Savory Raspberry Salad

Hello Neighbors!

In my part of the world the raspberries are in harvest - oh what a beautiful day! Nature's rubies. Raspberries are a great source of Vitamin C, fiber, and pectin that is known to lower cholesterol. Best eaten right out there in the raspberry patch as they are picked, raspberries are a summertime favorite of mine. Raspberries and blackberries are odd little sweets: soft, furry, hollow when picked, each little berry-cell contains a small seed. New surgical weight loss patients should pass on fresh raspberries to avoid lodging a seed in their new pouch or the incisions that created it. About a year after surgery it is safe to test berries for your tolerance, following, of course, the guidelines provided by your surgical center.

If you have an abundance of raspberries give this Savory Berry Salad a try. Add a piece of grilled chicken or grilled fish for a complete nutritious and delicious meal. Enjoy!

Savory Berry Salad

Ingredients:
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
4 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
8 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
2 ounces mild goat cheese, crumbled

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Arrange the greens on four salad plates. Top with the fennel, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing.

Per Serving: 170 calories, 5g protein, 8g fat, 5g dietary fiber.

For more summer salad recipes visit the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen - Salads

What's Your Rhythm?

Over at the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood in WLS Chat we have been talking about the 2B1B Rhythm. Do you know what that is? It is a method of counting food bites to make sure you get 66% protein and 33% complex carbohydrates. With the 2B1B Rhythm it is assumed that one has made a low-fat selection food choice and that processed or "white" carbs are not on the plate.

Our Ambassador of Reception "N A" was first to identify the acronym as 2 Bites Protein; 1 Bite Carbs. The conversation has continued as others have identified their own rhythms. Celadon said, "This is the first time I have seen this thread. I am more of a 3B1B person but I just really feel like I still need the protein more. Silly stuff tends to keep us focused now doesn't it?"

I added, I'm loving the 2B1B Rhythm conversation!!! And it looks like we all have rhythm - - - just different rhythms. Honestly, I've found the 2B1B Rhythm to be less intimidating and more user friendly than calorie counting or clock watching or any of the other gimmicks I have employed in weight loss/weight maintenance efforts.

Ahhhh, but with any good rhythm, one must listen for the ending notes. The final curtain call. The last fork standing.

What is the curtain call on your personal fork dance? Click to learn how the Neighbors are dancing to the rhythm of the fork!

Randy Jackson Diet Book Coming Soon!

Randy Jackson

As reported in OK Magazine Randy Jackson, who had gastric bypass in 2003 and lost 150 pounds, announced the forthcoming publication of his own diet book, "The No-Nonsense Guide to Getting Fit, Eating Better, and Living Longer" due out in November.

Jackson 51, who announced this year that he has Type II diabetes, says he has tried every diet under the Sun, and he swears that his new approach holds the key to the "new you".

In the diet blog community this publication is being met with great skepticism. At Diet Blog Gerald "Gerry" Pugliese says, "If you were looking for an ambassador for healthy living, you might not make a beeline for Randy Jackson." The comments are even more critical. Gwendolyn writes, "I'm sorry, someone who failed at life and had to get a gastric bypass and is **still fat** should never ever write anything about dieting and nutrition."

I don't know Mr. Jackson personally, but I do know that weight loss and weight maintenance is a challenge with or without surgical weight loss. Mr. Jackson is not the first person to struggle with weight control after gastric bypass and he will not be the last. I say kudos to the man! I hope his book makes real the struggles with weight control and healthy living. I hope it inspires others who may have struggled with weight control after surgical weight loss.

Take a look at the 5 Day Pouch Test message board in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood - Randy Jackson is not the only person who still struggles with weight control after a surgical weight loss procedure.

Best to you Randy Jackson. I wish you splendid success with your forthcoming book and look forward to reading it.

What are your thoughts? Is Randy Jackson a qualified authority to write about fitness, diet and longevity?

And for those struggling with weight regain after weight loss surgery: Please visit the 5 Day Pouch Test website and learn a way to take control of your surgical tool.

