Undergoing gastric band surgery is an exciting step toward improving your health and life. So where will your journey with the Realize™ Personalized Banding Solution take you? That’s for you to decide.

Defining your journey requires an understanding of where you are today and a declaration of where you want to be in the years to come. Doing so will allow you to set specific goals and measure your progress in achieving those goals. The following are some suggestions on how to set your course with the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution.

• Grab your camera and take pictures of yourself before surgery. It may be the last thing you want to do, but doing so will allow you to start a photographic journal of your progress. Don’t worry - taking pictures will get easier as you lose weight!
• Clean out your closet and start shopping. Go out and buy some new clothes that are a few sizes smaller than what you’re currently wearing. It may take a little while, but you will fit into those new jeans! Be sure to hang onto a few of your old outfits. It will be fun to see how big those clothes get as you lose weight.
• Measure up! Be sure to take measurements of your waist, hips, chest, etc. and then set goals for after surgery. Log your measurements in a journal so you can track your success.
• Make it count. Before surgery, start timing how long it takes to do simple physical activity like walking around the block or walking around the mall. You can also get a pedometer and track the distance you’re walking. Set realistic, measurable goals for these activities and regularly check your progress. Every step counts! Learn more about staying active.
• Learn from others. Start attending support group meetings so you can hear first-hand what it means to succeed after gastric band surgery. Doing so will help you to set realistic goals and expectations for your new healthier lifestyle.
• Take on the take out! Now is the time to start changing your eating habits. Start eating out less and practice preparing healthier meals at home. Collect tasty but healthy recipes. Draft healthy grocery lists and stock up on foods recommended by your bariatric program. Invite your friends and family to sample your new healthy dishes. Learn more about healthier eating

Don’t forget to keep good records! Keep a journal of your journey including photographs, measurements, personal notes, notes from loved ones, your thoughts and feelings, etc. Realize mySuccess™ will help you to track and chronicle your success. 

Next: Preparing a Support Network >