How to make small changes while on your Lap Band journey!

When we were little and someone taught us (most likely our Mothers or Fathers) to do simple tasks like how to tie up our shoes or brush our teeth, no doubt they would have broken the process down into smaller, more manageable steps so we learnt easier. Well you won't be surprised to hear that the same philosophy applies as you continue on your Lap Band journey!

Here are some tips on how making small changes everyday while on your Lap Band/Gastric Band journey can add up:

5 Small Daily Life Changes

* Instead of thinking about the negative, why not concentrate on the positive? The self-talk you have with yourself as well as the conversations you have with others can contribute significantly to the way you feel and think.

* Goal setting - it really works! Research studies have shown a direct link between goals and enhanced performance in both sports and business. Use the SMART technique for goal setting, it will help you break down your goals into more manageable steps and make sure you reward yourself once you achieve a goal.

* See yourself in a different light. If you're not exactly where you want to be, don't be discouraged, it's never too late to take action and make some positive changes! Everything you've been through up to this point is a learning experience.

* Persistence is one of the hallmarks of being successful in anything you do. When things aren't quite going the way you would like, do you give up or do you keep changing what needs to be changed in order to be successful? Persistence is something you will need as you continue on your Gastric Band journey - what can you do to keep turning up?

* Celebrate your wins every day! It doesn't matter how small they are. If you can develop the habit of seeing yourself as capable of achieving success, you are more likely to build on that success the next time you face a challenge. One powerful tool to increase this strength is keeping written records of your positive behaviours, inspired efforts, and successes along the way. Writing them down makes them more realistic.

5 Small Food Ideas

* As we all know, there are certain things that go down the Lap Band easily, like chocolate and ice cream. Make a time to eat these items - like on the weekend and if you can't resist, just don't have them in the house!

* Instead of eating out of a bag or box, measure or count out the quantity of food and put it in a bowl. This way you know exactly how much you're having and are in total control.

* Plan meals in advance and once you know what you're going to be eating, you can easily convert it into a complete shopping list.

* Think about trying at least one different kind of food each week. It's easy to become bored and run the risk of giving up if you are continually having the same things.

* So you don't eat too much or too quickly, STOP eating after 20 minutes and throw out whatever you haven't eaten. Set an alarm to go off to remind you when your time is up. It will help you to control your portion sizes as well if you don't like the idea of throwing food away!

5 Small Exercise Changes

* If you take public transport, get off one stop early and walk just that little bit further. It all adds up!

* If you are able to take the stairs, do it. Try to avoid as many lifts and escalators as possible. Even if it's only a few flights, it's better than nothing.

* Look at chores that you're not particularly fond of, like cleaning the house or vacuuming as a way to get in some extra exercise. Crank up some music and sing along while you're at it!

* Make sure you make some form of exercise, even if it's only a 30 minute walk, a priority for most days of the week. It isn't much out of your day and you'll feel better for it.

* Park a bit further so you force yourself to walk instead of wasting time looking for a parking space.

Making changes might not always be easy so when you feel like you're starting to make some head way, make sure you reward yourself. Even though just making the change might be reward enough, why not give yourself something special you've been wanting or do something that you've always promised yourself you'd do. You'll be glad you did!


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Jen Kaminski and Jodie Flynn are Directors of Lap Band for the Mind. If you have had Gastric Band Surgery or are considering it, they can help you increase your chances of success.
If you enjoyed the tips in this article and want to learn more about how to maximise your weight loss surgery success, claim Lap Band for the Mind's popular free ecourse, "Top 10 ways to fail with a Lap Band", available at: =>
http://www.lapbandforthemind.com