The decision to opt for weight loss surgery is usually one that comes after years of struggles to shed excess pounds for personal and health reasons that may include diabetes and severe sleep apnea. If this is a step you’ll be taking take time to get yourself mentally prepared for the procedure you’ve decided to undergo. Here are three ways to achieve this goal.

1. Have Realistic Expectations

Just like diet and exercise won’t produce results overnight, neither will weight loss surgery. In fact, accumulated fluid from surgery may briefly result in some extra weight immediately after your procedure. Most patients lose about half of their extra pounds after six months as long as post-surgery recommendations and instructions are followed. However, you may also reach a point where weight loss levels off, but this is normal. Talk to your surgeon to get a better idea of what you can expect with your specific procedure so you don’t set yourself up for failure with unrealistic goals and expectations.

2. Address Emotional Reasons for Eating

Simply having a smaller stomach isn’t going to change your impulse to eat if you have food addiction issues you never identified or dealt with prior to surgery. Use the time you have before your procedure to develop a better understanding of what contributed to your weight gain in the first place. This process may involve working with a therapist or counselor to learn how to develop healthier ways to handle stress and other common emotional eating triggers. Underlying issues with depression can also make it harder to adjust to post-surgery eating restrictions, although positive coping strategies may minimize potential problems with this adjustment period.

3. Choose Motivating Rewards

Instead of being frustrated by what you may no longer be able to eat on a regular basis after weight loss surgery, come up with motivating, non-food rewards you can focus on. For instance, if you are able to stick to your new diet and exercise plan and achieve your initial weight loss goals, you might plan to treat yourself to a trip to a favorite travel spot with friends or family members.

Even a procedure not as invasive such as adjustable gastric band (Lap Band) surgery is likely to have a better outcome when patients have the right mindset ahead of time. If you need some additional help with mental preparations as you get ready for weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor or seek out a support group with individuals going through the same process.