New Year, New Journey!

It’s safe to say that 2020 wasn’t exactly what we expected it to be. Therefore, as we move into 2021, it’s time to think about how we will make the most of the year ahead. For many, this means making well-intentioned New Year’s Resolutions. These often involve the goal to lose weight.

However, statistics show that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February – most falling into the category of health and weight loss.

If you’ve made weight loss a New Year’s resolution in years past and failed, you’re not alone, but you can keep your resolution this year!

We want to help you achieve your goals in 2021 and equip you with the tools that you need so you can overcome any challenges that come your way.

Let’s take a look at a few points that you can follow, that can help set you up for success in your weight loss goals:

Make A Thorough Plan

• Losing weight means a change of routine. When making changes, it’s important to have a plan whether that’s making time for the gym or shopping and cooking healthier foods. Sit down at the beginning of each week, just for 5 minutes, and make a plan of when you want to exercise and write down some ideas for healthy meals to make during the week.

Identify What Motivates and Inspires You

Motivation is important and knowing your “why” behind losing weight. If you make a weight loss resolution just because you feel you “should” you won’t have the same level of motivation or commitment to follow through. In times of low motivation remember why you want to lose weight. Also, find your sources of inspiration. This may be a body-positive social media presence, or perhaps even a family member. Go to this source every time you feel your energy starting to slip.

Surround Yourself with Support

• Sharing your resolution with others that are supportive of your goals can help you stay on track. Having a partner or friends to hold you accountable for going to the gym or no sugary drinks can really help stick to your goals. Find a few close friends or loved ones who share your resolutions and work towards your goals together.

Set Realistic Goals

• Setting goals that are unattainable or unrealistic can put too much pressure on you and lead to disappointment and failure. Talk to a medical professional about setting realistic weight loss goals with a realistic timeframe and he can also give you tips on how to achieve your realistic goals.

Do Not Punish Yourself After a Setback

• We all experience setbacks like missing a gym session or having a carb day but it’s important to not let these derail your entire resolutions. Don’t beat yourself up and focus on getting back on track the next day and moving forward. Take everything in your stride and just continue to make healthy choices, one day at a time.

It’s important to make weight loss resolutions for yourself. You shouldn’t be trying to impress or keep up with anyone else. We only get one body in this lifetime, we need to look after it. It is important to prioritise your health, at the end of the day, it’s the most important thing. Whatever experiences you have had in the past, 2021 is time for a new year, a new life and leave the past behind you along with all your unhealthy habits.

For a lot of our patients, they have been unable to make a noticeable change to their weight with diet and exercise alone and this is completely normal. If this sounds like you, talk to us about how we may be able to support you.

At Perth Weight Loss and Surgery, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Click here to join our support group on Facebook – it’s a great way to find more information about surgical and non-surgical weight loss options, meet likeminded individuals and people who have already undergone a weight loss journey, and get inspired to start your own journey.

Mr. Siva Gounder

Mr. Siva Gounder is the director and head of Perth Weight Loss & Surgery. With more than 15 years surgical experience, Mr. Gounder is fully trained and qualified to provide bariatric surgery in Perth that helps treat obesity. This includes gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, sips surgery, duodenal switch operation and revisional surgery.