Visualize Your Way to WLS Success in 2 Steps

Article By: Whittany Gibson, RDN

Whittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in bariatric nutrition counseling, providing education and support prior to and following weight loss surgery.

Have you just had weight loss surgery? Congratulations! You’re on a path towards better health and happiness. But how do you make sure that the success of your surgery is not just a fleeting feeling? The answer lies in visualization. Visualization techniques can help you stay focused, motivated, and energized to achieve your goals. Read on to learn more about how you can use visualization to make the most of your post-surgery life.

1) What is visualization? Visualization is the practice of using mental imagery and positive affirmations to achieve a goal or desired outcome. During visualization, you take time out of your day (around 10-15 minutes) to sit quietly and focus on creating a vivid mental image of yourself already having achieved the desired result. This could include visualizing yourself at a certain weight or wearing clothes that fit comfortably. Doing this helps activate powerful emotions such as joy and excitement, which can help fuel motivation for reaching your goals.

2) Why is visualization important after weight loss surgery? Weight loss surgery is life-changing, but it’s important to keep in mind that success isn’t guaranteed — it takes hard work, dedication, and the right mindset to get there! Having regular visualization sessions can provide much-needed motivation when cravings start creeping in or when you don't feel like hitting the gym after a long day at work. It also serves as an effective reminder that although sometimes the journey may be difficult, it’s always worth it in the end!

3) How to begin visualizing your goals after weight loss surgery. The best way to begin visualizing your post-surgery goals is by setting aside some time each day for yourself. Close your eyes and relax; imagine what reaching these goals will look like for you personally... How will you feel if you reach them? What will change once they are achieved? Who will be there with you celebrating? Keep these images in mind throughout the day, allowing them to motivate and inspire you whenever needed. Additionally, recognize when obstacles arise by acknowledging them without letting them stop you from continuing towards success. Finally, remember that nothing worthwhile ever comes easy — you have worked hard thus far and that effort has paid off! Keep going and don't let anything stand in your way!

4) Try this - create a vision board. Creating a vision board can be an excellent way to solidify those positive visualizations while creating tangible reminders of what you are working towards every day. Go ahead and print out pictures of that beach vacation you hope to go on once you reach your goal weight or cut out photos of people who inspire you with their fitness success stories. Hang these images in places where they will be visible throughout the day such as your bedroom wall or office desk so they will always be within arm’s reach should motivation start waning during moments when progress seems slow or nonexistent.

Visualizing your goals after weight loss surgery can be an incredibly powerful tool for staying motivated during the journey ahead. By taking time out of each day for yourself to focus on what achieving these goals looks like from an emotional standpoint — not just physical — you will have an easier time staying dedicated even through difficult times!

So go ahead... Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize everything that awaits once all those hard-earned pounds come off! Use positive visualization regularly, combined with tangible reminders like vision boards, and celebrate small victories along the way... You will be amazed at how far these two tools can get you on the road towards achieving your ultimate goal!

BariMelts provides general recommendations, not to be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor.