Have you hit that late-January New Year’s Resolution slump? This is the time of year when the holidays are completely behind us and that laser-like health focus many have had since January 1st, begins to wane. It’s natural and it’s human, but it doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your weight-loss goals.

I’ve recently noticed a lot of chatter from bariatric surgery patients in various online social media forums, who are experiencing a plateau in their weight loss or weight re-gain. If you’re among them, you’re not alone. But I want you to know that you CAN overcome this hurdle in your journey. Don’t forget how far you’ve come – from all of the preparation leading up to your surgery, to the procedure itself and then the recovery period – don’t discount your ability to achieve a healthier lifestyle. You have already made some serious commitments and progress. Sitting still while the extra pounds try to creep back onto the scale is NOT an option. If you need some motivation or extra help – here are some tips to get you back on track.

Support, Support, Support – I can’t stress enough how important it is to share your struggles and triumphs with your peers. If you haven’t been to a bariatric support group meeting in a while, attend one. Better yet, begin making them a part of your regular schedule. When you find one that “fits,” you will be amazed at how quickly it can renew your desire to get back on the right path. If making it to a support group meeting is tough for you, online options are also available. Simply being around people who share your same challenges and accomplishments can be both validating and inspiring – two things that are very important in your weight-loss journey.

The RIGHT Diet and Exercise Plan – For the bariatric surgery patient, one diet and exercise plan does not fit all. Yours is a unique set of circumstances and requirements. If you haven’t yet found a diet or exercise plan that works for you, or that you enjoy, we offer an option designed specifically for your needs. Our personalized MTEC fitness program teaches you the best way to maintain long-term weight-loss success. With this program you will learn how much you can eat each day while still losing weight, as well as the minimum amount of exercise you need to complement your diet and surgery. The MTEC system can be customized to fit your individual needs, helping you decide which diet and exercise routine is best for you.

Revision Surgery – If you have gained a significant amount of your weight back, or haven’t lost an ideal amount after weight-loss surgery, please don’t feel like you have somehow failed. This can occur in 20 to 30 percent of bariatric surgery cases and sometimes the cause is unknown. If it has happened to you, please seek help. Our practice offers revision procedures that can often be the best solution for some patients. From a new minimally-invasive technique that produces no additional abdominal scarring, to gastric banding options – there can be a revision solution that’s right for you. If you’ve tried to stop your weight re-gain using more traditional methods that haven’t worked, this may be your next best option. Don’t delay in finding out whether it’s right for you.

Weight-loss surgery can be a positive, life-changing experience for every patient, but it takes commitment and a careful balance of exercise and diet to achieve your ultimate health and weight-loss goals. Remember, your physician and care team are on this journey with you, even after surgery. Please don’t hesitate to seek their guidance when you need it.