health concern. These can be positive and highly motivating triggers keeping you focused and on board with your nutrition and exercise goals. But once the event has passed or your health improves but you're not yet at goal weight, are you prepared with other goals or positive thoughts/triggers that will keep you going? Here are a couple of suggestions for keeping your motivation going strong: If you're not clear about all of things that motivate you to stick with it and meet your weight loss goals then one way to become more aware of your positive triggers or thoughts is to take a moment and jot down some ideas about what WILL keep you going beyond your initial weight loss goals. Even if you're feeling really confident right now and are not big into "journaling" (which is just writing things down) having someplace to jot down key thoughts and ideas on what motivates you may become an invaluable tool in the future. There are many theories about why writing things down helps but research shows that people who take the time to write down everything they ate (the dreaded food journal), their goals, concerns, obstacles and triumphs are more successful with their weight loss than those who don't. Because losing weight with the lap band is a slower process then most people anticipate mental preparation is KEY to going strong until you reach your final goal. Have some place where you record these thoughts and ideas NOW that you are in a good positive place. These could serve as your own personal source of motivation and inspiration in the future. Goals and motivation are usually discussed together and with good reason. However many people find that setting goals actually reduces their motivation. This is where having good goal setting skills comes in. I have come up with a form to help you create goals for yourself that are specif and attainable (see document link below). Here's a mini tutorial on how to use the form. You start by setting a goal. For example "I will eat healthier this week" is a good goal but NOT a very specific goal. Below the goal you will list three specific behaviors you will commit to engage in, in support meeting your goal, example: 1. limit meal portion size to desert plate serving 2. eat protein first at each mean 3. no drive thru (if that's a behavior you want to eliminate). You can see how tying specific behaviors to your goal makes it much easier for you to access if you're on track and or get back on track if you're not. Also listing behaviors helps you honestly access which SPECIFIC behavior you need to change or incorporate to meet your goal - this is key! At the end of the week you write down how much progress you made toward your goal - how many days out of the last seven did you do all three of your goal behaviors. And more importantly review each behavior and see where you need to adjust and where you need to focus more of your energy and attention. New week, new goal and three new supportive behaviors to meet your goal. If you get in the habit of using tools which reinforce your positive weight loss behaviors NOW that you're "on a roll" it will be easier for you to regain motivation if for some reason yours begins to slip during times of emotional stress or simply during natural weight loss plateau periods. In Motivation Part II we will address things you can do to get your motivation back. I would love to hear from you - what keeps you motivated to reach your weight loss goal?

If you are currently in a highly motivated and productive weight loss stage - CONGRATULATIONS! But don't take it for granted. There are things that you can do to help insure that you will stay motivated and successful. Becoming aware of our positive triggers (the thoughts that motivate us and keep us going) is just as important as understanding our negative triggers (the thoughts that discourage us and keep us "stuck" - more about that in Motivation Pt II). Some examples of specific and common positive triggers for weight loss are: a milestone life event, a wedding or class reunion or having a pressing health concern. These can be positive and highly motivating triggers keeping you focused and on board with your nutrition and exercise goals. But once the event has passed or your health improves but you're not yet at goal weight, are you prepared with other goals or positive thoughts/triggers that will keep you going? Here are a couple of suggestions for keeping your motivation going strong: If you're not clear about all of things that motivate you to stick with it and meet your weight loss goals then one way to become more aware of your positive triggers or thoughts is to take a moment and jot down some ideas about what WILL keep you going beyond your initial weight loss goals. Even if you're feeling really confident right now and are not big into "journaling" (which is just writing things down) having someplace to jot down key thoughts and ideas on what motivates you may become an invaluable tool in the future. There are many theories about why writing things down helps but research shows that people who take the time to write down everything they ate (the dreaded food journal), their goals, concerns, obstacles and triumphs are more successful with their weight loss than those who don't. Because losing weight with the lap band is a slower process then most people anticipate mental preparation is KEY to going strong until you reach your final goal. Have some place where you record these thoughts and ideas NOW that you are in a good positive place. These could serve as your own personal source of motivation and inspiration in the future. Goals and motivation are usually discussed together and with good reason. However many people find that setting goals actually reduces their motivation. This is where having good goal setting skills comes in. I have come up with a form to help you create goals for yourself that are specif and attainable (see document link below). Here's a mini tutorial on how to use the form. You start by setting a goal. For example "I will eat healthier this week" is a good goal but NOT a very specific goal. Below the goal you will list three specific behaviors you will commit to engage in, in support meeting your goal, example: 1. limit meal portion size to desert plate serving 2. eat protein first at each mean 3. no drive thru (if that's a behavior you want to eliminate). You can see how tying specific behaviors to your goal makes it much easier for you to access if you're on track and or get back on track if you're not. Also listing behaviors helps you honestly access which SPECIFIC behavior you need to change or incorporate to meet your goal - this is key! At the end of the week you write down how much progress you made toward your goal - how many days out of the last seven did you do all three of your goal behaviors. And more importantly review each behavior and see where you need to adjust and where you need to focus more of your energy and attention. New week, new goal and three new supportive behaviors to meet your goal. If you get in the habit of using tools which reinforce your positive weight loss behaviors NOW that you're "on a roll" it will be easier for you to regain motivation if for some reason yours begins to slip during times of emotional stress or simply during natural weight loss plateau periods. In Motivation Part II we will address things you can do to get your motivation back. I would love to hear from you - what keeps you motivated to reach your weight loss goal?

Who knew it wouldn't be so easy to lose weight after Lap-Band surgery. Remember, before your surgery, when all you could do was think about getting your Lap-Band and dream about the results? Couldn't you just picture yourself at your goal weight by the end ofthe first six months after your surgery or certainly by the end of first year? For many Lap-Band patients weight loss success isn't a dream it is a reality. Many patients lose all or most of their weight during their first year after surgery. But many others do not. Despite the Lap-Bands' assistance with being less physically hungry less often and having to eat smaller portions at one sitting, many of us still struggle to lose weight. Or, are losing weight but are not completely satisfied with how we are progressing. If you are struggling or discouraged with your weight loss progress regardless of whether you are newly banded or have been living with you Lap-band for a long time, my hope is that this blog will serve as part of your support network. This blog is meant to focus on the psychological aspects of weight loss and the particular "quirks" of living with a lap band. Your physician must be your primary source of guidance and information regarding the medical and physical aspects of your lap-band. Although topics discussed on this blog may occasionally cross over into the "physical" side of living with a lap-band, please never substitute information shared on this blog for the professional medical advice given to you by your physician. Always consult your doctor if you are having any concerns or issues with your Lap-Band.

Who knew it wouldn't be so easy to lose weight after Lap-Band surgery. Remember, before your surgery, when all you could do was think about getting your Lap-Band and dream about the results? Couldn't you just picture yourself at your goal weight by the end ofthe first six months after your surgery or certainly by the end of first year? For many Lap-Band patients weight loss success isn't a dream it is a reality. Many patients lose all or most of their weight during their first year after surgery. But many others do not. Despite the Lap-Bands' assistance with being less physically hungry less often and having to eat smaller portions at one sitting, many of us still struggle to lose weight. Or, are losing weight but are not completely satisfied with how we are progressing. If you are struggling or discouraged with your weight loss progress regardless of whether you are newly banded or have been living with you Lap-band for a long time, my hope is that this blog will serve as part of your support network. This blog is meant to focus on the psychological aspects of weight loss and the particular "quirks" of living with a lap band. Your physician must be your primary source of guidance and information regarding the medical and physical aspects of your lap-band. Although topics discussed on this blog may occasionally cross over into the "physical" side of living with a lap-band, please never substitute information shared on this blog for the professional medical advice given to you by your physician. Always consult your doctor if you are having any concerns or issues with your Lap-Band.

Hi hairagain, I think your instinct about needing to have a doctor near you now are right on target. My doctor (Dr Oliak in Orange, CA) and I were talking the other day about one of the advantages of lap band is that a person can "take a break" (from weight loss) and then come back to the doctor, get a fill, see the nutritionist - bacially have a big do over, when ever they feel ready. And the best part is that you have "only" gained 14 lbs in the past 18 months. I know you're in a panic but think about how much weight you could have gained back if you weren't banded. And it sounds like you might just be ready to get back on track now too. I think it's awesome that you came back to forums to get support when you needed it. That is why we're all here! Check my back on my blog later during the week, I have a really good post I'm working on about getting motivation BACK!! The Hungry Heart I'd love to hear how you're doing and how your search for a local doctor goes for you! elsie

Thanks for the words of encouragement Alice - and for sharing your link - I checked it out, very informative! elsie

Thanks Marie! I don't know how long ago you checked it but I just posted another entry. BTW it's a funny coincidence the town right next to where I live in California is also called Villa Park! Thanks for visiting my blog! elsie

I remember what an invaluable forum this was for me last April when I was researching my surgeon and particularly those first post-surgery days. Ten months and 52lbs later I feel that I might just have something to share with my fellow "banders". I currently run weekly lap band emotional support groups for Bariatric surgeon Dr Dave Oliak in Orange, CA. I'd like to invite you all to visit my brand new blog. I will be posting weekly on topics based on our support group work and a inspirational and hopefully motivational information through out the week. Feel free to sign up to "follow" my blog and get your regular dose of TLC/Information/Motivation! Looking forward to getting to know some of you and becoming part of this forums awesome support community. The Hungry Heart elsie