Improve Your Results By Building Your Team

No matter how long it’s been since your WLS, if you’re not yet happy with your results then it can be easy to assume that you just need to use more self-control, especially with your food and exercise. Clearly making the right food and movement choices are going to help you get the results that you want. A really important factor that’s often ignored however is having the right people around you.

It’s often believed that self-control comes from within. The reality however is that humans are social animals and many of our actions and habits are deeply influenced by those around us. There’s a strong suggestive influence that other people have on us, and we’ll often unconsciously adopt the attitudes, behaviours and opinions of the people that we spend most time with. 

This is backed by science. New research shows that having encouraging and like-minded people around you really does make a difference when it comes to your health.  One 2016 study found that heavier people were more likely to successfully lose weight if their social circle included slimmer friends. Another 2014 study found that supportive coworkers, friends, and family had a positive effect on weight reduction, even after 2 years. 

It works both ways though and that same 2014 study also found that people with family members who discouraged healthy eating habits gained weight. Another well-known 2007 study found that if you have a close friend who is obese, your chances of becoming so as well increase by 57 percent, and if your spouse is obese, your chances are 37 percent. While the reasons for these results may be complex, research proving the close relationship between friends and weight keeps accumulating.

So what this means is that spending more time with people who support you and who will have a positive influence on you, can really help you achieve your health goals and stay on track over the short- and longer-term.

To tap into this, it can really help to join some supportive groups. For example, one 2018 study found that physically healthy adults who walked in groups were more likely to stick with the activity than those who walked alone. Another 2017 study showed that people who exercised in groups had greater improvements in both physical and emotional health than those who worked out alone. In relation to Bariatric surgery, research also shows that patients who have access to support networks are more successful with weight loss and mental adjustment, especially long-term.

Seeking professional help and support will also improve your chances of success.  If you look at high performers in any area of life, they rarely go it alone. Whether it’s a top athlete, a business leader, a leading musician or a philanthropist - they all have a team of professionals to help them achieve great things. 

Being successful with your health and weight management is no different. You can definitely achieve results on your own, and absolutely you are responsible for your own choices, actions and results, however you will always go further with a team of professional, experts and supporters assisting you. 

For example, if you’re injured, you could try to work out what movements to do and what to avoid on your own. A visit to an experienced physiotherapist who has seen that same injury thousands of times before however can make all the difference. They can assess the injury and recommend specific, tailored exercises that can fast track your recovery. Similarly, seeking the advice of a dietitian specialising in Bariatric surgery can help you avoid mistakes and move you faster towards your weight and health goals.

So, who’s on your team? 

To take your results to that next level, brainstorm who you can surround yourself with to help you.

Who are the supportive friends and family members that you can spend more time with (and who are those that you’re going to spend less time with)? What groups can you join? What professionals can you hire to help you?

Here’s a list of options that you might like to consider:

• A Dietitian specilaising in bariatric surgery
• Your Clinic
• A Psychologist / Counsellor / Coach
• An Exercise Physiologist / Personal Trainer / Pilates Instructor
• A Physiotherapist
• A Remedial Massage Therapist
• A Naturopath
• A Support Group
• An Online Support Forum
• Walking Groups
• An Exercise Group
• A Healthy Cooking Class

All in all, successful weight loss and weight management is unique to each individual. One technique that works for one person may not work for another. While keeping this in mind, there are important strategies and helpful techniques that can be beneficial for anyone trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle after WLS. One of these strategies is to find supportive people in your life to cheer you on through your weight loss journey. So surround yourself with healthy, positive people who want you to succeed and you’ll really notice the difference!