The Boost Mar 2021

Due to COVID-19, bariatric surgery (along with other non-emergency surgeries) continue to be postponed. We are still unsure of when surgeries will recommence but the figures of COVID-19 cases continue to drop, meaning we are moving in the right direction.

We appreciate that the recent lockdown has been difficult, and has potentially placed greater pressure on your eating, which is understandable. We advise keeping in mind what other resources you have available to you at the moment—are there friends/loved ones you can reach out to? Maybe some personal activities, such as mindfulness or reading? Now is the time to be creative and consider trying new things. As ever, keep going with the changes we’ve discussed with you previously and try to keep your focus! 

Service update 

Just to remind everyone, there is a ‘two-appointment then discharge’ policy within our service. This includes groups and Getting On Track Appointments (GOTs).

Bariatric psychology are creating a new psychology clinic. These will be every Wednesday from 14 April. If you want some support with your mental health or eating behaviour, please call 020 3315 3319 and request to be booked into the clinic. Each appointment will be up to 15 minutes and focused on how to we can work together to create a plan to help you moving forward. 

Quote from team

“Progress, not perfection. Consistency, not severity.”

—Anna, Bariatric Dietician

Monthly challenge

From daily journaling to evening prayers, gratitude helps us to take more notice of positive and enjoyable experiences, however big or small, and helps us refocus on what we do have, rather than what we feel we may be missing. Research also shows that being grateful is linked with overall better wellbeing and increased levels of happiness. And, of course, spreading your gratitude and positivity will have a ripple effect to those around you!

Choose any of the following for your gratitude challenge:

  • Write down 3 things that you are grateful for each morning (nothing is too small to be on your gratitude list!)
  • Each evening, write down 3 things that went well that day
  • Send a thank you bu text message or phone call to someone for whom you are grateful 

Recipe to try

Caprese salad

Photo: Simply Home Cooked

Ingredients

  • 5 basil leaves + extra mixture of salad leaves
  • 250g ball mozzarella
  • 6 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Method

  • Chop up the basil, salad mixed leaves, mozzarella and tomatoes
  • Combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and drizzle over the salad
  • Season with plenty of freshly ground black pepper

Optional: Add 2 tbsp of cooked wholegrain rice or bulgur or quinoa or 2 whole grain Ryvita. 

Compassionate corner

Setting boundaries and effectively communicating your needs with others is important—especially now when life is about to get back to normal and more may be asked of you. This is a helpful acronym to consider when interacting with others to help you set boundaries but be understanding and respectful. 

Describe Clearly and concisely describe the facts of the situation, without any judgment. “You have asked me to work late 3 days this week.” 
Express Use ‘I’ statements to express your emotions. “I feel overwhelmed by the extra work I’ve been given.” 
Assert Clearly state what you want or need. Be specific when giving instructions or making requests. “I need to resume my regular 40-hour work week.” 
Reinforce Reward the other person if they respond well to you. Smiling, saying thank you and other kind gestures work well as reinforcement. 
   
Mindfulness Being mindful of your goal means not getting sidetracked or distracted by other issues. “I would like to resolve the overtime issue before talking about the upcoming project.” 
Appear confident Use body language to show confidence, even if you don’t feel it Stand up straight, make appropriate eye contact, speak clearly and avoid fidgeting. 
Negotiate Know the limits of what you are willing to accept, but be willing to compromise within them “I’ll finish the extra work this week, but I won’t be able to manage the same amount of work next week.” 

Inspirational quote

“Allow yourself to be a beginner—no one starts out being excellent.”

Contributors
George Vasilopoulos