The Power of Self-Esteem

The power of self-esteem is something we tend to forget about. Before weight loss surgery, I can remember times when I would do positive self-talk over and over. I would get just shy of that point where I started to feel good about myself and - WHAM - someone knocked me to my knees.

It could be the way someone looked at me (the elevator look of up and down with a nasty smirk), a small mumble under their breath about my appearance, comments about overweight people and remarks about what I was eating or a mention of obesity in today’s society.

Causes of obesity and self-esteem tend to fuel each other. When a bad experience devastates your confidence we tend to turn to food to soothe the pain. Our minds tell us comfort food will help us face the world again. We eat to cope with low self image, which makes us gain weight and ultimately makes our self-esteem even lower. Double whammy!

What is self-esteem? Basically it is feeling good about yourself mentally and physically! People with high self-esteem convey confidence, feel comfortable about their bodies and believe they are valuable. Surgery and weight loss combined can help you regain some of that lost self-esteem. Positive self-talk and changing your vocabulary will also help motivate yourself to continually feel good.

Try filling in the blank to this question and see how many positive things you come up with. Don’t stop at one thing try for five and push to get ten. We are ALL valuable!

When I’m at my best this is how I am __________________.

Try asking yourself these questions:

1. What are your physical attributes?
2. What skills and abilities do you possess?
3. What type of personality traits do you hold?

I remember those days pre-surgery when going to the fair was about what I was going to eat that day. My menu typically consisted of a lemon shakeup, corn dog, corn on the cob and dessert would be the biggest elephant ear I could find.

I just spent the past 4 days at our local 4-H fair because my son was showing hogs. I had mentally prepared my self for the typical atmosphere of 90+ degree weather along with the aroma of fried food and animals. I knew going to the fair would be a non bariatric friendly trip so before each visit I would try to eat a good amount of protein and grab a bottle of water and protein bar to have on hand.

I was surrounded by a plethora of lemon shake ups, corn dogs, elephant ears, funnel cakes, chicken fingers, french fries with cheese, milk shakes etc. I can honestly say I had no desire to indulge in any of the typical fried fair food.

I met some of the most giving people at the fair (who have no idea that I'm a bariatric patient) and were always offering me something to eat, a piece of pie, some french fries, part of their elephant ear etc.. I realized a few years ago I would have taken them up on their offer. Today 2 1/2 + post op I kindly declined their offer and know now that one bite, leads to four which leads to a whole piece.

It feels good to know that I choose the healthier foods these days and my goal is to continue down this path. It may not always be easy but I know in the long run I am worth it :)

It’s now been 2 years and 8 months since my gastric bypass surgery. I’ve shared many stories to date about my personal journey, my struggles, my successes and the passion I have for bariatrics.

Life after weight loss surgery is an amazing individual journey. Not only do we experience physical transformations but many of us find that our needs and goals have shifted directions.

My goals included losing weight and living a happy, healthier life but I also had a deep desire to live a more balanced life, gain additional self-awareness and continue to be successful.

I have been a huge advocate for fighting obesity within my community and I love giving back and supporting other patients. I realized that part of working my recovery (of being a food addict) is not only supporting other patients but getting support for myself. I am a patient first so I need direction/guidance and accountability. I’m one who loves to learn and grow and I’m always reading and researching anything that has to do with weight loss surgery. I always follow up with my surgeon, keep in touch with my dietitians and attend support groups whenever possible.

I discovered there is another resource available to me for that extra one on one support I personally need. I had made an important investment in my future and it was time to make an investment in my success.

Just like an athlete who needs a coach to improve performance I was compelled to have someone help me set some clear goals and take the steps necessary to find success. I decided to hire a “Life Coach” to work with me throughout my personal weight loss journey.

During my initial thoughts of hiring a bariatric life coach I contemplated the idea because I felt like investing time and money into me along with my recovery was selfish. How could I justify that when I have a family and home to take care of?

Then the light bulb came on! The question I asked myself was how could I NOT make an investment? This is about my health, my recovery and taking care of number one which is ME! If I don’t take care of myself how can I take care of others?

Coaching is a valuable tool and took me from wanting something to actually achieving it and seeing my goals through completion. Having a life coach has given me an extra level of support and has taken me to the next stage of working my recovery.

I’m very excited about this new stage in my life because I now have the opportunity to give back to the bariatric community on the next level.

I am now a certified life coach who specializes in supporting bariatric patients. Bariatric life coach association (www.bariatriclifecoachassociation.com) will have the opportunity to give back to the bariatric patients and community with personal intensity. I have received the specialized training/education and walked the weight loss surgery path.

We all need to take a moment and reflect on why we chose this journey along with where we want to go, who we want to be and how we will get there.

We deserve to live a happy, healthy life!

Self-Sabotage

Sabotage is a common word you hear during your weight loss journey to keep you mindful of obstacles surrounding you and the unintentional interfering with your weight loss.

Having weight loss surgery changed my life and makes me think the word sabotage only relates to food and making wrong choices. I recently participated in a support group session and the subject of sabotage came up not about those around you who unintentionally impair your journey it was about self-sabotage.

During your weight loss journey think about what you personally may be doing unintentionally to sabotage your weight loss. Do you eat enough protein? Are you drinking enough fluids? Are you taking your vitamins? Are you getting enough rest? Do you take time out of the day just for you? Do you give yourself credit for what you have accomplished to date? Do you exercise on a regular a basis?

Are you using your tool to its fullest potential?

Be mindful each and every day of how you treat your personal piece of real estate (your pouch) and ask if you are doing what is best for YOU!!

Remind yourself why you chose to take this personal journey and say out loud “I deserve to live a happy healthy life!”

Quote

Don't let the fear of "What If" ruin the joy of "What Is" ~ Melody Beattie