As I look back over the past years (11 years, 8 months to be exact) since I had weight loss surgery, I often think about where I started and where I am today, how I got to where I am, and how I stay here and continue to improve. This reflection brings me to the traits that serve me well on my journey to health and they are:

• Consistency - defined as steadfast adherence to the same principles;
• Persistence - defined as the act of continuing steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles or discouragement;
• Resiliency- defined as the power or ability to return to the original form, position etc after being bent or stretched; elasticity AND the ability to recover readily from adversity; buoyancy.

This pretty well sums up so many areas of my life, but especially my Weight Loss Surgery journey. With these three characteristics in place I am willing and able to move forward on a daily basis. Let me give you a few examples of how CPR works for me:

• I go out with friends and have a cocktail and perhaps some tortilla chips and guacamole. I could fall into my earlier years of oh well I blew it, I might as well continue; however I simply return to my consistent behavior the next morning - I go to the gym, I eat on plan and yes, bounce right back to where I was. It doesn’t matter if these “out of sync” behaviors were for one day or one week. I still have my consistent pattern to return to. I am persistent and vigilant in keeping my “Weight Loss Surgery why” in front of me - my long term goals which include looking good, but more importantly for me, are about maintaining good health.
• Here’s another one. I have a cold, my head is stuffy and I am a bit achy. I can stay home, under the covers and feel sorry for myself all day. This will probably lead to my consuming carbohydrates in quantities that contribute size to my waistline and fail to contribute anything to my health. I’ve done it in the past. These days I drag my sorry rear out of bed, get dressed and head for the gym which is my regular daily pattern. I do what I am able to do. It may not be my best workout ever, but I give it my best for the day. By the way, I never fail to feel better when I am done than before I started. Again, consistency with fitness is my mantra so I persist with my planned activity despite feeling a bit puny. My ability to bounce back serves me well here.

All of this holds true if you are sidelined from fitness or any part of the non-negotiables that you set in place as you begin your journey after Weight Loss Surgery. Just get those non-negotiables set, adjust them as necessary, and be persistent in going after them. Create the habits that will get you the results you look for.

If my jeans start feeling a bit tight, or my body doesn’t feel up to snuff you can bet it’s time for me to get that CPR going. I know my routine, I know what I expect of myself each day and I can look and see what I have omitted from my routine, where I am not being consistent, and put it right back into place.

CPR saves lives - and Weight Loss Surgery journeys too!

Be Consistent, Persistent, and Resilient