Are "Standards" the New Goals after Surgery?

Article By: Whittany Gibson, RDN

Whittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in bariatric nutrition counseling, and owner of Level Up Bariatrics, LLC, a bariatric lifestyle coaching program that provides pre and post-op support for weight loss surgery patients. Learn more on Instagram (@level_up_bariatrics).

Are you someone who has struggled with setting and achieving goals in the past? If so, you may find that setting standards instead can be a game-changer. After WLS, you’ve dedicated your time and efforts to changing your whole lifestyle, and goals are generally a part of the whole process. But sometimes, things just don’t align. Introducing... Standards!

Standards are specific guidelines that you set for yourself that serve as a benchmark for your success. They are more flexible than goals, and they allow you to celebrate progress instead of perfection. If you are someone who has undergone WLS, you may find that setting standards is a particularly helpful approach. In this blog post, we will explain why standards are the new goals and how you can set standards that will lead to long-lasting success.

1) Understanding the difference between standards and goals. Before we dive into how to set standards, let's first explore the difference between standards and goals. Goals are specific targets that you set for yourself, such as "losing 10 pounds in a month." While goals can be helpful, they are often rigid and can lead to feelings of failure if they are not met. Standards, on the other hand, are more broad and flexible. They are specific guidelines that serve as a benchmark for your success. For example, a standard could be "eating a balanced breakfast every morning" or "exercising for at least 30 minutes daily." Standards allow adaptation and adjustment as needed, making them a more sustainable approach. Who’s in?!

2) The benefits of setting standards. So, why should you consider setting standards for yourself? First, standards allow you to celebrate progress along the way. Instead of only celebrating when you meet a specific goal, you can feel proud of yourself each time you make progress towards your standard. Additionally, setting standards allows you to focus on the process rather than the outcome. By prioritizing healthy habits and behaviors, you are more likely to achieve long-lasting success instead of just a short-term goal.

3) How to set effective standards. When setting standards for yourself, it's important to make them specific and achievable. Aim to set standards that align with your overall health goals, such as eating balanced meals and getting regular exercise. Don't make your standards too strict or rigid as this can lead to feelings of failure if you don't meet them. Instead, focus on progress and celebrate each step towards achieving your standards.

4) Examples of standards for post-bariatric surgery patients. As someone who has undergone weight loss surgery, you may find that setting standards is a particularly helpful approach. Some examples of standards you could set for yourself include:

• Drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day
• Eating at least 60 grams of protein each day
• Getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night
• Walking for at least 30 minutes each day
• Dining out no more than 2x per week
• Meditating at least 10 minutes each day

5) Celebrating progress towards your standards. Finally, it's important to celebrate progress towards your standards. Each time you make a healthy choice or meet one of your standards, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and committed to your healthy habits long-term.

Setting standards instead of goals is a powerful approach that can lead to sustained success in your weight loss journey. By prioritizing healthy habits and behaviors, you can achieve long-term results and celebrate progress along the way. Remember, standards are adaptable and flexible, so don't be too hard on yourself if you fall off track. Instead, focus on progress and celebrate each positive step towards achieving your standards. Whether you have undergone weight loss surgery or are simply looking to improve your overall health, setting standards is a meaningful step toward achieving your goals.

BariMelts provides general recommendations, not to be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor.