Finding Inspiration After Weight Loss Surgery From The Olympic Games
Posted on August 10, 2012 in Weight Loss Surgery
It is hard not to get awe struck when watching the Olympic Games on television. The athletes make it look so easy, their bodies smoothly achieving record-breaking feats. Amazing, are their stories of perseverance. The enduring workouts, multiple injuries and time away from family and friends all obliged to cumulate at a chance to participate and maybe even medal at the Olympic Games.
The athletes’ seemingly super-natural powers can be intimidating. However, what makes an athlete successful is very similar to what makes a bariatric patient successful.
Set your goal. It is great to have a long term goal in mind, such as running a ½ marathon or lose 120 pounds. However, like every athlete knows, focus on smaller goals that let you reach your dreams.
Surpass the hurdles. If you are going to do something amazing, you will be bound to have some road blocks. Don’t give up after a setback. Come to the monthly On Track Workshop and get motivated and energized again!
Get a cheer squad. Why do the cameras in the Olympic Games focus so much on family and friends? Because nobody can do it alone. For every Olympic swimmer, there was a parent who drove the child to the pool at 5 AM. For every injured athlete there was a friend who believed s/he could recover. Get away from the negative people in your life and surround yourself with people who want to cheer you on.
Eat well. Contrary to what the fast-food sponsors are trying to tell you on television, athletes are very careful of what they eat. They understand that in order for their body to perform at its best, they need to feed it great, healthy food. This is true after bariatric surgery as well. Ensure that you eat great tasting, protein dense foods to fuel your body and take your daily bariatric supplements.
Change up your exercise routine. A runner doesn’t just run. A diver doesn’t just dive and a fencer doesn’t just fence. All athletes mix up their exercise routine to prevent injuries and to perform at their best. If you have been walking daily and do not see results, try riding your bike instead. If you are worried about injuries, find out about water classes that are gentle on your joints (a favorite way for athletes to train).
Expect it to be hard. Sure, we can all imagine that training for the Olympic Games is hard. So is losing weight through bariatric surgery (contrary to some popular beliefs). Understand that there will be times when you may feel that it is too hard. But take comfort in the fact that you have a team to support you.
Listen to your coach. Every athlete has a coach. And after bariatric surgery, so do you. Kim Fisher, Bariatric Care Specialist, is there to cheer you on and support you. She can lead you to experts in the field of Bariatric Surgery such as Bariatric Exercise Physiologists, Registered Dietitians, Bariatric Physician Assistants, therapist that specialize in the bariatric field and more. So go ahead, ask Kim to help you out and get the coach you deserve!
Rest. Give your body time to rest, especially after a hard workout. Ensure that you get plenty of sleep at night to so can be recharged to start anew in the morning.
Never give up on your dream. If not having feet does not stop an athlete from competing in a race, then nothing should stop you either. Dream big, set small goals and see where they take you.
Sign up for a free seminar to learn more about how bariatric surgery can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. Griffin Bariatrics offers comprehensive support to bariatric patients that include a bariatric exercise program, support groups and monthly On Track Workshops.
Questions? Ask Kim!
Get A Quick Response
Need help registering for support groups, monthly workshops or bariatric seminars? Unsure of the process or how to begin? We take pride in offering concierge style guidance for all current and potential patients.
It is hard not to get awe struck when watching the Olympic Games on television. The athletes make it look so easy, their bodies smoothly achieving record-breaking feats. Amazing, are their stories of perseverance. The enduring workouts, multiple injuries and time away from family and friends all obliged to cumulate at a chance to participate and maybe even medal at the Olympic Games.