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Making 2021 New Year’s resolutions

December 23, 2020

Are you ready to make your goals and resolutions for the new year? 2021 is almost here, and we’re all hoping for a better year than 2020. Many people were forced to switch up their exercise routines and struggled to stay focused on their health and wellness goals. You may want to refocus on your health goals in 2021. Only an estimated 8% of individuals accomplish the resolutions and goals they set for themselves at the start of the year. We have some tips to help you make attainable New Year’s resolutions.

Triggers and bad habits

Before you finalize your resolution, list out what you believe to be your bad habits and your triggers. What triggers you to skip workouts or overeat? Be thorough and be tough on yourself. Then, target these behaviors with the resolutions you make. This may mean giving things up. However, targeting these behaviors will help you find success.

Be realistic

If you want to make a weight-loss resolution, be realistic about it. Together with your doctor, come up with a realistic and safe weight-loss goal. Don’t make unreasonable weight-loss goals. It will set you up for failure. Give yourself plenty of time to achieve your resolution. Small steps go a long way. Work on smaller goals that will contribute to the larger, long-term goal. 

Do what you love

If you are resolving to lose weight and exercise more in 2021, find a way to make the process something you enjoy. For instance, if you want to exercise more, find an activity you love. Don’t make a resolution to start running if you hate running. Resolve to try some new activities to find what you enjoy doing. Maybe it’s kickboxing or maybe it’s yoga. Experiment! The same goes for food. There are plenty of superfoods out there that may not be your cup of tea. If you hate spinach, try another leafy green. Make accommodations to find what works best for you!

Be specific

Your resolutions should be specific and measurable. Whenever possible, add a timeline or number to your resolution. For instance:

  • I will exercise 3 times per week
  • I will lose 30 pounds by the end of the year
  • I will eat vegetables with at least one meal per day

Making goals specific—and less ambiguous—makes them easier to measure and follow, and it will help you avoid bending the rules.

Give yourself time

Achieving your resolution requires the time and space to work at it. Schedule time to work on your resolution, and check in on your progress regularly. Maybe you do a weekly weigh-in, or maybe every month you review your food journal to look for patterns and changes. Consistency is key in reaching your goal. For more weight-loss advice, see our other blogs.

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age), patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor.