Declare Your Independence

Presented with permission from our Living After Weight Loss Surgery Neighbor Judy Petite:

"Happy Birthday, USA! This month, this nation celebrates a time when we declared we would no longer be governed by another entitity that did not have our best interests at heart. No, our forefathers declared that our nation would freely and independently be in charge of its own affairs.

Have you read the Declaration of Independence lately? Have a look: Declaration of Independence

In this document, Thomas Jefferson listed the reasons for breaking with Great Britain. What a writer that man was! The bottom line was that the Colonials were being treated as second-class citizens while being taxed at first-class rates. He outlined the steps they had taken to correct the situation, but to no avail. The King retained his iron grip on the Colonies. The drastic step of revolution was the only chance to break that grip.

I can liken the feelings I had when I chose to undergo weight loss surgery! I was sometimes treated as second-class by others, but more importantly I actually considered myself to be second-class -- not as good or worthy as others. Yet I still had to live in the world, and my unhealthy body had more and more difficulty accomplishing the everyday tasks of getting around in life. I was ruled over -- governed -- by a tyrant called Morbid Obesity! I had tried to correct it -- diets, organizations of all kinds. Obesity retained its iron grip on me. The drastic step of WLS was my only chance to break that grip.

In choosing weight loss surgery, I declared to myself that "I am and of right ought to be free and independent from the bond of obesity" and that "Obesity's grip on my life is and of right ought to be totally dissolved". My declaration of independence!

The choice of our founding fathers for Revolution was a serious one. They pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. They followed through on that pledge and they succeeded.

The choice for WLS requires our pledge to ourselves as well! Life will never be the same. We commit ourselves to follow the rules, to be honest with ourselves, to change our habits to healthy ones. If we follow through, we can succeed!

Exercise is one of our most effective tools in our WLS revolution. It will rebuild the body that obesity injured; it will help us banish the pounds and it will help us keep them off. My commitment to regular exercise is my daily declaration to myself -- "Morbid Obesity ain't the boss of me!!!"

If you are not from the USA, I hope you'll forgive my patriotic post, but understand the spirit in which I share it. Whatever nationality you are, you too can break free from the tyrant of obesity!

Please feel free to post here regarding your fitness routine for July. Are you enjoying the outdoors? Are you building up your muscles, working on flexibility, building up your cardiovascular system? What do you love about your fitness routine?

Is exercise a challenge? Why? Tell us -- let us help you. In order to get the best result from your Revolution, exercise MUST become a part of your daily life. Don't hide from it! Bring it out, and let's work together.

Happy birthday, USA! And happy independence day to WLS'ers everywhere!

Judy"


Well said, Judy! Thank you!

Portion Control Plates

A Canadian study recently found that diabetics were able to lose 5% of their body weight over six months when using a plates and bowls that clearly mark appropriate portion size. The plates are decorated to indicate portion size for carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, cheese and sauce. They are just large enough to hold an 800-calorie meal for men and a 650-calorie meal for women. The bowls hold a 200-calorie serving of cereal and milk.

The plate is manufactured in the UK and includes a diet program; The Diet Plate.


What I found interesting about this concept is that many of us adjust our dishware after weight loss surgery as a means to help with portions. Kim uses a salad plate for her meals. I use custard cups for soft foods like cottage cheese or jello. And I believe Sweet Meliss is still using her tiny dishes that she bought prior to her gastric bypass. Read this terrific entry from her Big Grandma No More blog on November 11, 2005:

From Sweet Meliss on Big Grandma No More blog (November 11, 2005)

"Walked into an oriental store and spent time looking at these really cute Japanese dishes. Bought myself a tiny plate, a matching 3 ounce tea cup with a cover that when flipped over can also be used as a tiny plate. Pretty bamboo design. Wallah I have my first WLS dining set. I have this clear blue glass dessert dish that I can use as a tray and set these dishes on and have my meals. I think I have just started my collection of minature dishes."

Smaller dishes, it seems are another useful item in our Power Tools resource box. Are you using smaller plates to help with portion control? What about smaller spoons and forks - I have heard some people do that. Do you believe the smaller dishes would have enabled your weight loss pre-WLS? I know I tried that method but it was so much work refilling my plate 2-3 times that I gave it up!

Please share you thoughts - comments are moderated but checked and approved frequently.

Happy Dining!

Checkups key to success of obesity surgery

From Reuters: By Megan Rauscher

Seriously overweight people who undergo gastric bypass surgery to shed pounds should try to make as many scheduled post-op doctors appointments as possible, according to a new study. It shows that follow-up care is a key component of the long-term success of the weight-loss surgery.

With gastric bypass surgery -- the most common method of "bariatric" surgery -- surgeons reduce the size of the stomach, which substantially limits the amount of food a person can eat.

"Weight loss following gastric bypass varies from patient to patient," note Dr. Jon C. Gould and colleagues of the University of Wisconsin in Madison in a report to the annual meeting of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Continued and long-term follow-up care at a dedicated bariatric surgery clinic may impact the amount of weight that is lost, they add.

The investigators took a look back at 85 adults who had gastric bypass surgery at their center and found that the results were best in those who attended follow-up appointments for at least 3 years after they had the surgery.

Patients who attended every scheduled post-surgery follow-up appointment for 3 to 4 years lost 74 percent of their excess weight, whereas patients who kept every appointment for only 1 year lost 60 percent of their excess weight. Patients who missed appointments in the first year lost 56 percent of their excess weight.

"Our follow-up routine calls for visits at 2 weeks post-op, 6 weeks post-op, 6 months, and then annually after surgery indefinitely," Gould noted in a telephone interview with Reuters Health. "If we identify problems, we bring people in more often." The follow-up visits include meeting with a dietitian and medical health professional and often a health psychologist.

The most common reason given for missing scheduled appointments after gastric bypass surgery was lack of coverage by the patients' insurance company.

"This study shows that the more you put into bariatric surgery, the more you get out of it," Gould said in a written statement. "Patients must continue to attend their bariatric medical appointments and insurers should provide coverage for these visits."

In 2006 an estimated 177,600 severely obese people in the United States had bariatric surgery, according the American Society for Bariatric Surgery estimates. About 15 million or 1 in 50 adults in the US have morbid obesity, which is associated with a number of other diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep disturbances, asthma, cancer, and joint problems.

Comedic Take: WLS is the EASY way out!

We have a community game that we play at the LAWLS Neighborhood called Fun Friday. Each Friday one of the Neighbors composes a question and we all join in the fun of answering it. Last week's question from Too Slim Stu was "If you were a stand up comedian, what would be your best three jokes about your surgery and subsequent life??"

This of course resulted in some terrific and funny posts about post-WLS living. One of the best came from our Fitness Diva aka JudyPetite. She's an oldie, but a goody when it comes to WLS - she had stomach stapling in 1986 (21 years ago) and is living at a healthy weight today. With her permission I share her comedic take on WLS - The Easy Way Out!

To read all the responses link here: Fun Friday June 1. And don't be shy - add your funnies here too! After all, if we can't laugh about this LAWLS way of life, who can?

They told me that if I wanted to lose weight I had to eat less and exercise more. Well, I didn’t want to feel deprived, and I hated to exercise! So, I chose “the easy way out.” Yes, friends, I had WLS.

So I check into the hospital and first thing is they give me a series of enemas until “everything runs clear.” As I’m struggling to clean up again and again (and believe me, when you weigh 300 pounds, cleaning up IS a struggle), I’m thinking to myself “Yeah, this is great! What could be easier!”

I have the operation, and now I can take in about 2 ounces of liquid. They put me on a liquid diet. I’m sipping broth – yum! I graduate to sugarfree jello and pudding, oh wow – easy, easy! They okay cream soup – whooppee! Well, the first time I try it, a tiny piece of chicken gets stuck in my tummy and I’m doubled over for hours! Oh, why didn’t I do this before now??

So, I lose a bunch of weight, the hubby approves and of course I get pregnant! Man, how easy can it get – between morning sickness and stuck food, I now know the inside of my commode like a mechanic knows a muffler!

