5 Day Pouch Test Starts Today!

Greetings Neighbors & Happy First Monday of Summer to you!

After many consecutive days of rain the sun is finally shining and it does seem Summer has arrived. So for me it is the perfect time to refresh and restart. I'm doing the 5 Day Pouch Test in part to test some new recipes, but also to give myself a clean start to summer eating and grilling season. Today started with a protein shake (Atkins Advantage Vanilla Shake blended with 1/4 cup frozen raspberries). I've had coffee and lots of water. My friend Evelyn is joining me this week and you can follow us on my Facebook page as well as in the Neighborhood and in this blog. I'd love to hear from you if you are also doing the 5DPT this week.

In conjunction with the 5DPT I am beginning my 8 week walking program as outlined in our newest publication: Walk Your Way to Fitness (You can link here to buy it in our LivingAfterWLS General Store.) This handy pocket-sized walking guide is full of helpful information that has me inspired to pursue a more formal walking plan. For those who have been sedentary the plan is quite easy to follow with only three 15-minute walks the first week. Following the program you gradually work up to 30 minutes of walking for 6 days a week during week 8. Quoting from Page 3 of this handy guide,

"This program is designed to help you effectively integrate a beneficial walking program into your life. On it, you will gradually increase the number of days you walk per week, beginning with only 15 minutes three times the first week. Then you will increase the number of minutes you walk each session until you reach your goal of 30-60 minutes per day. Walking at least 30 minutes is needed to gain health benefits. If weight loss is one of your goals, you may need to walk at least 60 minutes daily. Log your progress in this book. Logging helps you stay motivated to reach your goals."

I know it seems like a little thing to be excited about having this little walking guide to keep me motivated and accountable. But the longer we continue in our pursuit of healthy living with weight loss surgery the longer we need to seek new motivation, no matter how simple, to keep us fresh and inspired.

Look for the Walk You Way to Fitness Guide & Daily Log under Publications in our store.

Fun Friday in the Neighborhood: Fatherisms

PLAY FUN FRIDAY FATHERISMS

This is the LivingAfterWLS favorite game show where you too could win a fabulous prize simply by sharing and playing, don't be a shy Neighbor, jump right in and play! It's a great way to get to know one another and celebrate our LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood.

Our darling hostess SongBirdDiane is attending to some family matters and will be AWOL for a few weeks -- We wish her well in her busy life -- if you get a chance drop in here on her profile and let her know how much you appreciate her.

In Diane's absence today's Fun Friday question is from Me!

GAME RULES!
1. Must be a registered member of the Neighborhood to play.
2. You may win one prize each month, but you should play each week. Check the Winners list
3. Two fabulous prizes are awarded each week.
4. Neighbors must answer the Fun Friday Question on the forum.
5. Kaye will name the winners on Tuesday June 23th.
6. Winners will need to PM (personal message) their postal address to Kaye to receive their prize. For privacy & safety reasons, PLEASE DO NOT post your address!

PRIZES! : PM miss Kaye if you are the chosen winners!

And Now for the QUESTION:

Sunday is Father's Day!! (If you follow me on Facebook you know that I thought last Sunday was Father's Day and I even cooked Jim a special breakfast before finding out I was off a week!) Anyway, we all have fathers or father figures in our lives. And most father's have some pretty crazy quirks. So today I'm asking you to reveal some of your favorite "FATHERISMS" -- tell us about their quirky sayings or silly mannerisms. And yes, of course you can rat-out the father of your children too!

Link Here and Let's Get Playing!!!

Have a safe and healthy weekend everyone! And remember, there is always something good in the Neighborhood.

Cheers!

Kaye

Legal Worries Over "Obesity Disability"

The American Medical Association says it doesn't want to call obesity a "disability" because doctors may be legally vulnerable to lawsuits under disability laws. Doctors don't want to get sued by overweight patients who are sensitive to discussions of weight. See the Associated Press article below.

I guess my thought is this: instead of worrying about getting sued lets put some energy into figuring out how to help the overweight and obese in a kind and sensitive manner so that we do not feel disabled or discriminated against.

just sayin'!

CHICAGO (AP) — The American Medical Association has taken action to support doctors' ability to discuss obesity with their overweight patients.

Under a new policy adopted Tuesday, the AMA formally opposes efforts by advocacy groups to define obesity as a disability.

Doctors fear using that definition makes them vulnerable under disability laws to lawsuits from obese patients who don't want their doctors to discuss their weight.

Doctors took the action at their annual meeting in Chicago.

In other action Tuesday, the AMA agreed to lobby for legislation to ban selling tobacco in pharmacies.

Health care reform issues are slated to come up later at the meeting, which ends Wednesday.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Look Mom - No Training Wheels!!

Hello Neighbors!

So it's been about 100 years since I last rode a bike. I have to be honest with you -- I never got over the fear of being judged after some mean kids hollered at me one day "Look at the fat pig on the bicycle." Yeah, sticks and stones break bones but words can wound for life. I'm sure many of you endured similar experiences and I'm so sad about that.

So last week I told my husband that I've seriously been thinking about getting a bicycle. While we live way out of town and dirt roads are the rule the LivingAfterWLS office is in the "metropolitan" heart of our tiny community. And There is a wonderful biking/walking trail between the office and the grocery store where I visit the salad bar nearly every day. "How fantastic it would be," I told him, "If I had a bicycle and could ride to the market for my salad?" Jim is not one to spend time on Pro's and Con's and the very next day he surprised my this darling baby blue Huffy with whitewall tires! I am crazy in love! It is simple and sturdy and nothing so complicated as gears and hand brakes. All that's missing now is a pretty basket for going to the market. I do have a helmet, but didn't wear it for this posed picture - so don't worry.

It has been such a joy, a childlike joy, to ride a bike again. I am so happy that I finally screwed up enough courage to take back this pleasure. I'm sad that cruel words from so long ago kept me from doing something so carefree and healthy and fun.

According to my Sports & Recreation Chart I can burn 200 calories in just 30 minutes of cycling! And that's not counting the valleys & hills! I really cannot think of a better statement of "LIVING" than being able to take a break in the workday for a little fitness and fresh air. I bet I have inspiring words to share after a mid-day ride!

For some great bicycle safety tips visit BicycleSafe.com

Shake it Up Baby!

Hello Neighbors!

First of all I'm sending a big thanks to so many of you who have purchased the You Have Arrived Seasoning Blends. The response has been tremendous and we hear from happy customers daily how much they are enjoying these fresh, tasty and healthy seasoning blends. The Seasoning Blends have long been a dream of mine and knowing that others are enjoying them and the improved culinary experience they bring is a true delight to me.

Our blends are free of filler, MSG and phosphates to keep you healthy. Without these ingredients some natural settling will occur, particularly with the Poultry Blend, Signature Blend and Finishing Salt. Be sure to give your jars a vigorous shake or two before using to ensure evenly blended seasoning. Shake it Up Baby -- It Feels Good!

You can now purchase the blends individually in addition to buying the complete set. And we are also offering a 4-ounce refill for when your jars go empty. And the best news -- our Introductory prices are still in place so you can enjoy the blends at an affordable price. (Save $4 on the Seasoning Collection!)

Shop our new Online Store for Seasoning Blends, Soup Mixes & Publications

The You Have Arrived (YHA) Seasoning Blends are hand-mixed in small batches of all natural ingredients specifically formulated to support your healthy diet after surgical weight loss. We know that "Protein First" is the dietary key to weight loss and weight maintenance with surgery. And we promise that well seasoned protein is the first rule of satiation and culinary pleasure of any healthy diet.

The You Have Arrived Blends we offer are:
Signature Blend: The popular You Have Arrived Signature Blend is an aromatic no-sodium mixture of savory, sweet, and citrus flavors including onion, garlic, tomato, citrus, spices, and oils. Use on protein, vegetables, and in sauces and marinades.

Poultry Blend: The You Have Arrived Poultry Seasoning is a light and savory blend of onion, bell peppers, garlic, and a light hint of citrus is a refreshing compliment to poultry. Contains sodium.

Grilling Blend: The You Have Arrived Grilling Blend marries the smoky flavor of paprika with garlic, onion and a hint of cinnamon to nicely compliment grilled vegetables or protein. Use to season homemade barbecue sauce. Contains sodium.

Savory Provence Blend: The You Have Arrived Savory Provence Blend is all herbs with a Mediterranean essence. This sodium-free blend contains rosemary, thyme, savory, lavender, and other herbs. Particularly delicious on fish and in vegetable soups and stews as well as on fresh salads and vegetables.

