There is no “quick fix” when it comes to weight loss. Whether you choose bariatric surgery or a non-surgical weight loss program to help you lose weight and reclaim your health, you must also commit to living a healthy lifestyle.

Achieving your weight loss goals requires dedication, sacrifice and effort. Maintaining a healthy weight requires a lifelong commitment to that healthier lifestyle. Weight loss surgery is a tool that helps hundreds of thousands of people each year, but it is not a magic solution. Anyone who is serious about losing weight must also be serious about living healthy lifestyles.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips to Help Achieve Your Goal

If you are ready to begin your journey, here are some of the lifestyle changes that can help you see progress and achieve success.

Develop a new relationship with food.

Overindulgence is a common precursor to obesity. To lose weight, you must eat less. Weight loss surgery shrinks the size of the stomach, helping the patient consume fewer calories, but even without surgery, a reduction in caloric intake is necessary. Focus on eating smaller, nutrient-dense meals throughout the day and avoiding foods that are high in fat, sugar or carbohydrates.

Commit to regular exercise.

In addition to healthy nutrition, exercise is essential for weight loss and improved health. Routine exercise helps to boost metabolism, lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, improve insulin control, improve depression and increase self esteem. If you are new to exercise, or if you are in a rut with your current exercise program, work with a certified professional fitness trainer who can help you develop an exercise plan that suits your needs, abilities and goals.

Drink plenty of water.

Hydration is also key for successful weight loss. If you suffer from frequent cravings or often feel hungry, it may actually be that your body is craving water. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Doing so will help suppress your appetite so you’ll consume fewer calories. Water also helps flush out toxins that can cause inflammation and weight gain and increases calorie burn.

Adjust your sleep habits.

If you get fewer than six hours of sleep at night, you are depriving your body of rest that is essential for reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Make sleep a priority to help your body burn fat more effectively. Adults should get between six and eight hours of sleep every night.

Losing weight requires a commitment to the hard work of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you would like more information on bariatric surgery as a tool to help you lose weight, contact First Baptist Medical Center today to schedule a consultation with an experienced weight loss surgeon.