New Neighborhood Mugs - Treat Yourself!

Just received my order of merchandise from the new LivingAfterWLS merchandise Store- Neighborhood Inspired hosted by Cafe' Press! I am so thrilled with the quality of products, the depth of the images, the simple beauty of our Neighborhood Inspired themes. Check out this mug celebrating The Neighborhood!  Products are created when you order and shipped directly to you - better for the environment; better for your pocketbook! Get yourself a mug today and be Neighborhood Inspired!  Lots more products coming - keep checking in with us!

Neighborhood Inspired Goods & Gifts

Neighborhood Inspired Store Link

Sending Safe Wishes To East Coast Neighbors - The Neighborhood

Sending Safe Wishes To East Coast Neighbors - The Neighborhood

Just dropping in to send some very big hugs and warm wishes to our east coast Neighbors. It is very hard for us to understand the scope of fear and uncertainty you must be feeling as you watch the models of Hurricane Irene. But please know that both Jim and I are very concerned and sending you our best vibes and even a few prayers for your safety. Please check in with us when you can and please take care. You have many Neighbors who care about you!

Below is an article on Emergency preparedness for our kind of medical condition - take a moment to make sure your special needs are taken care of in your emergency preparation:

Emergency Preparedness For Weight Loss Surgery Patients
Weight loss surgery patients should take some extra steps in preparing an emergency readiness kit for use in the event of a natural or national disaster. Here are some good suggestions for preparing a special needs kit for the bariatric patient.


By Kaye Bailey

Following weight loss surgery patients make a multitude of adjustments in their lives to accommodate the dietary and nutritional needs of an altered gastric digestive system. Even if weight loss has long been accomplished patients who have undergone gastric bypass, gastric banding or gastric sleeve surgical procedures must, for the rest of their life, maintain rigorous nutritional and dietary habits in order to be healthy. After time these adjustments feel like second nature to the patient and even those around them. But in preparing an emergency kit for use in the wake of a natural or national disaster it is essential that weight loss surgery patients treat themselves as "special needs" and ensure their nutritional and dietary needs are provided for in the event the emergency kit is put into service.

Flood, fire, national disaster, or the loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice frequently jeopardize the health and safety of thousands of Americans each year. This year weather events and natural disasters have been particularly harsh throughout the world and many thousands have found themselves without food, shelter or warmth. While we cannot prevent natural or national disasters we can assemble emergency supply kits to improve our survivability when disaster strikes.



Plan Ahead - Build Your WLS Emergency Preparedness Kit
A well-prepared basic emergency supply kit will contain items to provide for the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following items be included in a basic emergency supply kit:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for a least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Personal hygiene items
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilitites
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps and Area Emergency Assistance Phone Numbers
Cell phone with chargers


Extra Essentials for WLS Patients:
Emergency readiness kits should provide water, food, clean air and warmth for 72 hours. Keeping that in mind a "special needs" weight loss surgery patient should consider including the following items in their personal readiness kit:
Vitamins and supplements for three days. Additional dosages of vitamins B and C may be included to relieve stress and boost immunity.

Non-NSAID over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Most surgical weight loss patients are discouraged from using NSAID medication for pain relief. Make sure acceptable OTC pain relief is included in the First aid kit.

Vitamin fortified or protein fortified powder drink mixes in individual packages. These are useful in adding minerals and nutrients to the diet while stretching the water supply because when mixed with the water rations they provide hydration and vitamin and mineral nutrition.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) protein drinks and protein bars. A weight loss surgery patient must have a minimum of 60 grams protein per day for best health. Provide at least 60 grams of dietary protein per day for three days of emergency use.

Sugar free hard candy to supplement food intake and keep the mouth moist.

Additional bedding or clothing for warmth. Body temperature regulation is difficult for those having lost body weight or body mass. Provide extra items for warmth in the event of a disaster that subjects the weight loss surgery patient to extreme cold or elements.

Emergency response information for the treatment of a bariatric patient including contact numbers. Make this information readily available to first responders.Gather items for the emergency preparedness kit in one location. Stow the items in a portable duffel bag or plastic bin that is accessible and labeled for easy access in the event of an emergency. Ideally each household member will have a kit tailored for their needs. Periodically check the kit and replenish items that have expired. Make certain all contact information is current. It is not easy to think about facing a disaster, but should the day come when the emergency kit is needed a little preparation will go a long way in making a bad situation better.

Kaye Bailey © 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Struggling to reach goal weight?

