Tips for Success:
Increasing your activity level – Make a plan

Give yourself an edge by creating a physical activity plan that focuses on one or more activities that you will do for the love of the activity itself.

We all know how common it is to start an exercise plan with the best of intentions – and end up giving up on the plan. It is so important to remember how your weight loss journey will be different this time. With the assistance of your weight loss surgery, it will be easier to manage your portion sizes and true hunger.

You can even handle the "head hunger" or cravings in healthier ways. Give yourself another edge by creating a physical activity plan that focuses on one or more activities that you will do for the love of the activity itself – not just some routine you have to drag yourself through because you know you should.

Start wherever you are

Start wherever you are in terms of ability to move. Select a physical activity that is appropriate for your level of physical ability at the moment. For example, if you move about on a scooter or in a wheelchair, then have your surgeon, primary care physician, exercise physiologist, physical trainer or physical therapist make specific recommendations for activities that are safe and doable for you.

If you currently are someone who can move about freely, or even someone who is already exercising regularly, then you also should discuss with your healthcare provider what, if any, restrictions or recommendations they have for you.

Use activities that you absolutely love!

Just for a moment, try to forget about how you could ever do this physically, how you will get there, what you might look like doing it, how much it might cost, who you might do it with or where, or any other barrier your imagination might throw at you.

Just for a moment, imagine physical activity that you love. What did you love to do as a child? What do you like to watch others do? Do you have favorite sports or sports heroes? If there were no limits at all, what would you love to try? Start here, and then begin to work on a plan to eliminate barriers to this. Be creative! Maybe you would stick to physical activity if it were something as fun as dancing, swimming, and a team sport or even walking to your favourite fun spot.

Set realistic goals

Realistic goals include a clear statement of the goal, a measurable set of action steps and a specific time by which they will be accomplished. For example, a goal of finishing a local fundraiser 5km walk could be stated like this: Goal – This year, I will finish the holiday 5km Walk. Action Steps – Beginning today, I will walk at least one kilometre 1-2 times per week. I will then increase my distance by 20% a week and walk 2-4 times a week to be comfortably able to do the 5km at least two weeks prior to the big day. Start where you are, have fun, and build to longer term goals as you go!

Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, weight loss or exercise program. Be sure to follow their recommendations. Information contained on this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Specific medical advice should only be obtained from a licensed healthcare practitioner.