What an easy time I've had! Since my surgery, I've lost weight, gained it back and lost it again. I've had to be admitted from the ER when the scar tissue in my stomach built up to where nothing could get through at all. Here I am, the former 300-pounder, literally starving! I've had hernia surgery, and, after 20 years I still find myself hanging headfirst over the commode a few times a month. Yeah, what a way to take it off, huh?

Every time I see somebody trying to work the gym into their schedule or say no to a second helping of something, I think WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PERSON? I mean, why don’t they just gain about 100 pounds so they can qualify for WLS and stop putting themselves through all this agony?

I’ve been at a healthy weight for about the past ten years. I can eat pretty normal now! But I found out that to keep from gaining it back, I have to eat less and exercise more. Yeah, folks – through WLS, I learned THEY were right all along. But just think – I learned it THE EASY WAY!!! (ba-da-BING)

Refresher: WLS High Protein Diet

This is a previously published article I'm pulling forward in response to questions lately about the high protein diet. It was helpful to me to re-read exactly why the high protein diet works - and then recommit my focus to high protein eating. I hope you find this refresher helpful too.

Gastric Bypass Patients Succeed Eating High Protein Diet
By Kaye Bailey

The first rule for successful weight loss and weight maintenance after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is Protein First – that means eating protein for three daily meals, and protein must be 50 percent of food intake. Some bariatric centers advise as much as 70 grams of protein a day. The gastric bypass diet should be high-protein, low-carbohydrate and low-volume. This is what successful WLS patients will eat for the rest of their life if they wish to maintain weight loss after surgery.

Animal products are the most nutrient rich source of protein and include fish, poultry and meat. Dairy protein, including eggs, is another excellent source of protein. Nuts and legumes are also good sources of protein, but sometimes difficult for the bariatric patient to consume. Tofu is another remarkable good source of vegetable protein and there are many quality flavorful products on the market for making it easy to incorporate into the diet.

Science is proving that a protein rich diet will prompt weight loss and increase energy. The body contains over fifty-thousand different active proteins all made out of the same building blocks: amino acids. Amino acids are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen as well as sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Many diseases – including obesity – indicate an amino acid deficiency.

WLS patients do not have the luxury of eating high-carbohydrate foods. They must eat lean protein or they will get sick, anemic, and weary. Weight loss will cease if patients eat processed carbohydrates instead of lean protein. Dumping or vomiting may also result if patients do not eat lean protein for the first half of every meal.

The distinction must be made between high fat proteins and lean proteins. A gastric bypass patient cannot tolerate high fat proteins such as bacon, fatty beef or sausage products or greasy fried chicken: these foods cause nausea and vomiting. In fact, many WLS patients report even smelling high fat foods, such a fried chicken, makes them nauseous. In addition, these high fat protein rich items are contributors to obesity, clogged arteries and heart disease. High fat foods should be avoided by anyone wishing to control their weight.

Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved

Protect Your Self-Care When Others Tempt You To Stray

One of the challenges we face as we evolve with our weight loss is protecting our boundaries and efforts for self-care. At times we may feel derailed by others who do not understand the changes taking place with our bodies and our lifestyles. The following article by Linda Dessau has some great hints for protecting our self-care and boundaries without feeling guilty.

Protect Your Self-Care When Others Tempt You To Stray
By Linda Dessau

So, you've set your self-care goals and you're all set. You've even considered the ways you'll sabotage yourself - but wait! What about those well-meaning friends and relatives who:

~ With all good intention pass along clutter from their house to yours – "this would look great on you", or "I can't use this but maybe you can". (Surroundings & Structures)

~ Seem to dwell on the negative or tell stories about how unfair life is. (Emotions & Thoughts)

~ Invite you to have "just a bite", or encourage you to stay out "just a little longer". (Lifestyle Habits)

~ Shy away from your new found honesty and assertiveness. (Friends, Family & Peers)

They probably don't mean any harm but they may DO you harm if they steer you away from the self-care goals you've set for yourself. So how do your put yourself first and get selfish when others are tempting you to stray?

1. Be very clear yourself. If you're unsteady in your commitment that will show through.

2. Ask for what you need. No one can read your mind or know what would make things easiest for you. What request do you want to make?

3. Live by example – don't preach. Just like you weren't ready to take on healthy goals at other times in your life, those you love may not be ready now.

4. Plan ahead. Think of how you will say no, prepare alternatives or plan an "escape route". Do what you have to do to take care of yourself.

5. Be honest. Talk about your goals and what they mean to you. AND if you're going to throw out or give-away that clutter or leftover birthday cake as soon as you leave, you don't have to mention it.

6. Choose who to spend time with. You may choose to spend less time with someone who has unhealthy habits. Think about who it is you'd like to spend more time with - who makes you feel good about yourself, champions your efforts, or is a model of healthy habits and self-care? Focus on spending more time with those people.

As time goes by and your daily practices become more of a habit, you'll protect your self-care without even thinking about it. Until then, hang on for your life!

(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of “The Everyday Self-Care Workbook”. To find out more about the book, or to receive one of her free monthly newsletters, visit http://www.genuinecoaching.com/resources.html

Photoshopping Thin

Much has been said lately about the media's mis-representation of female bodies. I think many of us who are recovering from morbid obesity can say we have been intimidated or frustrated with unrealistic images of women in the media. Common sense tells us that yes indeed, these photos have been altered. But still, seeing perfection on the glossy pages can be intimidating. I found this post over at "Back in Skinny Jeans" and WOW! What an eye opener this photoshopping demonstration is. Take a minute to view the video link - I think you will be amazed at what can be done digitally. As Skinny Jeans writes, "Photo retouching software is a powerful tool for reality distortion." Read her full post: Photodropping away 100 pounds from this model.

Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Strawberry Season

It is always good to see strawberries in the market - for me this means summer is close. As a WLS-post op I find strawberries to be well tolerated and an enjoyable seasonal addition to my diet. Here's what World's Healthiest Foods has to say about strawberries:

Strawberries are in the peak of their season this week.

This week we celebrate the fragrantly sweet taste of strawberries. They are the most popular berries in the United States and for good reason. Strawberries are a great addition to a summer salad or your favorite morning cereal, plus hundreds of dessert recipes feature strawberries. Because conventionally grown strawberries are listed among those foods highest in pesticide residues, we recommend you select organically grown strawberries whenever possible. Although strawberries are now available throughout the year, in many areas, this is the time of year (April through July) that they have the best flavor and are the least expensive.

Nutritional Value
One cup of strawberries provides 136% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C, the primary water soluble antioxidant in the body, 25% DV for vitamin K, 21% DV for manganese and 13% DV for dietary fiber. They are also a rich source of a variety of phytonutrients, which help provide antioxidant protection against cellular damage.

I love strawberries just as they are, but also enjoy including them in salads or dipped in a small amount of chocolate for a special dessert. Try these recipes:


Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Chocolate covered Strawberries

Maintenance Rocks! Changing Seasons

Ok - I'm going to take a moment and toot my own horn..... (forgive me 'o ye gods of humility)

Today was *change-over* day for me. Seasonal change-over, that is, where I bin-up my Autumn & Winter clothes and shake out my stowed Spring & Summer clothes. I cranked up my "Tropical Vacation" play list and got busy folding sweaters and shaking the winter-woogies out of the shorts and tank tops. I welcomed back some old friends from my first goal weight summer. Little shorts, tank dresses and sassy shorts-'n-top sets. Many of these were from my original (and costly) shopping freenzy late summer 2000 and early spring sale 2001. Today my *MOMENT* came when I realized that these ancient things still fit. WLS Maintenance is possible. That for many years I've been the same friggin' size (save it for the occasional 10+ or 10- fluctuation). Whoooo-hooooo!!!!

The bad news??? I really don't need to buy another piece of clothing - - I've got a closet a'plenty. But what about all those darling Spring fashions calling my name? Ahhhh... that be the dark side of maintenance.

