New Calendar, New Chapter: Your Bariatric Story Continues
The first sunrise of January always feels different, doesn’t it? There’s something about watching that morning light peek through your window, promising new beginnings. For those of us on the bariatric journey, this dawn carries extra weight – literally and figuratively.
Many of us on this journey have experienced that moment of profound realization. You catch your reflection in a window or see a recent photo, and for a split second, you barely recognize yourself. It’s not just about watching the numbers on the scale drop – it’s about the person in the mirror becoming someone new, inside and out. Your body transforms, but your mind needs time to catch up with this new reality.
The Holiday Season
The holiday season behind us tested our resolve in ways only someone on this path could understand. Remember those family gatherings? The well-meaning aunt pushing her famous pie, the uncomfortable conversations about your “dramatic change,” the internal struggle as old comfort food habits whispered temptations. But here you are, stepping into January, ready to write the next chapter of your story.
Think of your journey as a dance – your body and mind moving in rhythm, sometimes stumbling, but always moving forward. Some days, your body takes the lead, celebrating new milestones: a flight of stairs climbed without breathlessness, a seat belt that fastens with room to spare. On other days, your mind choreographs the steps, processing changes that run more profound than any measuring tape can reach.
The New Year
January brings us a fresh playlist for this dance. Instead of just counting calories, we’re counting moments of self-discovery. Maria, another member of our bariatric family, started a beautiful tradition. Every morning, she takes five minutes to check in with herself – not in front of a mirror or on a scale, but in the quiet of her mind. “How am I feeling today? What do I need?” These simple questions become anchors in the swirling seas of change.
The journey can feel lonely, but look around. See that person in your support group who nods knowingly when you speak? They get it. That friend who cleared their pantry before your visit? They’re dancing with you. The therapist who specializes in bariatric care? They’re your dance instructor, helping you master new steps when the rhythm feels foreign.
When emotions run high and old habits beckon – and they will – remember you have an emergency kit of new moves. Take three deep breaths, like drawing arrows in your mind pointing toward calm. Text your support buddy. Step outside and let your feet carry you around the block, each step grounding you in the present moment.
Your Story Is Written
Your story is written in big and small moments as the year unfolds. January might find you establishing a morning routine that feels like a warm hug. By February, you’re getting better at reading your emotional weather patterns. March brings new ways to handle stress that don’t involve food, and April sees your support circle growing stronger.
Conclusion
Remember, every character in a story faces challenges – that’s what makes their journey worth reading. Your feelings, all of them, are valid chapters in your book. Some days, you’ll feel like the hero, others like you’re still finding your way. Both are perfectly okay.
As the sun sets on another day of your journey, know that somewhere, another member of our bariatric family is watching the same sky, sharing similar hopes, facing similar fears. We’re all writing our stories, one day at a time, and every new sunrise brings a fresh page to fill.
Your transformation is more than a before-and-after photo – it’s a story of mind and body learning to speak the same language. And, like all good stories, it doesn’t end with surgery or a number on a scale. It continues with every choice, every small victory, every moment you choose to be gentle with yourself.
Welcome to your next chapter. The pen is in your hand.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment plan.
Dr. Matthew Meyers, LPCC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor specializing in bariatric mental health evaluations, serving clients across 10 states, including his home state of California. With extensive experience in mental health, he provides compassionate and comprehensive assessments to support individuals preparing for weight-loss surgery
