5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin: FAQ's & More

Greetings Neighbors!

As we are about to turn the page on another month in 2011 it seems like a good time to review the basics of the 5 Day Pouch Test and address some of the questions we are asked by people, just like you, who want to do their best with weight loss surgery using the 5DPT as one of their tools. The summer brings an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables which can play a delicious role in our healthy weight loss surgery diet. And most of us are prone to increased water intake during hotter weather and more physical activity as we enjoy the longer days of summer. As we recover from obesity many of us note enjoying the activities of summer as one of the great thrills that come with weight loss. I hope you have found this to be true for you.

One way to get the most enjoyment out of the summer season, and any season, is to take a few moments to review the basics that keep us on track with weight loss surgery. Nothing will bring the good times to a halt faster than feeling discouraged or disappointed with our surgery and our health. If we take a few moments to review the basics and make a few adjustments we can stay on track while enjoying the good life we dreamed of before surgery. And now is also a great time for a reset if we find ourselves so far off track that we need the 5 Day Pouch Test . Wherever you may find yourself at this moment I hope this Bulletin has something to offer as LivingAfterWLS continues to support your best efforts with weight loss surgery.

Remember, we are all in this together and we are here for you. Please be sure to take a look at some of the free download worksheets LivingAfterWLS has available for you. These free tools are designed to support your best efforts for improved long-term health with weight loss surgery.
Download Tools

For more informative and inspiring reading please visit
our 5 Day Pouch Test Articles Collection.

You Can Do This!
Kaye

2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap
PS--- Only a few days left to participate in the annual Neighborhood Postcard Swap! Go Here to learn more about this fun and inexpensive Neighborhood vacation tradition! And Join Us!

5 Day Pouch Test in the Neighborhood

Link now to the bulletin - live in our online archive:
5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin July 27, 2011

2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap - The Neighborhood

2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap - The Neighborhood

We received the first of the postcards yesterday!!! This is going to be great fun!!!

Cora - try looking at postcards at convenience stores or travel stops near the Interstate or major highway in your area. You may also check with your local Chamber of Commerce or visitor's bureau. Also motel and hotel gift shops are a great resource. And you can always download and print postcards! Try this website: Custom Design Postcards where you can design & print your custom postcards for free!

Remember, you need to have your postcards in the mail by Saturday, July 30. We will mail out the swaps randomly throughout the month of August! I know I'm looking forward to seeing something other than bills or junk in my mailbox!

I hope you will join us - This is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy our Neighbors and see wonderful destinations! Join us!

LivingAfterWLS General Store

LivingAfterWLS General Store

New Day 6 Bundles & Coupon Code "GRILL2011" equal Hot Summer Savings for You! Save 15% on Bundle purchase + $3.oo off total order with Coupon!

Shop the LivingAfterWLS General Store and enjoy products developed to support and empower your weight loss surgery life!

Shop Now!

Kaye Bailey's popular "Day 6-Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test" bundled with your favorite general store products including Emergen-C Bundle; 12-Serving Tea Sampler & Free Goody Bag. $45.95 Value. Save $15% on the Bundle.

Day 6 Bargain Bundle
SKU: 5545823BB
List: $45.95
Sale: $39.95 - Save 15%
Add to Cart

See All Bargain Bundles

Guilty Feelings-Do you have them after WLS?

From the LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest July 18, 2011

We are in the heart and heat of summer! I hope this newsletter finds you well with many opportunities to enjoy new things that weight loss surgery has made possible. After surgery many of us experience feelings of guilt for making our own health a priority above the needs of others. If you have felt guilty for taking time for you since surgery you are not alone.   

Guilt, as defined by Merriam-Webster is, "feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy: SELF-REPROACH". It surprises me that when my fellow WLS friends tell me about guilt they are not talking about fridge-side forays with forbidden foods. They are talking about feelings of selfishness because WLS requires them to put themselves first above all others for whom they care, an action contrary to the self-sacrificing manner in which they have conducted their lives.

This Weekly Digest addresses feelings of guilt experienced by many WLS patients. We seek to understand that self-care is essential in our ability to care for others in our life. We will review a technique to say "no" and discuss our WLS dreams.

As we continue in this journey toward better health I believe we each discover strong, capable, beautiful beings inside. May each new day be one of discovery, growth and empowerment.

Best Wishes!
Kaye Bailey

Read the Full Newsletter - Free Online Archive

Heat Wave & Health Dangers

Over 40 states are warning their residents of the dangers of heat related illness as the mercury rises setting new records. While not as dramatic as storm related health concerns heat waves cause more illness and death than any other weather event. For weight loss surgery patients it is critical to stay hydrated at all times. Take a look at the National Weather Service heat index below and also the information from the American Red Cross. Empower with knowledge and avoid heat related health complications!

The American Red Cross Reports: "In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Generally temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well."

Know the DifferenceExcessive Heat Watch—Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

Heat Advisory—Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

You can download the "Be Red Cross Ready" free Heat Wave Safety Checklist Here:
Heat Wave Safety Checklist This free .pdf file has great information to help prepare for a heat wave, what to do while experiencing a heat wave and how to recognize and care for heat wave related emergencies.

Weight loss surgery patients should always follow Rule #2 - Drink lots of water. And this is never more important than during a heat wave. Dehydration can, among other things, lead to fits of dumping syndrome:

Danger! Warm Summer Weather May Lead to Dehydration For Weight Loss Surgery Patients
Following bariatric surgery for weight loss patients are instructed in the Four Rules of weight loss surgery; the second of which is drink lots of water. This rule is of particular importance during the warm summer months when perspiration and elimination cause greater water losses and the potential for dehydration increases. To avoid dehydration and illness caused by insufficient water balance weight loss surgery patients can take several measures to insure adequate water intake. Read Full Article

 Be safe this summer by being informed! You are in your new life to enjoy LIVING! Don't let a little heat wave bring you down!

New! Day 6 Bargain Bundles

LivingAfterWLS General Store
Introduces New Day 6 Bargain Bundles!
The 5 Day Pouch Test Bargain Bundle has been a customer favorite for over a year now and many of you have requested a "Day 6" bundle that would include Kaye Bailey's "Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test" and support products such as soup, Emergen-C and our new herbal teas. Today we are pleased to introduce two new bundles to meet your needs:

Day 6 Bargain Bundle: Kaye Bailey's popular "Day 6-Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test" bundled with your favorite general store products including Emergen-C Bundle; 12-Serving Tea Sampler & Free Goody Bag. We have packaged these items together to ship USPS Priority Mail so you can continue to pursue your goals and stay on track. Enjoy the "Day 6" Bargain Bundle if you have just completed the 5 Day Pouch Test or if you desire to stay on track making the most of your weight loss surgery tool. Purchased separately the bundle items cost $45.95. Bundled you save 15% and pay only $39.95!! A $6 Savings!

Quick Buy! Day 6 Bargain Bundle: $39.95

Day 6 *Souper* Bargain Bundle:  Customers love our 5 Day Pouch Test Bargain Bundle & asked for a Day 6 Bundle. Here it is! Read Kaye Bailey's popular "Day 6-Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test" and learn to support your healthy lifestyle after weight loss surgery with some of your favorite general store products including Emergen-C Bundle; 12-Serving Tea Sampler, 16-Serving Feed Carb Monster Soup Mixes (1pkg. Hearty Vegetable; 1pkg. Tomato-Basil) & Free Goody Bag. $61.95 Value. Shipped via USPS Priority Mail so you can enjoy it right away. Excellent value - Save 15% when you purchase the Day 6 *Souper* Bargain Bundle! This terrific package is just $52.95 - Save $9 off list price.

Quick Buy! Day 6 *Souper* Bargain Bundle: $52.95 

LivingAfterWLS General Store

Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test
Testimonial: The Nurse Warned Me, But I Gained Weight Back Anyway

"Dear Kaye,
Thank you for the Day 6 book. I guess I am one of "those people" - had the surgery and lost and then it came back, the weight. My WLS nurse warned me I could regain the weight and I didn't take her serious or maybe I thought I was more determined than everybody else or smarter or something. I wish I had asked her what would cause me to gain the weight back. I'm not sure that back in 2007 I ever heard of slider foods or liquid rules or anything like that. I just knew WLS was the answer for me. So now I'm up 48 pounds and want to stop it before it gets to 50 pounds and all of the sudden another 50 and I'll be back where I started. Thanks for explaining so many things in the Day 6 book. I wish I read this book before I even had the surgery, maybe I wouldn't be one of "those people" or at least not a 48-pound-regain one of those people.

This is the first time I have hope since the re-gain started.
Kelly Marca
Northern Ohio"
(Printed with permission of the author)

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We at LivingAfterWLS have been honored to serve you as one of our preferred customers and Neighbors in the quest for healthy LivingAfterWLS. Please take advantage of these bargain bundles for great savings on customer favorite products. 

Thank You for being a loyal Neighbor and we wish you the best of health and wellness. We hope these new bundles meet your needs as you pursue healthy weight management with LivingAfterWLS as one of your empowerment partners.

We wish good health and grand LivingAfterWLS!!

Kaye Bailey & LivingAfterWLS Team

July Sale - Save $3 off Purchase at LivingAfterWLS General Store

Coupon Code: GRILL2011
SAVE $3 off $20+ Order
Free Recipe Booklet & Seasoning Blend Sample with Purchase
Expires 7/31/2011

SHOP NOW

Danger! Warm Summer Weather May Lead to Dehydration For Weight Loss Surgery Patients

Dehydration leads to wilting in flowers and humans too! 

Following bariatric surgery for weight loss patients are instructed in the Four Rules of weight loss surgery; the second of which is drink lots of water. This rule is of particular importance during the warm summer months when perspiration and elimination cause greater water losses and the potential for dehydration increases.

Water constitutes about 60 percent of an adult's body weight. In the body, water becomes the fluid in which all life processes occur. Water in the body fluids carries nutrients and waste products throughout the body; maintains cell structure and participates in metabolic reactions; serves as the solvent for minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose and other small molecules, acts as a lubricant around joints, the spinal cord and inside the eyes; aids in the regulation of normal body temperature and maintains blood volume. To support these vital functions, and others, the body actively maintains an appropriate water balance. When the body is short of water the condition known as dehydration results.

Dehydration is the condition in which body water output exceeds water input meaning we eliminate and perspire more fluid than we ingest. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure and weakness. When a message of thirst is unanswered the symptoms of dehydration may progress rapidly from thirst to weakness, exhaustion, and delirium and end in death of not corrected. Dehydration may easily develop with either water deprivation or excessive water losses.

To avoid dehydration and illness caused by insufficient water balance weight loss surgery patients can take the following measures to insure adequate water intake:

Lots of Water. The second rule of weight loss surgery is drink lots of water. During the initial stage of weight loss this is key in flushing fat and toxins from the body and keeping all metabolic processes functioning smoothly. To ensure enough water is consumed a good measure is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. Water intake should occur throughout the day.

Fortified Beverages. Vitamin and mineral fortified beverages are beneficial to some weight loss surgery patients. The flavoring makes them more palatable making it easier to consume generous amounts of water. Be certain to enjoy only non-calorie fortified beverages that do not contain sugar or other high calorie sweeteners.

Green Tea or Sun Tea. Freshly brewed green tea or herbal tea served over ice and sweetened with non-calorie sweeteners is another good way to stay hydrated during warm summer weather. The health benefits of green tea and herbal tea may contribute favorably to a well-planned health and weight management program.

Water Containing Foods. Many foods contain a high percentage of water that contribute to body hydration. Enjoy vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach, apples, grapes, citrus, and carrots. All of these foods contain more than 80 percent water which will contribute to hydration and provide a valuable source of vitamins and minerals.

Kaye Bailey (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved

The Weight Loss Surgery Four Rules

We Like You - Will You Like Us?

Drop by our new LivingAfterWLS Facebook page and give us a LIKE!

LivingAfterWLS Official Facebook Page

We are feeding great content to this open destination and hope you will join us for conversation and friendship. LivingAfterWLS is your premier destination for life-long support in the battle against obesity using the power of weight loss surgery. Do not travel alone: join us!

Rule #2 - Lots of water

Summer is here with searing hot temperatures across much of the country. Now is a good time to refresh our memory on the weight loss surgery Rule #2 - Drink lots of water. As a general rule we need to nourish and flush our bodies with 65 ounces of water a day -- minimum. In our January LivingAfterWLS refresher course of the Four Rules we discussed water intake at length. You can find the newsletter in our Archive: LivingAfterWLS Newsletters
 

Today's LivingAfterWLS Digest is the second in our New Year's refresher series about the Four Rules. We are looking at Rule #2 - Lots of Water. Water consumption and weight loss is old news to those of us who are lifelong dieters. We know drinking water flushes away toxins and facilitates weight loss. As weight loss surgery patients we must make water intake a priority, but we also have to manage water intake around our quirky liquid restrictions. Frankly it can be a hassle sometimes to meet the daily requirements of Rule #2 - Lots of Water. Today's digest features several articles about the hows and whys of water consumption. Take a minute to fill your glass right now and then refresh your memory on this important rule. Remember, when we signed on for surgery we agreed to follow these rules -- for life! Bottoms up!

Link to the Newsletter

 Be sure to read this article: Restrict Liquids, Drink Lots of Water - HUH? Making Sense of Weight Loss Surgery Guidelines

2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap - Join Us for Fun Mini-Vacay!

Welcome to the 2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap! This is the least expensive most fun *Vacation* you will enjoy all year. Please take a minute to learn how it works and then join us! The Postcard Swaps -- as you can see below with KeepHerKitty in 2008 -- Have been tremendously successful. So let the fun begin!

What it is: Neighbors mail 6 unaddressed, but stamped postcards to one central location in a regular mailing envelope. Include in that envelope a note with your Neighborhood Display Name, Your Name and Postal Address. (All information is kept private and used for the single purpose of this Swap.) The postcards are collected here at LivingAfterWLS and everyone who sends in 6 postcards will receive 6 postcards mailed randomly throughout August. Just when you need a little pick-me-up you will find a cheerful and fun postcard in the mail -- real live touchable mail -- from one of your Neighbors! A chance to see the world and enjoy the beauty and diversity of our close-knit global Neighborhood! Follow the detailed instructions below and get ready to vacation right from your very own spot in this Safe Haven Circle of FriendS!

Postcard Swap: Opens July 9, 2011 and Closes July 30, 2011.

Step 1 US Neighbors: Purchase 6 Postcards from your local area or while on vacation. Write a cheerful greeting on each postcard and adhere proper US postage* to each postcard.

*US Postal Service Postcard Info:
Postcards - $0.29
Size limits:
Minimum: 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inch thick
Maximum: 6 inches long by 4-1/4 inches high
Additional postage required for larger postcards

Step 1: International Neighbors: Purchase 6 Postcards from your local area or while on vacation. Write a cheerful greeting on each postcard. Do not apply postage from your country because the cards will mail to recipients from the US and must have US postage on them. I will adhere US postage on the postcards you have provided to the swap. In addition, I will personally adjust the postage on the stamped cards from the Neighbors that we will be sending to you across International borders. This will ensure that all postcards arrive to their recipient without a fuss! Continue to Step 2.


Step 2: Place all postcards in one envelope addressed to:

2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap
c/o LivingAfterWLS
PO Box 311
Evanston, WY 82931

 

Please note - additional postage may be required on this envelope. Please check the weight and adjust accordingly or have your friendly USPS Postal Clerk calculate the postage for you.

USPS First Cost Postage:
1 Ounce: $0.44
2 Ounces: $0.64
3 Ounces: $0.84

Step 3: Include a note with the postcards that contains the following information so that we can properly address the postcards from other Neighbors that we will be sending to you.

Neighborhood Display Name
First & Last Name
Address
City, State Zip Code

Step 4: Place sealed stamped envelope containing your postcards in the mail between July 9 and July 30. Post here to this thread that you are participating and your cards have been mailed! This helps build the excitement as we learn how many Neighbors are participating.

Step 5: Enjoy your August Vacation from around the Neighborhood with each surprise arrival of a postcard! And report back here when you receive your swap postcards!

If you have any questions please post here! I hope I've explained the process. It is simple and fun! So Join Us! Link to the Neighborhood & let us know you are taking a Vacation with us!