I cannot believe how profound the "little clothes" memories are for me. As I unfolded each item and organized my dressing area it was a living scrapbook in fiber, buttons and thread. No doubt a freakish waste of gray brain matter, but I remember my first "normal" girl shorts, my first bra-top tank dress and my first ever Guess Jeans. And here they all are ---- ready for another good Summer run.

Yes --- I struggle --- last fall my weight was well above my appropriate weight. But today I'm in my game, I'm living my life and my little clothes are ready for fun fun fun in the sun.

now where'd I put that sunless tanner.......

May is National Fitness Month

May is National Fitness Month - lead by the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness. I was doing some research on their site and found some interesting bullets that support what so many of us have come to learn --- take a look. And take some time this month to give your body the gift of a little extra movement. You deserve the benefits you will glean from it!

Adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy; children and teens need 60 minutes of activity a day for their health.

Significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking or raking leaves, 15 minutes of running, 45 minutes of playing volleyball). Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity.

Thirty to sixty minutes of activity broken into smaller segments of 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day has significant health benefits.

Moderate daily physical activity can reduce substantially the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Daily physical activity helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, helps prevent or retard osteoporosis, and helps reduce obesity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and symptoms of arthritis.

Poor diet and inactivity can lead to overweight/obesity. Persons who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and some types of cancer.

Obesity continues to climb among American adults. Nearly 60 million Americans are obese. More than 108 million adults are either obese or overweight. That means roughly 3 out of 5 Americans carry an unhealthy amount of excess weight.

Too Young for WLS?

We hear a lot about the obesity crisis in children. The media calls it an epidemic and the government calls it a grave social problem. I often receive letters from parents asking for advice on when children should be able to have WLS.

I don't have a definitive answer. The argument psychologists make is that children are not emotionally old enough to handle WLS. The medical community argues that you should not alter the organs in a body that is still maturing.

It seems to me that children and teens are too young physically and mentally for the surgery. But you know, looking back, if I could have undergone WLS and the following transformation at age 18 or 19 it would have spared me years of physical pain and emotional torment. Of course we can all play the "what might have been" game. But one cannot help but wonder what different paths our life would have taken. Was I emotionally ready at 18 or 19 to be the fat girl in a skinny world?

CNN reports on a new government study being conducted on teens who undergo WLS. An excerpt from the article reads:

"Surgery has been effective in treating extreme obesity in adults. Researchers want to find out whether adults and adolescents who have the surgery have significantly different health problems and whether there is any benefit to having the operation earlier in life.

"The researchers are responding to the growing problem of extreme obesity among the young.

"We know bariatric surgery is effective for weight-loss. We just need to carefully document how teenagers respond," said Dr. Thomas Inge, associate professor of pediatrics and surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, which is leading the study.

Read the full Article: Researchers study benefits, risks of teen weight-loss surgery

Just about a year ago we discussed this topic in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood: Too Young for WLS. With this new study announced I feel it is time to revisit this topic. Are you in favor or against WLS for teens? Has your view changed due to your own experience with WLS? What are your current views? Do you know a teen who has had or wants to have WLS?

It is important to evaluate the effect of obesity vs. surgery when considering surgery as a tool to treat obesity. We have two informative webisodes that address the toll obesity takes on the body and lifestyle of those suffering from this illness:

The Hidden Costs of Obesity and
Obesity and Your Health: How WLS Can Help

What's in a Name?

Yesterday I was doing a media interview about life after WLS and the reporter asked me, "What should I call this surgery?" I didn't understand the question at first but he clarified, "Do I call it gastric bypass, lap-bad, weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery, obesity surgery, fat-loss surgery, stomach stapling or what?"

Now, personally, I prefer to lump all of the procedures together under Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) because it is a general term that is widely recognize and it leads people via search engines to our site, LivingAfterWLS. Bariatric's is not a well-recognized word and obesity surgery just sounds belittling to me. Then the other terms are more procedure specific.

So I'm putting it out to the Neighbors - what term do you prefer and/or use to describe your surgery? What terms do you like and what terms do not set well with you? What other terms have you heard that I didn't mention here?.......

If you are only now considering surgery for weight loss here are some helpful videos that explain the different procedures and expected results:


Getting Read for Weight-loss Sugery: The Process


The Hidden Costs of Obesity


The Pros & Cons of Gastric Banding Surgery


Talking to Your Primary Care Physician about WLS

Administrative Professionals' Day: Managing Energy

Today is the secular holiday celebrating the work of clerical employees such as administrative assistants, receptionists, paralegals and all office workers. I am one of those office workers and to that end spend much of my time at a desk. While I do enjoy my work the sedentary nature of it does not contribute to my healthy LAWLS lifestyle. So I'm always looking for ways to improve my energy and movement during the workday. I know many of you are in the same boat, or shall I say same chair, as me. I found this great article by Nicola Carr that includes some helpful tips for managing energy in the workplace.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day and best wishes to all you desk jockeys in managing your energy.

Helpful Video:
Can you Really Regain Weight After WLS?

Managing Energy In The Workplace
By Nicola Carr

Managing energy is not just about food. It's about managing working conditions that affect how your body releases energy. This includes managing stress, oxygen levels, exercise levels and food breaks. Work demands can zap energy very quickly so you need to have a few tricks up your sleeve to boost your energy supply to help you both physically and mentally.

The Brain Protein Continuum
The neurons in your brain are largely made of fat. The brain cells communicate with each other using neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are made up from amino acids; protein building blocks. Another important amino acid is tyrosine.

Eating protein increase levels of tyrosine in the brain, helping the brain generate nor-epinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals promote alertness. The absorption of protein is assisted by carbohydrates. So eating a balanced supply of carbs and protein throughout the day will keep that brain network humming and avoid that 3pm black hole.

Top 10 Work Day Energy Guidelines

1. Start the day well rested - Treat your bed as an important energy re-supply station and ensure you book in long enough for the process to be completed. That means 7 to 9 hours a night.
2. Try a workout first thing - even 20 minutes will boost your bodies oxygen supply and keep your head thinking straight longer during the day. It's often much harder to feel inspired at the end of the day. If morning isn't your thing - the evening can still work. Try tricking yourself. Change into workout gear as soon as you get home. Switch on the television or put on a DVD, and instead of heading for the couch, sit on a workout bike or yoga mat with some weights. A few seconds later the brain starts connecting the visual messages and before you know it an hour has gone by.
3. Keep the body supplied with fuel - Eat a small, healthy snack every few hour of lean protein and whole grain carbs. The carbs provide a rapid energy release, while the protein provides longer-lasting energy.
4. Keep the body well hydrated - air conditioning is extremely drying on your system, and that includes the brain.
5. Take an oxygen break - if you don't have time for a full lunch break, take at least a 10 minute walk around the block or anywhere where there is more oxygen than car fumes. I use walking catch-ups. If a staff member wants to chat about something briefly I get us both out for a walk.
6. Try boosting energy during the day - some deep breathing [preferably not whilst on the phone to the CEO]; taking the stairs instead of the elevator or just standing up doing some leg raises all help to move oxygen around the body and boost the cells energy producing processes. I keep a small hand weight on my desk and it's amazing what you can do during a phone call!
7. Keep good energy nutrition snacks at work - protein balls are my favourite. I make them on Sunday and they last the whole week in the refrigerator. [that is if I don't eat them all by Thursday]. I use them for my 3pm low zone snack and as a mental pick-me-up before entering a long meeting.
8. Reduce the alcohol during the week - try getting it down to one glass a night - you will be amazed how much easier it is to get out of bed in the morning and you will be more likely to feel like doing that early morning workout. And your skin will look fantastic!
9. Go easy on the coffee - caffeine is not a good long term solution for energy throughout the day. It's addictive and better left to one cup first thing in the morning. You will sleep better also.
10. Reduce the size of your evening meal and avoid carbs after 6pm - you will find you will sleep better and that translates into more energy during the day.

And if you want to contribute to the worlds renewable energy supply - take a leaf from enterprising gym enthusiasts like Doug Woodwring who are harnessing energy created from everyday workouts and converting it into usable power.

Nicola is a fitness and life advocate for anti-tiredness.com Learn how to avoid tiredness and maintain muscle mass using antiaging bodybuilding She has also been a management performance consultant for many years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicola_Carr
http://EzineArticles.com/?Managing-Energy-In-The-Workplace&id=486496

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday and I’m getting to be the age when it’s girlishly uncomfortable to mention my years, the age when I need glasses to read and the age when my doctor utters those painful words during my annual exam, “Well, at your age you can expect to have aches and pains.” Ugh!! But – it’s a good day! I am happy in love, healthy and engaged in the pursuit of post-WLS living at its best. At LivingAfterWLS we have a tool called the Personal Self-Assessment. It is a worksheet that we try to use quarterly to assess our goals, our progress and identify areas for improvement. Because it’s my birthday I’m going to take time today to use this self-assessment tool and start the next chapter of my life with a plan. As so many of us are learning (over and over again) WLS is not a quick fix or an easy method of losing weight. We truly must pursue the art of living with the surgery for the rest of our lives.

I am profoundly grateful for the surgery and the health that I now enjoy. When I look back at myself ten years ago I see a woman suffering from the co-morbidities of obesity with not much hope or motivation to change my lifestyle. It just seemed hopeless and that obesity was the hand I’d drawn. Had I not taken the path of WLS I’m sure I’d be 100 pounds heavier than I was in 1997. Those aches and pains the doctor tells me are “normal” for my age would no doubt be crippling. And most sad of all, I would have missed the last 8 years of healthy living and joyful evolution as a person. I am grateful for WLS.

Happy Birthday to Me! I hope you all have a great day and if the moment is right take some private time and work on your LAWLS Personal Self-Assessment. Make a plan, revisit your goals and enable your enduring success with WLS.

What is a WLS success? Watch this quick video:
Beyond the Numbers: Defining Success After WLS

Going Green: April 22 is Earth Day

"May there only be peaceful and cheerful Earth Days to come for our beautiful Spaceship Earth as it continues to spin and circle in frigid space with its warm and fragile cargo of animate life."

--United Nations Secretary-General U Thant
March 21, 1971.


Sunday, April 22 is Earth Day - a multi-national holiday to celebrate planet earth. The first Earth day was in 1970. Today over 20 million people participate in observances and it is recognized by governments in 175 countries. From wikipedia: "The story goes that Earth Day was conceived by Senator Gaylord Nelson after a trip he took to Santa Barbara right after that horrific oil spill off our coast in 1969. He was so outraged by what he saw that he went back to Washington and passed a bill designating April 22 as a national day to celebrate the earth."

For a list of Earth Day events visit Earthday Network.

Focus of many Earth Day activities this year is on "Going Gree" - making small changes to protect Mother Earth from global warming. I found a list of 101 Ways to get started and was pleased to see that many things we do in our new LAWLS lifestyle are on the Go Green list. Here are a few of my favorites:

-Weather permitting, take your exercise outdoors
-Skip the elevator and take the stairs
-Find new uses for old things
-Ride your bike
-Reuse your Ziplock bags (think vitamin baggies!)
-Unload your trunk; the lighter the load, the less gas your car consumes (think weight loss!)
-Bring your own bags to the grocery store
-Eat more veggies
-Eat what's in season
-Support recycling by buying products made from recycled materials
-Plant a garden
-Fill up your freezer, since the fuller it is, the less energy it uses to keep food frozen
-Spend more time outdoors


What are some of things you are doing to "Go Green"?

Back Across the Line

Hello Neighbors!!

I know that many of you in the LAWLS world are acquainted with Bamagal aka Diane. She contributed extensively to our Neighborhood Cookbook and is a strong leading presence in our Neighborhood community. It pleases me to introduce you to her new blog: Back Across the Line. Take a look.

She started it at the end of March and it is a fantastic resource of information, knowledge, common sense and wit -- it is Bamagal at her very best! I am so thrilled she has taken public her story because, like a prized diamond, her story is multifaceted. I don't know anyone who seeks knowledge more voraciously than Diane - she gets her facts in order and then she gets her opinions in order. I love this woman. She created a side-blog titled Helpful Links to share her vast collection of internet resources. Be sure to check it out as well (and thanks for including LAWLS on your list. )

Today she writes about "Fatblogging(TM)" --- a grassroots cyber movement for people to blog their diet experiences. "We are on a mission to spread the word of health, happiness, and humor, forgive all diet transgressions, overcome temptations, and to help you reach your goals! Remember it's health that matters, not size. Hallelujah!" Read the Full Post

Thanks for sharing, Bamagal - You make the cyber world a much better place.

Unsoliticted comments: Where do they lurk in your life?

Over at the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood we have been talking about body image pre and post weight loss. Many of us carry battle wounds from childhood when we were called unkind names by children on the playground and sometimes by insensitive adults. I found this article by Laura Lallone about the wounds we carry from childhood to adulthood. If you are like me her story is all too familiar. I wonder how much of my life I've spent replaying those hurtful unsolicited comments? As she says, "This is not healthy."

She offers hope in the conclusion of the article: Awareness. I'm going to police my negative thought cycle with more awareness, and I hope you will too.

Enjoy!
Kaye

Carrot Legs, Oh Carrot Legs - Why Do You plague me?
By Laura Lallone

When I was 10 years old, a little girl friend turned to me at day camp and said, "Your legs are shaped like carrots. They are skinny at the bottom and fat at the top. Mine are shaped more like string beans."

Right.

When I was 14 years old, a girl named Danni on my swim team informed me and my friends that, "If you can see a roll of skin on your stomach when you sit on the toilet, then you are fat and need to lose weight."

Hmph.

I don't know about you, but when I sit on the toilet (maybe it's my posture) I see two things - a roll around my middle and my thighs smashed to their widest possible girth. I figure in the past 20 years I've sat on the toilet about 32,000 times. I'd say that at least half of those times the little stories from my youth have passed through my mind. Hmmm... that is 16,000 times I've had those thoughts. That is just not healthy!

Unsoliticted comments. We've all received them. Where do they lurk in your life? Why do they stick?

In this case, they stuck probably because I was at a really impressionable age. It's probably because of some nature/nurture, self-esteem, self-worth issue. My rational mind can see that the girls probably said what they said because THEY were feeling insecure in some way. Wait. Does that make insecurity contagious? Can we literally pass on insecurity like a hot potato? That's silly.

There's so much to talk about here. Somewhere inside of each of us, there is a little kid who is still whiplashed from these unsolicited attacks. I guess the issue comes when she (the little girl me) shows up when I'm sitting on the toilet - or otherwise feeling "less than". She doesn't have any more skills or savvy to deal with the comments than she did back then. The adult me has an arsenal though: ways to get grounded, an ability to control my thinking and be more rational, compassion for myself and those other little kids, gratitude for my body and all of its working parts, a sense of humor and a sense of "who gives a flying monkey wrench".

Most of all, when it comes to dealing with emotions rising from old unsolicited zingers, awareness is key. Awareness of what "part" of us is responding inside and out.

P.S. These carrot legs can really kick some stringbean butt.

15 New WLS Webisodes

We have 15 brand new WLS Webisodes to present to you! The topics are terrific and include:

WLS & Health Insurance
Plastic Surgery
Nutritional Supplements
The "jump through hoops" process to get approved
WLS and Reproductive Health
Gastric Banding: Green Zone
Gastric Banding Sweet Spot
Changing Your Lifestyle AFTER WLS
How to listen to yoru body after WLS
Can you really regain weight after WLS?

We've organized these by category on our WLS Videos page. Please take some time and watch these videos that have been created specifically for us by our site sponsor Healthology: Weight Loss Surgery Options.The video categories are:

Pre-op Topics
Surgery and Obesity
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Banding
LivingAfterWLS Lifestyle Topics

We hope you enjoy this resource of up-to-date WLS information. Your comments & feedback are appreciated.

Why Do Some People Live 100 Or More Years?

By Sharon Moore

There are lots of studies going on around the world trying to answer this question. Centenarian studies so far have not revealed any particular "thing" these old timers have in common.