Finishing Salt: The You Have Arrived Finishing Salt is lightly flavored high quality kosher salt for a finishing touch. Helpful in reducing free-pour sodium intake.


Enjoy!!

Chicken, Cheese & Spinach Manicotti

Hello Everyone!

I know from reading your emails that lots of you get pasta cravings now and again. We know that pasta is a simple carbohydrate with little nutritional value for the space it takes up in our tiny gastric pouches. But we also know that cravings are powerful things. Last week I tried this manicotti recipe from Kraft Foods. While not on the top of the "Protein First" recipe chart it does go along way for providing protein, nutrients and comforting carbs in the form of pasta. Unlike spaghetti or macaroni, manicotti is a controlled portion of pasta so it rates better in my book as a "for emergencies" indulgence. I'm sharing this recipe exactly as it is published on Kraft Foods. I suggest for WLSers one manicotti is plenty.

Chicken, Cheese & Spinach Manicotti

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 1 hr 5 min
Makes: 5 servings, two stuffed shells each

What You Need!
1-1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken breasts
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 egg whites
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1 container (16 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S FREE or KNUDSEN FREE Fat Free Cottage Cheese
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
10 manicotti shells, cooked, drained
1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Make It!
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Combine chicken and garlic in large bowl. Add egg whites, spinach, cottage cheese and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Spoon evenly into manicotti shells.

PLACE in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with spaghetti sauce.

BAKE 25 to 30 min. or until heated through. Top with the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese; bake an additional 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with basil.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Make Ahead: Assemble recipe as directed; cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours. When ready to bake, uncover and bake 35 to 40 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and continue as directed.
Substitute: Substitute fresh parsley for the basil.

Day 6 after the 5 Day Pouch Test

Good Morning Neighbors! Once in a while there comes a post in the Neighborhood that makes me do the Happy Dance (literally) and this is one of them. Our new Neighbor and friend Beverley, who arrived way back in 2000, just finished the 5 Day Pouch Test. Here is what she has to say about her results and her enthusiasm to move forward. Go ahead and join me in doing the Happy Dance! And Way to Go Beverley!!!

Read the entire conversation in the Neighborhood


Wow Day 6 I've lost 6.5 lbs I'M still totally PUMPED over the new lease on life I have found. I'm surprised at how quickly these 5 days (5 Day Pouch Test) have gone by and how easy I found it.

5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual

What Changes I have made in the last 5 days (and still working on).-I now write down everything that passes my lips, no more mindless eating... that leads to snacking and grazing.-I am jotting down how I feel, what my trigger emotions are... what my trigger foods are.
-I've become aware of Slider Foods, always wondered why some foods just go down so easy and can go down in
mega portions ("Up-size that please" no more of that!!) I now consider "Slider Foods" an ex lover, MY NEW LOVER IS PROTEIN.
-Work my tool (that almost sounds dirty), recognize how my pouch feels, I'm looking for a slight fullness now. I was one of those kids that were told to "clean your plate"... I'm an adult now and I'm in control of my intake so "push it away and throw it in the garbage" I give myself permission to do this!!

-Smaller bites and chew, chew, chew, be mind full of the amount I put in my mouth and chew till mush, that sounds gross to someone who is 9 yrs out BUT if that's what it takes mush it is!! Huh...old dogs can learn new tricks!!

The big one THE 4 RULES
- Follow the 30-/-30
- 64 oz water at least
- Protein, Protein, Protein, Protein
- Back to exercising
-I've broke the CarbMonster cycle I'm in control of that CarbMonster, but most of all over my pouch. I will make this tool work for me again! I am in control. Yahooooo
- Planning my meals ahead of time weighing and measuring my food no more eyeballing it, my eyes are waaay bigger than my pouch.. 2 eyes, 1 pouch.. hmmmmm.
- I will begin to WEIGH DAILY. Ignorance is bliss, but not when your NOT watching - and the # on scales creep up... Last week I was opposed to getting on the scale daily.

All this in 5 days WOW, this is a big deal for me. I was aware of most of these things for about 10 mins after my WLS. I'm sure as I continue I will have lots more to add to this list... but for now this is what I am focusing on.

** THANK YOU all so much for your support and encouragement and most of all to my buddy girly, we did it


Day 6 and Going Forward!! Come join us Girly and Dee are joining me in this- Day 6 and Going Forward journey. - you are welcome to join at any time at whatever stage of the 5DPT you are in.

