As we approach the end of another year, it’s natural to reflect on the goals we set back in January. Maybe you started the year with big dreams of getting healthier, losing weight, and making 2024 your best year yet. You might have been full of hope, armed with a list of New Year’s resolutions, ready to finally take control of your health and wellbeing. And yet, life has a way of getting in the way. For many of us, by the time Quitters Day—the second Friday in January—rolls around, those grand plans start to lose steam. 

But here’s the truth: it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. 

Understanding the Importance of Finishing Strong

Finishing strong is a crucial aspect of achieving success in any endeavor. It’s not just about how you start, but how you persevere and push through to the very end. When you finish strong, you demonstrate resilience, discipline, and a commitment to your goals that can have a profound impact on your overall success. 

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the ability to finish strong is more important than ever. Whether you’re working towards a personal goal, striving for success in your career, or aiming to improve your physical or mental well-being, the way you finish can make all the difference. Finishing strong not only helps you achieve your immediate objectives but also sets you up for long-term success and growth. 

Want to develop the mindset and strategies necessary to push through challenges, overcome obstacles, and ultimately reach your full potential? Our Project Reset program offers a powerful source of motivation and resilience training through cognitive behavioral therapy strategies by Bariatric Therapist, Lora Grabow, that can propel you forward in incredible ways. 

The Last Quarter is Your Opportunity to Shine 

We’re entering the final quarter of the year, and now is the perfect time to reset and finish stronger than you started. You still have time to make 2024 the year you changed everything. If one of your big goals has been to lose weight and get healthy, and you’ve been considering bariatric surgery, now is the time to make a plan and take action. Bariatric surgery is more than a tool for weight loss—it’s an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to reclaim your health and transform your future. 

Why Wait for January: A New Plan for a New Year 

This year, instead of letting the momentum slip in the final months, use this time to prepare for a better year ahead. Imagine walking into 2025 with a plan already in motion. Whether it’s exploring bariatric surgery or another health-focused strategy, the key is to start now, not later. Research your options, schedule a VIRTUAL consultation with our team, and make a plan that aligns with your health goals. When you take those first steps now, you give yourself the gift of entering the new year with hope, strength, and confidence. 

Bariatric Surgery: A Powerful Tool for Change 

Bariatric surgery has helped countless people achieve their health goals when other methods have failed. It’s not a magic fix, but it is a proven tool that can make weight loss more manageable, especially for those struggling with obesity-related health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or joint pain. By combining surgery with lifestyle changes, like healthier eating and increased activity, many people see life-changing results. 

If you’ve been on the fence about seeking surgery, think about how starting your journey now sets you up for success. By the time January arrives, you’ll have already done the groundwork, and you’ll be ready to hit the ground running—no more waiting, no more delays. You’ll be on track to make 2025 the year you crush your health goals. 

The Benefits of Finishing 2024 Strong 

Let’s finish the year stronger than you started it to achieve your goals. Finishing 2024 strong by starting the process for bariatric surgery NOW comes with several key benefits: 

1. Maximize Insurance Benefits
   • One of the biggest advantages of starting now is taking full advantage of your insurance benefits. Many people have already met their deductible or are close to doing so by this time of year. This means that undergoing bariatric surgery before the calendar year ends could result in significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, as insurance may cover more of the procedure. Waiting until January could reset those deductibles, leading to higher expenses.
   • At BodyByBariatrics, we offer a FREE benefit verification and send you information on your estimated out-of-pocket expense. Click here to see if you have insurance coverage for Bariatric Surgery!  

2. Start 2025 Healthier
   • Rather than waiting for the new year to make changes, you can start 2025 in a completely different mindset and physical state. By having bariatric surgery in 2024, you give yourself the gift of walking into the new year with renewed energy, motivation, and progress already underway. Imagine starting January with weight loss already happening, health improvements in motion, and a new chapter ahead of you. 

3. Avoid the New Year Rush
   • Hospitals, surgery centers, our clinic, and insurance companies often experience a rush of patients in January due to new resolutions, insurance resets, and increased demand. By beginning the process now, you avoid long wait times for consultations, approvals, and surgery dates. You’ll have better access to scheduling options and can move forward with less stress. 