Some centenarians are sweet, some are cranky. Some drink and smoke, some don't. Some exercise regularly, some are proverbial couch potatoes. Some have high cholesterol, some low, and some in the middle.

Genetic research has shed little light on the question, although it's assumed that centenarians have some mighty fine genes working for them. This is only an assumption at this point, though, and other factors play a role.

For example, relative to their advanced age, centenarians across the board tend to have:

Low insulin

Low blood sugar

Low triglycerides

An aside: If any one of the above is high, chances are the other two are high as well.

The key player is insulin - more specifically, insulin resistance. We haven't found the fountain of youth yet, but we have found the fountain of aging - insulin (as insulin resistance). If you have high insulin (hence insulin resistance) you have the basic ingredient in place to promote just about every chronic disease. And what are these chronic diseases? Symptoms of aging.

As we age, we become insulin resistant. That's a fact. If we age prematurely, it's because we are becoming insulin resistant too fast. Thus begins the cycle of chronic illness. No matter what symptoms of any chronic illness you may have, you can bet your bottom dollar that insulin is going have its fingers in illness pie.

Most people know that insulin is a hormone. They don't always know that it's an anabolic hormone, which means it "builds up" the body. It's a regenerative hormone. There are other hormones called catabolic hormones. These are degenerative hormones.

If you have too much insulin floating around in your blood, it's because insulin IS NOT WORKING. When insulin is working, there's not too much floating around - it's being used to do it's regenerative work as it should be.

Yes, insulin keeps blood sugar down by storing it. But that's just one little job it has. Insulin stores nutrients. If you have high blood sugar, one of two things is going on.

Your pancreas is worn out and cannot produce enough insulin. You have type 2 diabetes at this point.Or, your pancreas is churning out plenty of insulin, but your cells are not responding to it. Insulin moves blood sugar (glucose) into cells. If the cells won't listen to insulin and let that sugar in, then your blood sugar stays high and your pancreas keeps churning out insulin in response to all that sugar. You have insulin resistance.

Eventually, your pancreas will give up the good fight. It's exhausted and stops producing more than a dribble of insulin. So now you have gone from being insulin resistant to having type 2 diabetes.

If your cells are no longer responding to insulin to let blood sugar get into cells, then ALL the other nutrients insulin stores in cells are not getting in those cells either.

Let's look at one example of another nutrient: magnesium.

Insulin stores magnesium, just like it stores blood sugar and dozens of other nutrients. If magnesium can't get into cells due to insulin resistance, it comes out in your urine. How important is this?

Well, magnesium is used inside EVERY single cell for all chemical reactions that produce energy. Magnesium is also required for insulin itself to even work. Magnesium relaxes muscles and reduces blood vessel constriction (think blood pressure here). This is just a little sample of the hundreds of things magnesium does.

If you're not storing magnesium inside your cells because of insulin resistance, you're affecting every single cell in your body negatively. Insulin can't build up much of anything as an anabolic hormone because your cells aren't responding to insulin as they should. Indeed, insulin resistance is now increasing as the magnesium flows out in your urine.

There's so much more to say about the problems created with insulin resistance. A book can easily be written on the subject - and books have been written. I'll write more as time permits in our shared quest to SLOW aging.

Final thoughts: STOP EATING SUGAR. That's the first most important thing you can do to reverse insulin resistance and slow aging. That means, of course, taking your carb content very low for a while. Carbs are converted to sugar. Eat poultry, eat fish, eat red meat, eat cheese, eat any vegetable that's green, eat nuts, and go easy on the fruits.

Visit http://1healthyboomer.com - and learn about The 7-Step Plan To Slow Aging. It's one of the best investments you can make in YOU.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Moore
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Do-Some-People-Live-100-Or-More-Years?&id=477853

Update: Leader Helper Program

This is a letter we sent to our Leader Helper subscriber list today. For those who aren't familiar with the entire LivingAfterWLS websuite we thought you might enjoy knowing about another one of our business segments.


"Dear LAWLS Leader,
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Leader Helper list at LivingAfterWLS.com.

Over the last year the LivingAfterWLS project has grown explosively. We've come from a 20-page website averaging 1,000 hits a day to a 600-page website receiving over 1-million hits per month. We've added the Neighborhood, our online community now with over 500 registered members and nearly 35,000 posts in less than a year. And our "You Have Arrived" newsletter list has over 3,000 active subscribers. In addition, we published the first-ever Neighborhood Cookbook for WLS by WLS. Talk about exceeding my wildest dreams!

The growth has been explosive and exhausting. We are a small company (3 people) trying to manage this wonderful, overwhelming and sometimes frightening, growth. To that end we were forced to put the Leader Helper program on the back burner for several months. We apologize for this and for disappointing those of you who had come to count our monthly agendas for your live group meetings. It was never our intent to put-on-hold this program, just an unfortunate casualty of growing pains.

We are pleased, however, to announce the Leader Helper Newsletter and meeting agenda will be back in April. We have outlined our program for the year to coincide with the editorial agenda of our other e-zine publications. I believe this program will come back stronger than before and become a powerful resource to all those who are pursing long-term support and success with weight loss surgery. We will also be offering our group affiliation package once again in April.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of growth at LivingAfterWLS. I am proud to count you as friends and partners in this WLS way-of-life.


Best Wishes,
Kaye Bailey, Founder
LivingAfterWLS, LLC

PS - Don't forget we have a special group leaders online forum in the Neighborhood. This safe haven is an opportunity for group leaders to share their unique perspective and challenges. Drop in today for some kind and candid conversation."

Sweet Valentine's & LivingAfterWLS

hearts
Originally uploaded by FeistyScribe.

I'm sure you've noticed the Valentine's offerings: sweet candies, decadent desserts, cute cookies and temptingly delicious chocolates. This can be a challenging time for post-weight loss surgery living. Fond memories of Valentine's past may beckon sweet surrender for even those most committed to following a healthy nutritious food plan. Perhaps the justification, "Valentine's Day comes but once a year" will be the permission we need to venture into these ubiquitous foods.

We all tend to find what works for us when it comes to celebratory holiday eating. To help you find your best plan here are some articles to review:


Smart Sweets

Is there Chocolate After WLS?

Sugar Free Candy: Beware the Danger

Snacking vs. Grazing

Eating After Weight Loss Surgery

Misconceptions About WLS

As weight loss surgery becomes an increasingly popular treatment for morbid obesity misconceptions abound. Patients who undergo gastric bypass or gastric banding surgeries are often depressed and disappointed after surgery because they believed the popular misconceptions.

Some common misconceptions about WLS:

- Surgery brings joy and boundless energy instantaneously
- Laparoscopic surgery is painless
- WLS is an easy fix and permanent fix to obesity
- WLS guarantees happiness
- Others will support the WLS decision
- After reaching goal weight patients can go back to normal

Because patients read about the joy and boundless energy enjoyed by others after surgery they assume these feelings occur immediately. Joy is felt after massive weight loss, not after surgery. In fact, for many patients the first six weeks out of surgery are emotionally draining as they grieve for food and feel fatigued and disoriented.

We read the laparoscopic technique used for 85 percent of all WLS is minimally invasive requiring little recovery time. In truth this technique bruises the intestines, liver and ribs. The surgery is painful and recovery is not as rapid as most patients expect. Patients express feelings of failure when they are sore and exhausted from surgery.

For most patients weight loss happens quickly and easily. True to dieting tradition when patients reach goal weight they tend to go back to “normal” disregarding the high-protein low-volume diet. Weight gain results. Unless patients follow the strict WLS rules daily they regain weight.

WLS does not guarantee happiness. In fact, patients commonly describe feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, panic and self-loathing as they lose weight. They also express happiness, satisfaction, pleasure, delight and self-love. The pendulum of emotions swings wide.

Having WLS exposes one to attacks from others who feel entitled to criticize the gluttonous sloth that could not lose weight by eating less and exercising more. Not all people, including spouses, siblings, parents and friends will support the decision for WLS.

