Did you resolve to lose weight this year? Not only is it the most common New Year's resolution, but it's also said to be the most difficult to achieve. Good intentions often find their way back to bad habits. Heck, let's face facts: Losing weight is hard and with all of life's other demands, it's easy to sweep this one back under the bed. But even if you do find a way to stick with it, what happens when your efforts result in minimal return? 

Overcoming the Plateau

Losing weight in the first few weeks of a diet and exercise program can be gratifying, but when everything seems to slow down, it's easy to become discouraged. Truth be told, those last few pounds are the hardest to lose—no joke. If you've ever hit what experts call the weight-loss plateau, you know exactly what I'm talking about. But before you give up hope, here are a few tips that can help you make your weight-loss goals:  

• Because your body adapts to your new food and exercise routine, continuing both at the same level will maintain your new weight. Ramp up the exercise to see added benefits.
• You've made lots of improvements in your eating habits. Now take the time to carefully assess where you can cut out what could be sabotaging your efforts (ie, the daily pat of butter on your toast or that cookie you've been combining with your afternoon coffee).
• Alcohol is calorie-laden. Try cutting back or eliminating it for optimum weight-loss results.
• Fiber, sodium, and fat content: regulate and adjust these while also opting to eat slower, chew longer and substitute smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. 
• If you've tried everything else and still have those last few stubborn pounds to lose, let's face it, liposuction may be the answer. My recommendation? Do your liposuction research, find a great doctor, and finally get your silhouette in the shape you've always wanted!

Choosing a Liposuction Surgeon

Choosing a liposuction surgeon who is well trained, skilled and ethical requires careful attention. A surgeon's reputation for good liposuction results, happy patients, and ethical standards are most important. Not every cosmetic surgeon is well trained and experienced in doing liposuction. The best facelift surgeon or the best breast surgeon might have limited skills as a liposuction surgeon. Ask others about the surgeon's reputation. Ask doctors, former patients, and friends who might known about the surgeon's reputation.