Wed, 01 May 2024 14:52:39 -0700WeeblySun, 30 Dec 2018 17:41:44 GMThttp://sakowitzcounseling.com/bariatric-and-weight-loss-blog/dealing-with-plateausOne of the most common concerns people have centers around plateau's. Plateau's occur very consistently when people are losing weight and often when they happen people panic. If you hit a plateau, the first thing to do is take a breath and try to remain calm. The second thing to do is to take a look at what you are doing and ask yourself the following questions. Am I doing anything differently? Have I increased my empty calorie intake? Am I eating less protein? Am I drinking more calories? Am I skipping meals? Am I eating enough calories? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then that is where you need to start making changes. If the answer to those questions is no, then chances are your body is just taking a pause in its weight loss and if you continue doing the right things your weight loss will start again.

If you are feeling impatient there are some things you can try. Increasing and changing up your exercise program, without increasing your food intake can having a positive impact in this. A second option is to do one or two days of protein shakes. A third option is to try intermittent fasting for a few days can also help. A final option is some relaxation training to manage the anxiety while you wait it out. Good luck!]]>Wed, 05 Dec 2018 21:04:41 GMThttp://sakowitzcounseling.com/bariatric-and-weight-loss-blog/should-i-tell-people-i-am-having-weight-loss-surgery​One of the questions I often get asked from my patients is whether they should tell people they are having or have had weight loss surgery. Some of the concerns people have about not telling people is that they fear they are going to be judged their decision. Usual comments people report getting include, “why are you taking the easy way out by having surgery” and “why don’t you try dieting?” First, having weight loss surgery is definitely not the easy option when it comes to trying to lose weight. Second, people have largely tried a variety of diets before they even consider weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, people are uninformed when they give opinions about weight loss surgery and as a result their opinions are not based on actual knowledge. Instead, opinions are based on what they believe about the procedure.
 
When people ask me what they should do, I first tell them that ultimately the decision they come to must be the right one for them and their situation. Second, I share that people are always going to have their opinions, but for the most part, people follow the lead of the person sharing the news. If the person demonstrates confidence in their decision then people will largely respect their decision. However, if the person displays ambivalence people will often take this as a sign that they are inviting opinions. Therefore, my advice is always if you are going to tell someone then you must own the decision and be confident in yourself. You have done the research and come to an informed decision that is best for you and that is all the matters. Of course, this will not stop everyone from sharing their opinion, but should limit it.
 
If you are considering weight loss surgery good luck! If you have had surgery I hope you are getting the success you desire.]]>