WLS is a lifetime commitment to an extremely restrictive lifestyle that if used successfully will enable a former morbidly obese person to maintain a healthy weight and diminish the co-morbidities of obesity. It should never be considered the “easy way out” or a “quick fix.” It is a lifetime commitment with no returning to normal.

Learn more about the first year post-op in the LAWLS Library

100-Calorie Snack Packs:Do or Don't?

The 100-Calorie snack pack is all the rage right now with Oreo, Nabisco, Ritz, Keebler and other food producers filling the snack aisle with assorted 100 calorie offerings. But are these really smart choices for weight loss or weight maintenance with WLS? According to Supermarket Sleuth in the latest Food & fitness Advisor (February 2007) the 100-calorie packs contain as much as 23 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams or less protein and 3 grams or less dietary fiber. Many also contain trans fats without being required to list it on the label.

I believe there may be a tendency to say, “It’s only 100 calories, how can it hurt if it curbs my carb-craving?” Have you found yourself in thinking this way? And while portion control is always important, we also must focus on the nutritional value of even small food portions.

“Snacks are snacks no matter how you package them. These 100-calorie packs can be a useful tool for those trying to lose weight; however I would not describe most of them as healthful food choice, since nutritionally they don’t offer much,” says Allison Stevens, RD, a Kansas-based nutrition consultant.

Better 100-calorie snacks that provide nutritional value are:

6-ounces Yoplait Light
1-medium banana
1 slice whole-wheat brad
8 walnut halves
1.5-ounce light string cheese

The calorie-control packs, can however, be a good training tool in portion size and control. We hear all the time that “super-sized” is to blame for our national obesity crisis. Using the 100-calorie packs is an effective means to retrain our thinking (and perhaps our children’s perception) of what a portion size is.

So what do you think?

Are 100-calorie packs a Do or a Don’t for WLS post-ops?

Are 100-calorie packs a Do or a Don’t for children?

Are You Rebelling Against Your WLS?

It seems I've received many emails lately from people rebelling against their weight loss surgery. After months of faithful compliance they have returned to some of the habits that made them obese in the first place. And they are frustrated! Do you find yourself rebelling agasint your weight loss surgery? It happens to most of us at some point.

I believe there are four stages of personal growth for weight loss surgery patients: Conception, Infancy, Adolescence and Maturity. It stand to reason the rebellion occurs during adolescence. This is an excerpt from an article in the LivingAfterWLS Library:

Adolescence is the stage when patients tend to fight the tool. Many patients don’t dump, vomit, snack or eat the forbidden foods until they reach adolescence. But once they approach or reach target weight they take chances and break the rules. Perhaps they eat sugar which results in a blood sugar imbalance called “dumping” or they may stuff themselves with starchy carbs causing vomiting. In the worst case, a patient returns to snacking, a little treat of hard candy here and a handful of popcorn there. This is when patients report weight regain, panic and self-loathing.

The good news: the duration of adolescence is up to the patient. A patient only hurts themselves when they break the rules. Successful WLS patients commit to themselves early to be in control of their own gastric bypass growth cycle.

Read the Full Article: Four Stages of Growth

If you've found yourself taking a walk on the wild side, take a moment to consider the consequences. Unlike our biological adolescence, we can take control of this one. We can chose to hang on to those rebellious urges or we can step ahead to the safer stage of Maturity.

It's up to you.

Helpful Video: Plateaus After WLS: How to Get Beyond Them.

And remember, you are never alone. In the LAWLS Neighborhood we have many friends, all in different stages of growth from Conception to Infancy to Adolescence to Maturity. You are sure to find a friend who has walked in your shoes. Come visit us today.

Four Proven Strategies:Successful Weight Maintenance

The January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter has a comprehensive article on the findings of the "National Weight Control Registry". I'm sure you've heard of this. Started in 1994 the registry collected information from 5,000 volunteers who averaged a weight loss of 72 pounds. The 10-year study revealed that many participants regained some weight, but most maintained a 30-lb weight loss. The researchers identified 4 consistent strategies for maintenance. While these people lost weight with conventional means I believe the maintenance strategies can work for us here at LAWLS - and I think our own JudyPetite (a 20-year success story) can vouch for all four of these. So here they are:

Eating a low-fat, low-calorie diet. "What ever the method, 99 percent of participants somehow reduced overall caloric intake.

Getting high levels of physical activity. "Over 90 percent of participants incorporated physical activity into their life, the average exercise expenditure was equivalent to about one hour of brisk walking every day.

Eating Breakfast. "Nearly 80 percent of the participants reported eating breakfast every day."

Frequent weighing. "Seventy-five percent of participants weighed themselves at least once a week."

Never Alone with WLS

You are never alone in this weight loss surgery afterlife. Each year thousands and thousands of people are proactively fighting their morbid obesity with weight loss surgery. Collectively we are banding together for the long-term to empower one another for enduring success.

The LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood is our online "safe haven circle of friends": men and women who are seeking and offering support. Our Neighborhood includes long-term success stories, new post-operative patients enjoying the exciting phase of weight loss, pre-operative patients who are curious and eager to start their new lifestyle, and WLS patients who may have experienced the dreaded regain but are getting back on track. This is a powerful group of people who are doing their best to be respectful of their WLS and the way of life it brings.

I invite you to visit our Neighborhood to see first-hand the empowering support that is available 24/7. As our New Year's gift to you we are offering a 15-month subscription for the price of an annual subscription ($60 or simply .13 cents a day). You don't have to travel the road of WLS alone: Please come join our safe haven circle of friends and empower yourself for long-term success with WLS. We need you as much as you need us.

Why does the Neighborhood charge a subscription fee?

Learn more about the Neighborhood Subscriptions

Happy 2007!

Greetings Friends!

I hope you are healthy and well and living as we begin a new year. One thing I love about the new year is a clean calendar. There is so much hope and potential in crispy white clean calendar pages just waiting to be filled with the signs of living: appointments, schedules, vacations and such. A new year is also a time of reflection and contemplation. For us at LivingAfterWLS it is also the time to complete the LAWLS Personal Self-Assessment Workshet, one of our tools of empowerment.

LAWLS Personal Self-Assessment Worksheet

We will be discussing this more in tomorrow's You Have Arrived Newsletter (January 3) but I thought you might want a head start in using this tool for your introspective look at where you have come from and where you are going. You can read more about this in the Library: LAWLS Personal Self-Assessment

Remember, the more tools we use in conjunction with our WLS tool, the stronger we become. Use the tools.

Best wishes to you and yours in the coming year!

Webisodes: Knowledge for Success

Note from Kaye

One of our goals at LivingAfterWLS is to provide
current, on-going useful information that enables
our subscribers and community members to embrace
their weight loss surgery and succeed beyond the
statistics. We want you to go further and achieve
more than you have ever imagined. As part of
this effort I am pleased to introduce you to four
new webisodes from our sponsor, Healthology. These
are brief informational videos narrated by Faith
Daniels. They all address life after obesity
surgery. I learned from watching them, and I know
you will too. Take a moment to watch: knowledge is
power.

Plateaus After WLS and How to Get Beyond Them

Over The Counter Medications - What You Need to Know

Relationship Rescue After Weight Loss

Making Exercise a Part of Your Life

LAWLS Neighborhood Cookbook

Order today and save $2 off the Cover Price!


At long last the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood Cookbook is here! It is beautiful. This is the first ever weight loss surgery cookbook written by the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood. 300+ recipes created by real life home cooks who are living well with their weight loss surgery. Focus is on the high-protein, low-fat, low-carb diet while paying attention to flavor and fresh, nutritious ingredients. Recipes are uncomplicated and accessible while respecting the needs and lives of busy weight loss surgery patients.

300+ recipes, tips, hints and ideas for feeding your body well after weight loss surgery. The first ever cookbook written for weight loss surgery patients by weight loss surgery patients. This beautifully bound hard-back book includes recipes for:

On The Go Protein

Protein Breakfasts

Healthy Snacks

Condiments & Sauces

Family Friendly Main Dishes

Sensible Desserts

Many of your favorites from the LivingAfterWLS Recipe of the Week are included. Recipes are indexed and contain important nutritional information. Guarantee your success today! Put this valuable resource in you WLS toolbox.

