Rev Yourself Up for Change
(2)"Any small change you make prior to surgery is a great step toward your goals," says Donna Rivera, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Brooklyn, New York, who specializes in treating weight loss surgery patients. Even before you start your liquid presurgery diet, focus on breaking one or two habits, such as drinking soda (even diet) or eating at night. Your greater sense of control will inspire more change. Turn current frustrations into positive motivation: If you get breathless after a flight of stairs, think, "Soon I won't feel this way." Create a mantra for yourself, like "Stronger, Faster, Thinner," and repeat it to yourself when you hit rough spots.
