Believe in doublethink!
While you are being positive and committed to your weight loss, don’t forget to address the elephant in the room: setbacks.
The key is balance.
Believe in doublethink! But what is doublethink?
Professor of Psychology at New York University and the University of Hamburg, Gabriele Oettingen, conducted a research project about weight-loss for the University of Pennsylvania. She coined the term doublethink.
The study split a group of women attempting to lose weight into two groups. One group was asked to imagine themselves at their target weight as motivation. The second group was asked to imagine tempting food related scenarios, or obstacles they could run into during their weight-loss journey.
Those in the second group, who addressed possible obstacles, lost about 20 pounds more, on average. People who addressed and worked through possible obstacles were better prepared to handle obstacles when they came up!
Professor Oettingen found the best practice was to address both the positive and the negative. Weight loss should be approached with commitment and a realistic mindset.
Here’s an example of doublethink for losing weight: “I will confidently wear my favorite dress. It will be difficult for me to say no to frozen yogurt.”
Doublethink has been tested on all types of goals; the best results come from those who use doublethink, rather than thinking about the good or the bad separately.
After bariatric surgery, a practical and positive approach to weight loss is vital!
Doublethink is a great weight-loss tool for keeping perspective after any weight-loss procedure, including bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve, and gastric balloon.
Our own Sharon George, Registered Dietician at NYBG, explains “I try to meet with all our patients throughout their first year after surgery to make their experience positive and healthy. I see my job as being part supporter, educator, cheerleader and friend to each of our patients as they start their weight loss journey…”
Working towards your weight-loss goals after bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve, or gastric balloon should be a positive experience! Surround yourself with people who motivate and support a healthy lifestyle. Find friends to join you at the gym and to share tasty, bariatric-friendly recipes with!
Keeping a balanced attitude about your weight-loss journey can be hard, and at NYBG we have options to aid your success:
- Seminars
- Certified nutritionists
- Hundreds of bariatric-friendly recipes, found on our Facebook
- Support groups
- Patient Portal: a place to track your weight loss, request appointment changes, email staff, and purchase supplements, foods, and beverages
- Virtual Health Partners (VHP)
- Blogs
- NYBG’s Online Bariatric Surgery Diet Store
At NYBG, we have eight of the leading bariatric surgeons on staff. They are ready to help you achieve your weight-loss goals! Visit one of our many locations to discuss your bariatric options:
- New York, New York
- Smithtown, New York
- Roslyn Heights, New York
- Cortlandt Manor, New York
- Port Jefferson, New York
- Fishkill, New York
- Fairfield, CT
For more information about what we offer at NYBG, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, three types of gastric balloon—ReShape Gastric Balloon, the Obalon Balloon System, and the Orbera Gastric Balloon—or LAP-BAND, visit http://bariatric.stopobesityforlife.com/.