SAME DAY SHIPPING! Order Today - Cook with it Next Week!

Prefer to Mail Order? Download PDF Order Form

New Blog: Flights of a Fitness Angel

I am very excited to introduce you to a new blog: Flights of a Fitness Angel written by Judy. Over at the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood we call Judy the "Fitness Diva" for her commitment and enthusiasm for exercise. What makes Judy even more remarkable? She a 20+ year post WLS success story (note her entry for 11/26: "Weight this morning was 113).

Read her. Know her. Love her.

Welcome to the blogging world, Judy! You Have Arrived!!!

Chili Roasted Pecans with Dried Cherries

Hi Sandra - here is the nut recipe as pictured below. It's delicious, I hope you enjoy (in moderation, of course!)

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens "Appetizers"

This is a sweet-savory nut recipe sure to satisfy any hunger craving. It can be made in advance and kept in an airtight container at room temperature until time to serve.

Makes about 2 1/2 cups nuts.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
2 cups pecan halves
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
3/4 cup dried cherries

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine cooking oil and hot pepper sauce. Add pecans; toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, black pepper, salt, cumin and oregano. Add to pecans; toss well to coat.

Arrange pecans in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until toasted, stirring every 5 minutes. Keep a watchful eye as they can burn quickly. Remove from oven and stir in dried cherries. Serve warm or at room temperature.

One ounce of dry roasted pecans contains 187 calories, 2 grams of protein, 18 grams fat (1 saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate and 2 grams of dietary fiber. Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, the healthy fats.

Nutty Perspective

This is a picture from our Thanksgiving appetizer table - it clearly demonstrates the smallness of an "appropriate" 1-ounce serving of Chili-Toasted Pecans with Dried Cranberries from a recent Recipe of the Week. Notice the 1-ounce serving size. Even with WLS it is easy to over-eat the appropriate 1-ounce portion.

By the way, one ounce of dry roasted pecans contains 187 calories, 2 grams of protein, 18 grams fat (1 saturated), 6 grams carbohydrate and 2 grams dietary fiber. nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, the healthy fats. However, a little goes a long way!

It's all about portion control! Make a visual image and honor your body with healthy foods in appropriate portion!

Read more: Nuts a do or a don't?

WLS Webisodes!Knowledge You Need to Succeed

We have been working closely with our partner, Healthology, to provide you the best, most up-to-date information about weight loss surgery. Today we are pleased to present seven new Webisodes (short online informational videos) that offer the keys to WLS success. The videos are in the Library: WLS Videos

You will see the new titles listed in the right column under "Webisodes" - If you don't see them press F5 or Refresh to open the updated page. Take a look and let us know what you think - I know you will enjoy them and learn some valuable information that will further enhance your LivingAfterWLS!

Kaye & Team

Shrimp-Tortellini Soup

This was dinner tonight!!! Another great recipe from our forthcoming Neighborhood cookbook. This is so delicious, so easy and so quick. It meets every need of the health conscious WLS post-op. And it was created by none other than our multi-talented LAWLS webmaster scoop-diddy! Enjoy this sneak-peek at the Neighborhood Cookbook! It's what's for dinner!

Ingredients:
boiling water
1 c. dry cheese tortellini
pinch salt
1 T. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, minced
1 large portobello mushroom, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. Old Bay Seafood seasoning
1 (14-0z) can diced tomatoes
1 lb. ready-to-eat shrimp
1/4 c. asiago cheese
2T Parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Heat a medium pot of water to boiling. Add a pinch of salt and the tortellini, lower heat to a simmer. Cook tortellini to al dente and drain. Set aside. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and chopped mushrooms. Saute' stirring frequently. Add Old Bay Seafood Seasoning to vegetables and garlic. Add tomatoes with juice, stir and bring to a simmer. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in ready-to-eat shrimp and cooked tortellini. Top with crumbled asiago cheese. Cover and allow to rest 10 minutes. Serve in soup bowls topped with Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

Contributor's note: This is a healthy take on a classic Italian stew. It is quick, tasty and healthful. Editor's note: It is important to cook the tortellini separately from the stew. If you cook it with the stew too much starch will be released and the tortellini will become mushy.

Recipe note: Serves 4. Per serving: 276 calories, 30 grams protein, 9 grams fat (3 saturated), 16 grams carbohydrate and 2 grams dietary fiber.

Vegetarian Omega-3'sNature's Fatty Acids

Cold Pressed Organic High Lignan Flax Oil

Several of our LAWLS Neighbors supplement their diet with Flaxseed - - I am one of them. Here is some information on why I add a Flaxseed supplement to my daily vitamin cocktail:

- Flaxseed is the most concentrated plant source of Omega-3s (good fat) found in nature.

- Flaxseed contains linolenic acid and linoleic acid which are essential fatty acids that cannot be made by the body therefore they must be obtained through diet.

- Flaxseed is a source of heart healthy nutrients and can support healthy cholesterol levels.

Huge Vitamin Sale: Buy 2 Bottles Get 4 FREE. No Coupon Code Required.

Dr. Andrew Weil in "The Healthy Kitchen" p. xxiii writes:

"One special group of good fats deserves particular attention. Omega-3 fats are a group of polyunsaturated fats that are absolutely essential for optimum health. The body needs them on a regular basis to synthesize hormones and build cell membranes, including those of nerve cells in the brain. Dietary sources of omega-3s are few and probably, most American's are deficient in them. That deficiency may underlie our susceptibility to heart disease, inflammatory diseases, some forms of cancer and a variety of nervous and mental disorders...The main source of these good fats is fish, especially fatty fish from cold waters: salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and (to a lesser extent) albacore tuna. Non-fish sources are few: walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds and the oils extracted from them."

Because my diet is low calorie and low fat I feel the addition of a flaxseed supplement in my diet is an intelligent and informed way to ingest these good omega-3s. It is believed by many bariatric nutritionists that flaxseed oil in softgel supplement form is favorably absorbed by patients with a malabsorptive WLS procedure (gastric bypass).

I take Puritan's Pride product #1450 (1000mg Organic Flaxseed Oil).

Cold Pressed Organic High Lignan Flax Oil

VITAMIN SUPERSALE FROM OUR LAWLS PARTNER!!! Buy 2-Get 4 FREE!

Many of you know LAWLS is sponsored in part by Puritan's Pride Quality Vitamins. For the next few weeks they are having a fabulous sale - Buy 2 - Get 4 FREE. In other words, for the price of 2 bottles of Vitamin C you get 6 bottles.

Puritan's Pride Quality Vitamins

In addition to the link above, you can link to the Puritan's Pride website through any LAWLS Library page such as this one on Calcium. The Puritan's banner is front and center just below the search box - click it and you will be directed to this fabulous vitamin superstore. You can also find a link to Puritan's right here on the LAWLS Blog in the right-hand column. A small procede of your purchase goes to support LAWLS, but more importantly you get a great product at a great price.

In addition to my post-WLS vitamins, we purchase all of Jim's vitamins from Puritan's and pet vitamins as well. They also have a wonderful selection of children's vitamins and holistic products. Jim has been buying from Puritan's for many many years and personally swears by their products (and he is a picture of health!) I hope you'll give them a try. Let us know what you think. . .

Oh, one more thing - Shipping is $3.95 on any sized order! Can't beat that!!!

Puritan's Pride Shipping is Only $3.95 on Any Size Order!

If you have a question about any of their products post it here. If I can't answer it we will contact their nutrition support team. If you have used Puritan's in the past let us know what you think too!

Here's to our partner in good health Puritan's Pride Quality Vitamins!

Creamy Butternut Squash Bake

This recipe was featured in the LivingAfterWLS Recipe of the Week on October 1. It's quickly become a Neighborhood favorite with great reviews from all who have made it. Give it a try tonight.


