As a bariatric and minimally invasive surgeon, Dr. Sepehr Lalezari, believes the procedures he performs is as much about the lives that are positively affected as it is about the weight loss or surgery itself. For his clinical training, Dr. Lalezari trained throughout the United States, including Florida, New York, California, and at Minnesota’s prestigious Mayo Clinic. Dr. Lalezari is currently practicing minimally invasive bariatric surgery and general surgery in Los Angeles at his practice Lalezari Surgical.

1. Keep your mind and body active

Dr. Lalezari says to get outside and get active at least three times a week for 30 minutes each and gradually increase from there. Keeping your mind active is just as important Dr. Lalezaru recommends picking up a hobby to avoid taking trips to the refrigerator out of boredom.

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2. Stay hydrated

Dr. Lalezari says you should be drinking 64 ounces of water a day and adds that the body senses thirst as hunger. Keeping hydrated helps to curb hunger cravings.

3. Avoid simple sugars

Simple sugars cause spikes in insulin and inturn signals your body to store fat. Simple sugars include things, like candy, smoothies and soda, so it’s even more important to avoid them with meals.

4. Keep a food journal

Documenting your eating habits helps to learn more about how you eat when you eat and how you feel when you eat. Learning more about your habits gives you the power to change them.

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5. Don’t get discouraged

Dr. Lalezari says it’s important to keep in mind that if you’re doing the right things and you’re eating the right food it will just take time. During that time surround yourself with positive energy, the right people, and people that will encourage you.