4. Leverage Holiday Time Off for Recovery
   • Many people have built-in holiday time off in November and December, making it an ideal period to undergo surgery and recover without needing additional time off from work. By utilizing the holiday break, you can manage your recovery more comfortably and without disrupting your professional life. 

5. Improve Your Health Before the Holidays
   • The holiday season is often a time when unhealthy eating habits and weight gain are common. By starting the bariatric surgery process now, you can head into the holidays with a different mindset and goals. The surgery will help you control portion sizes and make healthier food choices, allowing you to enjoy the season without the usual stress of overindulgence and weight gain. 

6. Take Advantage of Year-End Flex Spending Accounts
   • If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), those funds often need to be used by the end of the year. Bariatric surgery is a qualified medical expense, and starting now means you can use those pre-tax dollars to cover the costs, maximizing your financial benefits before they expire. 

7. Get Ahead of Your Weight Loss Journey
   • Bariatric surgery is the start of a long-term weight loss journey, not just a one-time fix. By having surgery before 2024 ends, you’re getting a head start on your weight loss and health improvement. You’ll likely start seeing the benefits of the surgery—such as reduced blood pressure, better diabetes control, improved mobility, and decreased risk of obesity-related conditions—sooner. Starting in 2025 healthier means you’ll have more energy, focus, and optimism to pursue other life goals. 

8. Reduce Anxiety About Health Conditions
   • If you’ve been considering bariatric surgery due to weight-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea, starting now means you can begin to reverse or improve these conditions sooner. The sooner you undergo surgery, the sooner you can start reducing the risk of serious complications associated with these chronic diseases. 

9. Set a Strong Example for Your Loved Ones
   • Making the decision to undergo bariatric surgery before the end of the year shows a powerful commitment to your health and well-being. It can serve as a source of inspiration to family members or friends who may be facing their own health challenges. By finishing the year strong, you’re sending a message of resilience and determination, showing that it’s never too late to prioritize your health. 

10. Emotional and Psychological Boost
    • Taking decisive action to prioritize your health before the year ends can give you a psychological boost. Knowing you’ve made a concrete plan and taken steps toward improving your life can reduce anxiety and increase motivation. You’ll head into 2025 not just with hope, but with tangible progress already made. 

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives 

One of the key elements to finishing strong is setting clear goals and objectives. Without a clear roadmap, it can be difficult to stay focused and motivated throughout the journey. When you have a well-defined destination in mind, you can better allocate your resources, prioritize your tasks, and measure your progress along the way. 

When setting your goals, it’s important to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This ensures that your goals are not only ambitious but also realistic and actionable. By breaking down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable milestones, you can create a sense of progress and momentum that will fuel your motivation to keep pushing forward. 

Staying Motivated and Focused 

Maintaining motivation and focus is crucial when it comes to finishing strong. The journey towards your goals can be long and arduous, and there will inevitably be moments where your enthusiasm and determination start to wane. It’s during these times that your ability to stay motivated and focused can make all the difference. 

One effective strategy for sustaining motivation is to regularly revisit and reconnect with your “why” – the deeper purpose and meaning behind your goals. When you remind yourself of the underlying reasons for your pursuit, it can reignite your passion and drive, helping you push through even the most challenging obstacles. Additionally, celebrating small wins and milestones along the way can provide a sense of progress and encouragement, further fueling your motivation to keep going. 

Finish 2024 Strong, Start 2025 Even Stronger 

Finishing the year strong is about embracing the fact that it’s not too late. It’s about realizing that while New Year’s resolutions are a great start, the real power lies in what we do when the excitement fades. You have the strength to finish 2024 better than you began, and by taking steps toward bariatric surgery or other health initiatives, you’re positioning yourself to start 2025 with a powerful head start. 

Don’t wait for another January to roll around. Finish this year strong by taking action today. You deserve to enter 2025 with hope, health, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Ready to get started? Fill out this brief form, so we can best assist you: https://bodybybariatrics.boostpatients.com/request-consult 

Listen to our DoctorXDietitian podcast with Dr. Betsy Dovec and Hannah Schuyler, RD. 2024 can still be your best year yet!  

XOXO,
BodyByBariatrics

*BodyByBariatrics blog does not replace medical advice. Seek the help of your healthcare professional if you have questions related to your condition. We strive for patients to achieve healthier, happier, longer lives through weight loss surgery.