Creamy Butternut Squash Bake

Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash
1/2 cup sour cream, light
2 Tablespoons margarine/butter blend
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions
Wash and dry butternut squash. Leave whole. Pierce skin with a carving fork in 4 or 5 places. Place squash on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake in a 350F degree oven for 40 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

When squash is cool enough to handle cut lengthwise in two pieces. Remove and discard seeds. Spoon out sqash into a casserole dish. Add sour cream and 1 tablespoon of the margarine/butter blend. Mash all ingredients together with a potato masher. Smooth mixture in casserole dish.

In a small bowl melt the remaining tablespoon of margarine/butter blend. Stir in breadcrumbs and parmesan mixing to moisten. Sprinkle crumb mixture atop squash and sprinkle with grated nutmeg. Bake in 350F degree oven for 25 minutes.

Serves 4. Per serving: 199 calories, 7 grams protein, 10 grams fat (5 saturated), 22 grams carbohydrate and 2 grams dietary fiber.

Subscribe to the LAWLS Recipe of the Week

Cranberry Apple Cream Cheese Mold

Since WLS I've become a Jell-O aficionado. Who among the WLS crowd isn't some kind of Jell-O expert since it is one of our early "safe" foods? The Kraft website has some terrific recipes and this is one of my favorites. Of course I always switch out the regular gelatin for sugar-free and in this case use the 1/3 fat cream cheese rather than full fat. This recipe is particularly good this time of year when the apples are so crisp and delicious. It makes a terrific side salad or dessert. If you can't find the sugar-free cranberry the sugar-free cherry flavored is a nice substitute.

Cranberry Apple Cream Cheese Mold

1-1/2 cups boiling water
1 pkg. (8-serving size) or 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand sugar-free Cranberry Flavor Gelatin
2 cups cold apple juice or cold water
1 medium red apple, cored, quartered and thinly sliced
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA 1/3 fat Cream Cheese, softened

STIR boiling water into dry gelatin in large bowl at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in juice. Remove 1 cup of the gelatin; set aside at room temperature. Refrigerate remaining gelatin 1-1/2 hours or until thickened (spoon drawn through leaves definite impression).

SPOON half of the thickened gelatin into 6-cup mold sprayed with cooking spray; top with single layer of apple slices, with slices slightly overlapping. Cover with remaining thickened gelatin. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set but not firm (gelatin should stick to finger when touched and should mound).

BEAT cream cheese in medium bowl with wire whisk until creamy. Gradually add reserved 1 cup gelatin, beating until well blended. Pour over gelatin layer in mold. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Unmold onto serving platter. Store leftover gelatin in refrigerator.


KRAFT KITCHENS TIPS

How To Soften Cream Cheese
Place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese on microwavable plate. Microwave on HIGH 15 seconds or until slightly softened.

How To Unmold Gelatin
Dip mold in warm water for about 15 seconds. Gently pull gelatin from around edges with moist fingers. Place moistened serving plate on top of mold. Invert mold and plate; holding mold and plate together, shake slightly to loosen. Gently remove mold and center gelatin on plate.

Update from the LAWLS Test Kitchen

Hello WLS Bloggers!

I can't believe two months have slipped by since my last post here at the LivingAfterWLS blog. Boy time flies when a person gets busy. And busy I've been - testing and editing recipes for the first ever LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood Cookbook.

Earlier this year we enlisted the help and expertise of community members to share their recipes for our cookbook. We wanted recipes that complied with the weight loss surgery dietary requirements (high protein, low carbohydrate, low fat), recipes that were fast and easy to prepare and dishes that were refreshing and delicious to enjoy. After all, if you can only eat a few bites what you eat should be delicious!

The response to our recipe request was fantastic - we received over 300 recipes ranging from simple make-n-take protein roll-ups to elegant entrées for romantic dining WLS style. We even scored some pretty terrific healthy snack recipes and sensible desserts for everyday and special occasions.

Once the recipes were submitted it became my job as the lead cook in the LAWLS kitchen to test each recipe, calculate the nutritional content, double check ingredient lists, instructions and even spelling. Most of the time this was fun and exciting. Some days it got to be a drag when the weather was so pretty and I would have preferred to be playing outdoors. Overall, however, it was a pleasure to step inside the "kitchens" of my fellow WLS'ers and learn how they cook, what they eat and what is working for them.

What resulted from this collective effort is an original cookbook by WLS patients for WLS patients. I'm very proud of the contributions and effort by the Neighbors to share their recipes and tips for making life healthy and good through smart WLS cooking. The book is in the hands of our publisher now and will be ready for shipment come mid-November. I can't wait for the Neighbors to see their creation.

Order the LivingAfterWLS Cookbook: $14.00 (SAVE $2 off cover price)

Here are a few things I learned while editing the cookbook:

Ketchup, catchup and catsup are all correct spellings for a seasoned pureed condiment made from tomatoes. We used catsup in our book.

Chick pea is often written as two words, it is really one word: chickpea.

Parmesan is capitalized.

Spinach (fresh or frozen) is a favorite ingredient for many WLS cooks.

Most contributors made use of a variety of seasonings and herbs to enhance the flavor and appeal of their recipes. Fresh ingredients were emphasized by many. Processed ingredients were seldom called for.

There are an infinite number of ways to make stuffed eggs and most home cooks believe their recipe is the best.

Chicken, turkey and shrimp are top favorites for clean mean protein. But salmon, halibut, pork, beef and even scallops each make impressive appearances in the cookbook.

Finally - the most important thing I learned is that the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood abounds with great cooks who are feeding their bodies well and succeeding with WLS. Congratulations to all my Neighbors!

Mechanics of WLS: A Quick Refresher Course

I have found that occasionally re-visiting the mechanics of surgery helps me to remember to respect my new body. I don't want to take for granted the surgical changes to my body. These two quick videos, explain the mechanics of gastric bypass and banding. Watching them was a great reminder for me that I'll never go back to "normal". Take a look:

Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery and Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery

What Are the Different Types of Surgery for Obesity?

Why LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood is Different

Earlier this year LivingAfterWLS added a community forum to the web-suite. It's called The Neighborhood: A safe haven circle of friends who are LivingAfterWLS. In a short time the forum has become an active support community of which I am personally quite proud.

I've watched several topics and posts the last few days that have truly made me appreciate how different the LAWLS Neighborhood is from other online WLS communities.

One thing that makes me particularly proud is the acceptance of the individual while celebrating in the united cause of living well. Years ago I left an active online WLS community because of the bigotry that brewed between the so-called "light-weight" and "heavy-weight" post-WLS membership. Perhaps some of you have seen this in your online travels. The heavy-weights treated the light-weights with disdain for their "cosmetic" surgery and the light-weights ridiculed the heavy-weights for waiting so long before doing something. It was ugly. Bigotry among our own people.

Morbid obesity is a disease and the best known medical treatment to put that disease in check is gastric surgery: banding or bypass. I don't care who you are or how much you weigh, when you take the plunge into weight loss surgery you demonstrate bravery, grit, determination and resolution to work with the tool to change your health and your life for the better.

We have people of all sizes here. The common thread is we all suffer from morbid obesity and are treating it with the best medical option available. Some recent posts could have taken us down the heavy-weight/light-weight path, but they didn't. All members of this community rallied for our Neighbors when it came time to support, commiserate and encourage. For that I applaud you all!

Thank you,
Kaye

Informational Videos

Are you in the "considering surgery" phase in your fight against morbid obesity? Are you wondering if you are to blame for your weight problem or is Morbid Obesity a disease over which you have little control? To answer these questions watch this video provided to the Neighborhood by Healthology, a leading producer and distributor of physician-generated health and medical information on the Web.

What Is Morbid Obesity and What Can Be Done?

You may also find these videos informative as you learn more about morbid obesity and what can be done about it.

Gastric Bypass Surgery, most commonly Roux en Y
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)

Please link to these brief, but informative videos, to learn more about these procedures to help you know what is right for you.

Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery and Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery


What Are the Different Types of Surgery for Obesity?

Preparing for Weight-Loss Surgery

The LivingAfterWLS website is funded in part by Healthology.