Woman Loses 100#s with 5 Day Pouch Test

5 Day Pouch Test Ambassador Gretchen
100 Pounds Lost with the 5DPT and Day 6

5 Day Pouch Test Homepage

It has been nearly a year since I first introduced the 5 Day Pouch Test to our LivingAfterWLS community and what a phenomena it is. In today's Bulletin you will read about Gretchen who has lost 100 pounds since doing the 5DPT last September. You will learn from her that there is always hope and grit determination goes a long way to help us reach our goals. Gretchen, our 5 Day Pouch Test Ambassador has lost a whopping 100 pounds in just 9 months. Read her own words:

"I did it - I've lost 100 pounds on the 5DPT and Day 6 Eating Plan !
It took me about 9 months - not bad, being 6 years post-op.
Kaye, how can I ever thank you enough ???
And to all the Neighbors who have put up with me since September, I
thank you all, too. I couldn't have done it without you.

How have I done it ???????

I've followed the 4 Rules,
I've listened to others.
I've been honest with myself and my Neighbors.
I've asked for help when I needed it.
I've followed the 5DPT and Day 6 Plan to the best of my ability,
and I've put my faith in these 2 plans.
I've shared what I've learned with others.
I've had FUN along the way!

Thank you everyone, for being a part of this."

Read the full conversation in the Neighborhood

As the 5DPT has become somewhat a "cult phenomena" in the surgical weight loss world I've noticed two things: one was predictable the other was a pleasant surprise. The first thing I've noticed is most people do the 5DPT beginning on Monday and concluding on Friday. Makes sense as most of us lead structured lives M-F and the 5DPT is about structure. The second thing that awes me is the spirit of collaboration and community in the Neighborhood when one person invites another to join them in the 5DPT ride. This spontaneous and sincere bonding has resulted in great results for many, but more importantly genuine friendships are formed. Please visit the 5 Day Pouch Test Message Board: anyone who is struggling with a weight regain or weight loss stall will surely find support and comfort knowing they are not alone.

Read what Gina "Montana Girl" wrote:

I have to tell you (through teary, blurred vision) that this 5dpt saved my life. I thought I was the only person to have ever regained. I was so depressed I was not a good mom, wife or friend. I was spiralling into oblivion with my weight gain.
I can never repay you for the valuable lessons I have learned while in your neighborhood, for the 5dpt that helped me regain control over my mind and body. I did the 5dpt 2 months ago to the day and I've gone on to lose 27 pounds on "day 6". Again, crying, you are my hero, a goddess. Honestly. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Visit the 5 Day Pouch Test Message Board Today!

Red Lion Inn Smoked Salmon

More Fish & Seafood

Our Recipe of the Week yesterday featured terrific appetizers for outdoor picnics and parties. Summer is time for casual entertaining using fresh ingredients and easy preparation. Here is another healthy appetizer to enjoy when you are outdoor entertaining.

Learn about the nutritional value of fish protein

Red Lion Inn Smoked Salmon
This is a quick and showy appetizer adapted from the Red Lion Inn Cookbook. The sour cream mixture is particularly refreshing in the heat of Summer. Pre-sliced cocktail pumpernickel bread is available in most supermarkets near the deli counter. It is a good source of B-Vitamins and fiber and tastes great with the salmon and spread.

Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
8 teaspoons coarse grain mustard
4 teaspoons fresh dill (chopped)
1 small red onions (sliced very thin)
4 teaspoons capers
8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon (about 8 slices)
pumpernickel cocktail bread

Directions:
In a small mixing bowl combine the sour cream, coarse grain mustard and dill.

On a large tray place the bread slices in a single layer. Coat each slice with about 1 teaspoon of the sour cream mixture. Top with a few onion slices and then a piece of smoked salmon. Add a small dollop of the cream mixture to the top and garnish with the capers and more fresh dill if desired.

Serves 16 - two appetizers each. Per serving: 90 calories, 5 grams protein, 4 grams fat (2 saturated), 9 grams carbohydrate 1 gram dietary fiber.

Refresher course: 4 Rules for Weight Loss Surgery Success

New Vitamin Bundle at Bariceuticals

Silvia Demeter, our friend and founder of the made-just-for-us Bariceuticals™ liquid vitamins has put together a new product bundle. Called "Cathy's Choice" the kit includes a 30 Day Supply of our famous liquid multi-vitamins and our pharmaceutical grade sublingual B-12 complex spray. You will also receive 30 day supply of our exclusive iron tabs. In this kit you will so receive a free sample of total protein. This is affordable priced at just $99 for the months supply.

