Enjoying Success

Setting small weight loss goals

Making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle is a great accomplishment. Significant weight loss won't happen overnight, so we recommend setting smaller weight loss goals as well as non-weight-related goals along the way. Doing so will keep you motivated and give you a way to measure your success.

Some smaller, short-term goals along your journey may be:

• Losing weight in small increments, such as 1 to 2 pounds a week or 4 to 8 pounds a month
• Reaching a new level of fitness, like running your first mile or doing five push-ups
• Following your healthy diet for an entire week
• Making a healthy eating choice when you are surrounded by temptation
• Dropping a clothing size
• Shopping without feeling exhausted when you return home
• Being faithful to your exercise program

Staying motivated

Use the REALIZE mySUCCESS^® Program to set goals according to your schedule and expectations. It will help you reinforce your motivation to stay true to your plan by tracking your improvement through charts, graphs, and photos—and envisioning how you'll look when you reach your goal. You can also use REALIZE mySUCCESS^® as a diet and exercise diary to create a fitness program and eating plan.

Celebrating your achievements

Once you reach your small goals, celebrate them! Include your weight loss surgery support team in your success. Sharing your success will inspire others and help you to stay motivated. If you have rewarded yourself in the past by eating, you'll need to develop new ways of rewarding yourself.

Here are some ideas for nonfood rewards when you achieve one of your goals:

• Pamper yourself by having a manicure, pedicure, or massage, or stay at a nice hotel
• Buy new music that motivates you to be active
• Go to a movie
• Invite some friends to go shopping for new (smaller) clothes
• Change your hairstyle
• Schedule alone time, arrange for a babysitter or your spouse to take the kids, and enjoy a spa day at home
• Arrange to sleep in one morning
• Take pictures of yourself and show them to your friends and family so they can see your progress

Whatever you choose as a reward, keep it simple and keep it healthy!