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit, so my plan is to stay on the 6th day of this plan on till the 22nd of this month, this will make it a full 21 days of proper eating...breaking old habits and creating new ones. In this time frame if I fall off the wagon I will go back to day 1&2. I love the soups anyways. 21 days to break a habit is my short term goal.... life/forever is my Day 6 long term goal. Hey girls, we've already got 6-7 days in so thats just 14-15 more to go, we can do it!!

I see there's lots of good recipes for day 6 food, and I understand the 2b/1b and will work on that, as well as continuing what I've been doing last 5 Days. eg 30-0-30.

LivingAfterWLS Online Recipe Collection

I plan to discover what Low-Glycemic fruits and vegs are good for me... Lord knows I have enough diet books this should be fairly easy ( there's the net as well)*" I have the tools and I will use them."*

The Neighborhood Cookbook

I have never had a real structured time to eat my meals before .... I'm thinking this is something worth changing in this 21 Days eg. eating every 2-3 hrs not just when I'm hungry *"if you fail to plan, be prepaired to fail" * I will concentrate on making changes on my bad habits like eating to fast and not chewing my food enough.I plan to continue to post my food and H2o intake daily because it keeps me accountable. I'm thinking 1000 cal a day and 100g protein. Any suggestions here... too many cal, too much protein ?????

I am wondering if there are any other tips for day 6 and onward? I know this question has been asked soooo many times before... but hey this is my first time to ask !!!!!

Secrets of Day 6 & Beyond -- Neighborhood Conversation

21 days to break a habit is my short term goal- life is my long term goal. When I first had my surgery not one grain of sugar passed these lips, It was years ago but I remember it like it was Yesterday. I had surgery in Jan and the following Dec I was at a party *looking fine* and there was a tray of sweets being passed and around... I indulged. That was it for me!
That was the past and I CAN DO THIS AGAIN, RIGHT NOW and SUCCEED!!!

I have found some Motto's on various posts that I'm using... more tools ....if they were yours... thank you.

*"food is my fuel, not my friend"* *"if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail"* *" I have the tools and I will use them."*

LivingAfterWLS General Store Online - Free Gifts with Order

LivingAfterWLS General Store

Hey Neighbors --- As you know we have been working on the LivingAfterWLS online store for a loooooooonnnnnggggg time. A long long time. It isn't fancy and I'm not sure it is working all that great yet. So I'm bringing it live for the Neighbors to give it a test and let me know how it works for you. It is very basic -- no music, no pop-ups, now flash or sass. Just a list of our products and simple check-out process.

AND -- Any orders placed between now and Midnight June 10th will receive free gifts from me!! The first gift is our newest product, the Walk Your Way to Fitness Guide. This 36-page pocket size guide and daily log includes tips for feeling good by adding exercise to your life. A useful tool in your LivingAfterWLS healthy lifestyle (I use this tool myself). A $4.35 Value. In addition, all orders will receive a 1-ounce sample of our forthcoming seasoning blend, "You Have Arrived Italian Blend" complete with recipe.

Our popular publications, The 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual and The Neighborhood Cookbook are available in the store and both come with FREE gifts!

Soup Blends and Seasoning packages are offered too and listed at the low introductory prices during this test phase!! We have opened our blends & soups to International shipping as well.

No incremental shipping & handling charges -- all orders ship for one low flat rate!
US Orders - $6.95 Shipping & Handling
International Orders - $15.95 Shipping & Handling


So act now and please give me feedback on this thread in the Neighborhood regarding your shopping experience. Here is the link to the store:

LivingAfterWLS General Store


Thanks for helping me test this new resource that, if all goes well, will make it easier for our friends and Neighbors to find the products they need to live their best after WLS.

THANKS,
Kaye

The Neighborhood Cookbook

Hello Neighbors!

Last week, on the same day, I received two emails. The first asked, "This Neighborhood Cookbook: Does it have recipes my family can eat?" and the second email exclaimed, "Thank you for the Neighborhood Cookbook! I use it all the time to cook for my family and they don't know they are eating WLS food, they love the recipes."