Bariceuticals™ vitamins have been specifically formulated to be absorbed by surgical weight loss patients. Silvia tells us, "Our patent pending Bariceuticals™ are the only complete liquid nutritional supplementation system that is completely formulated ingredient by ingredient to target the unique absorption needs of bariatric patients. With this system you will consume only the ingredients that the body is lacking, or will lack shortly after surgery. We do not use unnecessary ingredients that can bind together or cancel each other out, thus causing a void of nutrients."

When we undergo weight loss surgery we are told that our bodies will not absorb vitamins and nutrients the same way as one without surgery. Many people opt to take inexpensive multi-vitamins and often they report feeling weary, lifeless, sad and unenergized. That is because they are nutrient deficient. Silvia says, "The liquid format of Bariceuticals™ has an absorption rate of 80 to 90% in the upper intestine where nutrients are most readily absorbed. Our goal is to educate you, our consumer, on Bariceuticals™. We know that an educated bariatric patient is our best customer."

Learn more Facts

Silvia is genuinely concerned about our best health after WLS and she easily recalls the days and months following her own surgical weight loss when she felt lethargic and lifeless. That is how she came to be the founder of this quality nutritional supplement: she herself wanted to feel better. She says, "We at Bariceuticals™ want nothing more than for you to absolutely love the new you. You deserve to feel and look great. To that end we ask you to give Bariceuticals™ a two to three week trial period. You will feel a difference, in a week’s time. If your body is extremely deficient your trial phase may take two weeks. At the end of your trial phase, if you don't absolutely love Bariceuticals™, please return the unused portion for a full refund - including shipping cost. We are that confident that you will embrace Bariceuticals™."

Read some product Testimonials

Sugar Tolerance: Does it Change

Over at the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood we had a great question from our Neighbor Paula. She wants to know if our tolerance for sugar can change with the 5 Day Pouch Test. Take a look:

Question from Paula:
"Before the 5DPT, I could eat almost anything and not have a problem. (Which is where part of my problem came in and why I did the 5dpt.) The other night I ate a graham cracker with some peanut butter . . . . . and DUMP AWAY. Boy, was I sick. Is it common for your body to go back to not tolerating any sugar?"

My Answer:
As for the dumping!! Glad you experienced that -- and I don't mean that unkindly. It is just another testiment that once we clean-up our diet our bodies are eager to tell us when we feed it something it doesn't need or want. I receive lots of letters from people who say, "I don't get THE DUMPING anymore" and when we drill down we discover they are feeding their body a steady stream of white carbs which puts the blood sugar in a low-grade dump so it is not noticed. What is noticed is fatigue, cravings and weight gain. So when a person goes from a constant state of low-grade dump through the 5 Day Pouch Test they get out of the processed carb cycle. Like you, if they return to a formerly "safe" food their body does a big booty kick with a serious dump.

So the short answer - Yes it is possible to build a tolerance for sugar, BUT, it is also possible to return to a state of sugar intolerance.

Read the full discussion and learn more about sugar tolerance and intolerance.

31 New Recipes for LivingAfterWLS

Have you visited the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen lately? We have just added over 30 new recipes for your culinary enjoyment and healthy lifestyle.

At left is our Neighborhood favorite, Parmesan Tuna Patties served with mango. Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Coddled Eggs

I have joined the highly esteemed group of Neighborhood Coddlers thanks to Celadon & Lynn - Look! Celadon taught Lynn and I how to coddle eggs while we at our Director's Meeting. They are so delicious and soft on the tummy. I am thrilled to join the Coddlers. These two are Royal Worcester made in England. The pattern is perfect: berries and blossoms. What an honor to receive such a thoughtful gift - and a surprise no less. Thanks Ladies - Much appreciated.

Link to learn all about Coddling

LivingAfterWLS Food Editor Reaches Goal Weight!

Barbara (left) and Lynn (right) at the LivingAfterWLS Directors' Meeting:

Our good Neighbor and LivingAfterWLS Food Editor Celadon (Barbara Gibbons) has reached her weight loss goal!!! And she is just too darn sweet and modest to post about it. Registered member read about it in her blog: About Goal and Maintenance.

