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New Jersey into a Network of Weight Loss Support – Mdslim

Using Your LifelinesTurning New Jersey into a network of weight loss support during your medical weight loss program
The notion of using your lifelines was made famous by the many trivia style game shows on television. The contestant might be sitting in an auditorium working their way up to being a “millionaire” or driving around in a taxi, but one thing remains pretty constant across these shows—the contestant isn’t expected to do it all on their own. They can phone a friend or ask a complete stranger on the side of the road for some support. The kindness of a stranger or the wisdom of a good friend can keep them on track to continue working towards their goal—the grand prize.

When you are trying to lose weight with medical weight loss programs, you aren’t expected to do it on your own either. Unfortunately, asking for a bit of weight loss support might not be as simple as asking someone a trivia question. Friends might be struggling with their own weight loss endeavors, or might not know how to be supportive of your needs. When you decide it is time to use a lifeline, you need to know who you are going to turn to and what you are going to ask of them. When your expectations for support are clear, you’ll be better able to communicate those expectations with those who are willing to help you.

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” – Jane Howard

Everyone needs support from time to time, and most of us have people who are willing to be supportive when we need them. Sometimes, the problem isn’t finding someone to be supportive; knowing how to approach an existing support network is difficult, too. Your friends and family know you, but they can’t read your mind. When you are in need of a helping hand, you need to say so.

Here are a few things to think about when talking with members of your medical weight loss support network:

  • Diagnose your weakness: What is the biggest aspect of your medical weight loss program that you are having trouble with? Is it the diet plan, the exercise requirement or something else? If you are having trouble meeting your fitness goals, talk to your spouse or neighbor about walking with you daily. If it is the diet you are struggling with, ask your friends to help keep you accountable.
  • Let your friends know what words work: Everyone has certain pet peeves that make them cringe. Hearing little phrases like, “oh, can you eat that?” could set you back, not keep you on track. Tell your friends what words work to motivate you, and what will only frustrate you.
  • Thank them for being there: If you are grateful to your friends for changing their weekly lunch routine into a walk at the park, let them know. Letting your support network know what has worked and what has not can help them to be more supportive in the future.

Medical weight loss is hard to take-on by yourself. If you aren’t sure how to talk to your existing support network, or feel that your network of friends might not be the type of support you are looking for, consider joining a weight loss support group.