I use The Neighborhood Cookbook a lot and I'm biased - it is a great resource. I also have the good fortune to cook for a husband, and occasionally our extended family, all of whom are good eaters with few requirements or complaints. So to read that others are using the Neighborhood Cookbook as an effective tool in their long-term commitment to healthy eating with weight loss surgery is a tremendous compliment and a testament to this community collection of recipes. The cookbook is now in it's 3rd printing with over 2,000 books having shipped to every state in the Union and internationally as well.

Learn more about The Neighborhood Cookbook

This last weekend I put together a summer picnic menu from the Neighborhood Cookbook. You won't find potato salad or German chocolate cake, but you will find a nutritionally balanced meal the whole family can enjoy. Take a look:

Appetizer: Deluxe Deviled Eggs (page 28)
Main Dish: Chicken with Plum Barbecue Sauce (page 109)
Salad: 3 Bean Salad (page 59) or Dutch Cucumber Salad (page 67)
Side or Snack: Dill Pickle Snack (page 40)
Dessert: Raspberry Cream Tarts (page 162) or Summer Fruit Tart (page 166)

This menu served 8 people including four hungry teenagers. Nobody asked for chips, crackers, potatoes, pasta or even ice cream. Everyone left happy and satiated. It is possible to feed our families and friends well without cooking a completely different meal for them than what we fix for ourselves. And healthy mindful cooking takes us one step closer to keeping the next generation out of the surgical weight loss operating room.

In addition to our beautifully presented spiral bound Neighborhood Cookbook you can get recipes at the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen and in the Neighborhood Community Kitchen.

CHEERS!

Oven Fried Coconut Chicken

This is a crispy delight with the unexpected flavor of coconut. The recipe calls for ground pork rinds. If you are sensitive to MSG be certain to check the label for that ingredient. You may substitute 1/4 cup ground flaxmeal and 1/2 cup ground whole wheat crackers for the pork rinds. We enjoyed this served with fresh wilted greens.

Ingredients:
2 1/2-3 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs and drumsticks) skin removed.
1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
3/4 cup finely crushed pork rinds (about 1 1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup butter or margarine melted

Directions:
Remove skin from chicken. In a shallow dish stir together coconut and pork rinds. Brush chicken with melted butter; sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Dip into coconut mixture to coat, pressing mixture on the chicken pieces.

In a 15x10x1-inch baking pan arrange chicken pieces, bone sides down, so the pieces aren't touching. Drizzle any remaining melted butter over chicken.

Bake in a preheated 375(F) oven for 45-55 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink (170F for breasts; 180F for thighs and drumsticks). Do not turn chicken pieces while baking.

Kaye's note: We tested this recipe using 1/2 cup of coconut milk for dipping the chicken instead of the butter. This gave us good results. We also tried spraying the chicken with an oil mister and found the coconut coating did not adhere well to the meat during cooking.

Serves 4. Per serving: 318 calories, 29 grams protein, 21 grams fat (12 saturated) and 2 grams carbohydrate.

Long Time, No See! I'm here -- Really I am!

Hey Blogging Neighbors! Long time no see - I have missed you guys! I never realized just how busy we are, as a family, between middle April through the end of May. We had four local birthdays, Jim and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary, one high school graduation, one high school graduation party, Memorial Day and Puppy Charvie's 1-year birthday! All within six weeks. And to make things even more thrilling LivingAfterWLS introduced two new products that were wonderfully received and we scrambled to keep up with orders! Talk about a wonderful crazy life!! And I wouldn't change a thing except for maybe adding a few more hours in the day so I could keep better in touch with everyone here!

So how are you doing?

Over in the Neighborhood we've welcomed quite a few new Neighbors -- Drop in and say Hello on the Introductions board. And many many more have joined us for support and friendship in the 5 Day Pouch Test. Have you taken control of your pouch lately? Let us know! Others, our true and steady veterans, have done a brilliant (Hi Kim) job of answering questions, lending support and comfort, and taking care of one another. Thanks everyone.

Today is Fun Friday in the Neighborhood -- this week we are answering quick and fun survey questions from Jane. Get on over and play -- there are fabulous prizes to be won!!

So I hope on this Friday afternoon my little post finds you happy and well. I think we have finally cleared the hurdle of hectic living and can languish in all the wonderment of summer (Yeah! Right). But whatever the coming days bring I hope to see you more often here. I have lots of fresh and helpful information to share and I know you all have lots to teach me.

Have a great weekend my friends!