Changing your lifestyle will be a big adjustment, but it is also a wonderful opportunity. Changing your lifestyle will be challenging, but the rewards you’ll gain will make it all worth it. Imagine being able to sit comfortably in a stadium seat playing more with your children or grandchildren, climbing stairs without becoming short of breath, or not taking daily medications.

Changing a lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight; however, like many things, if you want to be good at it, you have to practice. That’s why we encourage you to practice your lifestyle changes now, before your surgery. Doing so will ease the transition after surgery. Here are some suggestions to get started:

• Set personal goals. Doing so will show you where you are and where you need to be in regards to living a healthier lifestyle. These goals can guide your efforts as you practice your new lifestyle prior to surgery
• Track your progress. Keep a journal of your activity and other changes. Take pictures of yourself before surgery. Time how long it takes you to walk around the block. It will be fun and encouraging to see how far you’ve come over time.
• Keep a journal of your feelings and how you cope with them.
• Find someone who will exercise with you. This will make it harder for you to give up, and it will give you a support person to help you celebrate your achievements.
• Become more active. We’ve detailed exercise and activity suggestions on our Staying Active page.
  • If you’re just beginning, start simply with parking further away from the door.
  • Walk for two minutes a day and build up your time until you’re walking 30 minutes four or five times a week

• Become aware of when and why you eat.
  • Are you eating because you feel depressed, happy, or bored?
  • Identify alternatives other than eating to help you cope with your emotions.

• Experiment with your food choices. We’ve got healthy eating tips and healthy recipes on our Healthy Eating page.
  • Try new healthy recipes.
  • Try new seasonings, herbs, and spices.
• Serve your food on smaller dishes.
  • Smaller plates may make you feel as though you’re eating your regular portions, when you’re actually eating less. Slow down your eating pace and enjoy each bite
• Start looking at the menu when you go out to eat.
  • Rather than getting the usual, look at the healthier choices that may be on the menu – most restaurants offer healthier options.
  • Consider ordering smaller or lunch-size portions.
  • Order a healthy appetizer for your meal rather than a large helping of fattening food.
• Take a healthy dish to special events.
  • Share recipes and be the one to add “good health” to the menu.
  • Ask the group to support you.
  • Have fun!

Again, now is the time to start practicing your new lifestyle. Doing so will help to ensure your success after surgery. If you stumble, don’t worry, no one is perfect! Eating something high in calories and fat does not mean that you failed. Try to understand why you made that choice and work on adjustments that can help minimize that situation or emotions in the future. Remember you’re not alone. Your support team along with Realize mySuccess™ will help to keep you on track.

Next: The Day of Surgery >