The Lies & Myth of Goal Weight
Avoid the Pitfalls Associated with a Single Goal
LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest May 10, 2011We have received so much positive comment about the topic of "Myth of Goal Weight" that was addressed in our May 10 Weekly Digest. If you are struggling to reach goal weight or feeling depressed about your weight loss with WLS please take a moment to look at this newsletter in our archive. Be kind to yourself & consider this new approach to setting "Goal Weight" goals.
Link to Newsletter


Calculating Goal Weight Range
The Process in Achievable Phases
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs008/1101189349792/archive/1105572133223.html
LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest May 17, 2011
The Part II of this newsletter topic series addressed calculating "Goal Weight Range" (GWR) from a super morbidly obese starting point. "Remember: The objective with GWR is to create an acceptable range based on data and realistic thinking with some positive confidence building opportunities along the way." Review Part II of this topic here: May 17, 2011 Weekly Digest


 

From the Newsletter:
Thoughts from Kaye - May 10, 2011
Today I'm addressing goal weight as it relates to our experience with weight loss surgery. Prior to surgery patients are in cahoots with their surgeons as they plan for bariatric surgery, set the course and denote the finish line which will be crossed when goal weight is achieved. I don't particularly like to hear what I'm about to say and I know it is a tough thing for my WLS Neighbors to hear, but I'm putting it out there bluntly so we can face it and take action:

Few patients will ever reach goal weight.

There you have it. Numerous studies suggest that fewer than 20% of patients achieve goal weight. My work with patients of all gastric surgeries for weight management suggests the same thing. In fact, it is fairly common for me to meet someone who introduces themselves saying, "I'm one of those people who never made it to goal weight." Here is what you need to know about goal weight so it will cease to be a barrier to your pursuit of overall health.

Know This Truth:
It is the random method of determining goal weight that is flawed; it is not the patient who is flawed.

Goal weight is a random data point set arbitrarily with reference to standardized tables that are irrelevant to an individual's health history, age, co-morbidities and genetic profile. In most cases the goal weight creates unrealistic expectations for the patient. When patients do not achieve this random point of measure called goal weight they consider themselves a failure and "one of those people." Patients become hopeless and frustrated. These feelings almost always lead to rebound weight gain.

Why do we use weight as a measure of health?
From the time of our birth when proud parents happily announce our weight and height and throughout our life these two data points (weight and height) are used to assess our health. The reason? Cost and convenience. Collecting these two measurements is easy and cheap. Most medical professionals agree that the current standards for body weight measured by weight in relation to height (called BMI-Body Mass Index) does little to reflect disease risk, identify body fat, and in general presents a misleading argument for overall health. In reality, the most these data points reveal is change without indicating a decline or improvement in health. Yet we are encouraged with weight loss surgery, and by conventional diet programs as well, to focus on a goal weight that may have very little to do with the health of our body.

Today we go beyond goal weight to help you achieve better results that are health focused.
Link to Newsletter

Please join me with an open mind as we look at goal weight as it is used by weight loss surgery patients. Bear in mind that I'm not anti-goal weight. I am simply sharing the knowledge I have collected in building my understanding of how such a tight focus on goal weight results in difficulty and disappointment for many patients. As you read with an open mind add this knowledge to your personal experience and understanding. You are a powerful person. Harness your strength and intelligence as you engage in the pursuit of  better health and better living with weight loss surgery.

This is a longer newsletter than our normal weekly digest. I know we are all limited on time and asking you to read this may be a burden. But the content here is very important to your life-long healthy weight management. I hope you find it worth your while.

Happy Spring - We are all in this together!
Kaye
KayeBailey@LivingAfterWLS.com

Read the May 10, 2011 Newsletter

Link to LivingAfterWLS Newsletter Archive Index

Comfortable Natural Relief for WLS Neighbors

Constipation? Weight loss plateau? We have the answer for safe gentle relief.
Traditional Herbal Teas

Message from Kaye:

I admit that I've never been much of a tea drinker: too fancy and too fussy for me it seems. But I am grateful to have found these herbal tea blends and include them in my diet frequently. Like many weight loss surgery patients I suffer from frequent digestive distress (constipation). Constipation is commonly associated with a high protein diet. In my search for relief I tried all manner of over the counter medicine only to find myself a bathroom-hostage suffering extreme cramping and loss of control. I'm sure many of you understand this plight. Along the way a bariatric nutritionist recommended laxative tea to me for more gentle relief. It Works! A warm cup of dilute tea before bed at night works gently without cramping or other unpleasant side effects of pharmaceutical constipation relief. A quick stop in the bathroom first thing in the morning and I'm good for the day.

I like to make a batch of weak tea with three tea bags seeping 8 cups in hot (not boiling) water for about 10 minutes. After it cools I refrigerate it in a tightly sealed glass container. A Mason jar works very well. For my nightly serving I heat a measured 1 cup of brewed tea gently in the microwave and add a teaspoon of honey. A squeeze of lemon is also nice. If you suffer from the constipation associated with weight loss surgery and have struggled to find relief I do hope you will try this tea. Each all natural formula provides digestive support in the ancient Chinese tradition.


LivingAfterWLS General Store

Free iPhone App to Track Supplements

If you are an iPhone user there is a terrific new APP available to help you keep track of the dietary supplements you take. It is presented by The Office of Dietary Supplements which is a division of the National Institutes of Health. The APP is available from the iTunes store and it is FREE!!!! So take advantage of this and let me know how it works for you. I've got a Droid in my hand so I have to wait for that application to become available. But I'm anxious to hear from you Neighbors how this works for you. I really like that you can get information and reminders to take your vitamins and also print or email a list of what you take for your doctor to review.

The Office of Dietary Supplements is funded in part by the US Federal Government with supplemental funding coming from grants -- many from the pharmaceutical and supplement industries. I consider the ODS my go-to source for information about supplements and supplement research. You can visit there website at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/

Here is the information about the iPhone APP -- MyDS:


The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) has developed a free mobile app for consumers called My Dietary Supplements (MyDS). MyDS gives you:

• An easy way to keep track of the vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other products you take—right in the palm of your hand.
• Access to science-based, reliable information on dietary supplements.
• General information about ODS — who we are and what we do.

Simply enter the names and amounts of your dietary supplements, and they'll be stored on your iPhone or iPad for your use anytime, anywhere—for example, when seeing your doctor or shopping. With MyDS, you also can email your personal list of dietary supplements to yourself or to your health care providers and print it out.

MyDS keeps your health information private and secure. Whatever you enter will be saved only on your device and not stored or shared anywhere else. You also have the option to create a personal password to open the app.


Download
MyDS is available from the iTunes store. Download MyDS.


Features

• Create personal dietary supplement profiles for yourself and others.
• Record the name and amount of each dietary supplement you take.
• Add additional information about each dietary supplement in the Notes field.
• Email your dietary supplement profile to yourself or your health care providers.
• Add up to two photos of each dietary supplement on your list.
• Protect your information with the option to create a personal password.
• Access reliable information about dietary supplements from the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Have you got class? LivingAfterWLS Alumni Club - Connect & Support

You Have Arrived Alumni Club

Connect with other weight loss surgery patients who are at the same stage as you. Simply look for the year of your surgery and join the conversation in the "Class of" sub-forum. All surgical procedures can participate in each "Class of" sub-forum. Let's share our collective experience and support one another who are near the same stage in the journey.

To find your Class follow this trail in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood:

• The Neighborhood  ~ The Town Square: LivingAfterWLS Knowledge Center  ~ You Have Arrived Alumni Club

Welcome Class of 2011 - You Have Arrived

Hello Neighbors and a Joyous greeting to all who have (or will) Arrived in 2011!  This is the space for our weight loss surgery Neighbors in the Class of 2011 to connect with others and share the weight loss surgery journey! Welcome to our Neighborhood - we are so glad to have you here!




Welcome Class of 2012 - Your Journey Is Now

Are you considering weight loss surgery in 2012 or have you already scheduled an "Arrival" date? This forum, the You Have Arrived Alumni Club Class of 2012 is your place to connect with other people considering surgery in the coming year. Ask your pre-op questions and meet a WLS Neighbor who is at the same stage in the journey as you are right now. Nothing promotes successful weight management than having a strong and dependable support network. Connect now and be ready to begin your new life in 2012!

To find your CLASS go to the parent forum:
You Have Arrived Alumni Club

Neighborhood Trivia: Talking About Arrivals

Here is a little piece of trivia from our LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood:

Originally Posted 05 March 2009 - 01:23 PM 

I am often asked about the name of our "You Have Arrived" newsletters and the references to them in our LivingAfterWLS lingo such as "Arrival Date" and "Arrivalversary". For me weight loss surgery made possible a life I never thought would be possible or could even comprehend. For most of my life I was looking behind at the past or looking forward to the future. After weight loss surgery I began learning to live in the moment: I had arrived. Others shared this similar sentiment and seemed natural to name our newsletter You Have Arrived. The motto of our newsletter is this:

Whatever else you have on your mind,
Wherever else you think you're going,
Stop for a moment and look where you are:
You Have Arrived.

This sentiment is important throughout our weight loss surgery journey, and indeed, the journey of our life. All too often we are caught up in the destination or caught up in the departure that we forget that the moment is now. Now is everything. So I ask you today, and every day, Stop for a moment and look where you are: You Have Arrived.


Arrival or Arrival Date: The date of weight loss surgery

Arrivalversary: The anniversaries of your weight loss surgery

LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood 

Scared Straight About Life After Weight Loss Surgery?

In last week's LivingAfterWLS weekly digest we addressedtopics that cause trouble for us after weight loss surgery. Working on the "front lines" of weight loss surgery I speak with many many fellow patients who are several years into their weight loss surgery experience. Over time I've noted patterns and trends that seem common to us. This  newsletter reveals some of the pitfalls that we encounter along the route. I truly believe the more we learn from one another the better we can improve our weight management outcome. Take a look at a few of these below or visit the newsletter archive to see this edition in its entirety:


Scared Straight About Life After Weight Loss Surgery?


The fact is, we have no better reference resource available than each other.

So many of us go into surgery making hand-on-the-Bible type promises to not become "one of those people who gain the weight back." Did you make that promise to yourself or to others? The best way I know to keep this promise is to learn from others and to keep building on personal experience and knowledge. So when I share with you what I've learned it is in the spirit of fellowship knowing we are all in this together. You can count on me to be direct and honest about my own experience and what I have learned from you. Here are a few nuggets of knowledge that are golden and that I learned in the WLS-afterlife, not from my bariatric center:

-Eating a meal of lean protein without liquids causes discomfort that is supposed to signal fullness and satiation, but more often causes us to break the liquid restrictions or turn to slider foods. This eventually leads to weight gain.

Online Articles: 

Understanding the Liquid Restrictions    

Slider Foods Spell Weight Regainl

Reading:  

Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test 

Pages 80-83: Liquid Restrictions & Slider Food

-Regardless of surgical procedure the Four Rules work to help us lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

The Four Rules  do not expire and most patients who maintain a healthy weight long-term follow the rules closely.

Online Articles:

Rule #1 - Protein First 

Rule #2 - Lots of Water 

Rule #3 - No Snacking 

Rule #4 - Daily Exercise 

-The classic WLS laugh-line "I can eat anything I want, just less of it" is simply bogus. It implies we can go back to eating smaller portions of the things we ate before surgery without consequence. Let me assure you, patients who return to a diet of things that led to their obesity before surgery will certainly cease to lose weight and most likely regain weight. This return to old dietary habits usually starts with grazing on pretzels (presumably diet friendly food) or soft crackers because they set better in the pouch and go down more easily than lean protein.

 Online Article:

 No Snacking. It's the Rule that Works 

This digest includes several articles and links that are meant to inform and educate all of us in the LivingAfterWLS community. I hope you will find them helpful in your journey. As we forge ahead toward better health I believe we each discover strong, capable, beautiful beings inside. May each new day be one of discovery, growth and empowerment.

Read the full newsletter online: LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest Scared Straight

HOT TOPIC: Carbonated Drinks - The Neighborhood

Carbonated Drinks - The Neighborhood

Asked in the Neighborhood: "Can someone please tell me why carbonated drinks are such a no go for gastric bypass people?" -- Swampymoo from Austrlia

Are you a weight loss surgery patient asking questions about including carbonated drinks in your diet? I confess, the heat of the summer is when I really crave a refreshing Diet Coke on ice - before surgery I considered it to be my "Breakfast, lunch & dinner of champions." And late last year I found myself hooked on it again - 11 years after surgery. We are discussing this very issue in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood. Join us in the discussion and let us know what your bariatric center told you and how you are treating the carbonated beverage advice!  This is a great topic- thanks to Swampymoo from Australia for opening the discussion!

Join us in the Neighborhood!

August Coupon - Save on Shipping!

LivingAfterWLS General Store

Looking for a Coupon?

Throughout the year, as economic conditons allow, LivingAfterWLS is pleased to offer coupon savings in addition to our already discounted prices. Coupons are announced in our Email newsletters, in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood, Facebook and Twitter. In addition, we post the current coupon offered on the Store Home Page. Sign up for our Email newsletters at the bottom of this page - Safe Subscribe!

Coupon Code:
HEAT2011
Save $2.20 Off S&H
All Orders
Enter Code at Checkout:
HEAT2011