I consider Barbara my dear friend and power player in the LivingAfterWLS community. I can assure you, my darling Neighbors, that she always Always ALWAYS lives the best LivingAfterWLS way of life possible. She is an eager student, an over-achiever, and a down-to-earth sweetheart who believes in the best of all of us.

Congratulations Celadon --- You Have Arrived (in style!)!

High Protein Diet After Surgical Weight Loss

Gastric Bypass Patients Succeed Eating High Protein Diet
By Kaye Bailey

(At left: Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Breasts) 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

Check out the Community Kitchen for some Protein, Protein, Protein! New recipes this week!

LivingAfterWLS Cookbook

ON SALE NOW!!

$18.00 + $3.95 Shipping & Handling

300 Recipes - 175 Pages - Spiral Bound

For WLS Patients - By WLS Patients

Learn More & Order Online
Receive Your Free Gift

"Normal" Recipes in the Kitchen

The LivingAfterWLS "Normal" eating is a diet of clean, lean protein; nutrient rich vegetable and fruit carbohydrates; healthy fats; limited grains, processed carbohydrates and sweets. It is easy to get into a rut of safe or predictable food. The danger with a food rut is boredom which may lead to eating that falls out of the "normal" diet. At LivingAfterWLS we have recently remodeled our online Kitchen with many new terrific recipes that will bring variety to your normal eating. The recipes are nicely organized and easy to follow.

At right: Orange and Fennel Salad from Palermo
Photo by Barbara Gibbons

Try some of my favorites:
Chicken Piccata
Halibut with White Wine Sauce
Beef Osso Buco
Chocolate Spice Brownies
Spinach Asparagus Salad

Visit the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen Today!

Chicken & Artichoke Casserole

Catsroomie, one of the excellent weight loss surgery cooks in the Neighborhood recently posted this recipe for Chicken & Artichoke Casserole:

Just came across this recipe on Allrecipes.com and it sounds delicious. Haven't tried it yet, but I plan to this weekend.


Artichoke Chicken

INGREDIENTS
1 (15 ounce) can artichoke hearts, well drained and chopped (marinated preferred)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 pinch garlic pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic pepper. Place chicken in a greased baking dish, and cover evenly with artichoke mixture.

3. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear.

Mastercook nutritionals Per Serving for 4 servings (I'm figuring it would make 8 for WLSers): 667 Calories; 53g Fat (69.3% calories from fat); 41g Protein; 12g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber; 119mg Cholesterol; 706mg Sodium. Exchanges: 5 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 3 1/2 Fat.

There were a couple of suggestions added: Drain the artichokes well, squeezing as much liquid out as possible; use half sour cream in place of half the mayonnaise; add some crumbled bacon.

It's relatively low carb. If you're concerned about the fat content, you could make modifications to lower the fat.

I tried this recipe with a minor modification to lower the fat and it was FANTASTIC! Husband even commented that he was pleased there would be leftovers. To lower the fat I omitted the mayonnaise and used 1 10.75-ounce can Campbells Healthy Request Cream of Chicken Soup to reduce the fat.

For more great recipes and community help with healthy modifications visit the LivingAfterWLS Community Kitchen.

June Fruit & Veggies

Have you been to the Community Kitchen in the Neighborhood lately? There is lots of good stuff cooking that feeds our weight loss surgery tummies well. Our LivingAfterWLS Food & Nutrition Director, Barbara Gibbons is busy adding new recipes, product reviews and nutritional know-how to our growing collection of information.

This month she features Pluots© and Apriums© in the "Fruit of the Month" topic. These are new to me and I look forward to adding them to my healthy diet. In the Vegetable of the Month topic she features the southern, Creole and Cajun favorite: Okra. Be sure to link through and learn why these fruits and vegetables play an important role in our healthy LivingAfterWLS way of life.

Reminder: The LivingAfterWLS "Normal" eating: Normal for us means clean, lean protein; nutrient rich vegetable and fruit carbohydrates; healthy fats; limited grains, processed carbohydrates and sweets.

5 Day Pouch Test: Refresher Course

There has been a great deal of lively discussion lately about how to do the 5 Day Pouch Test correctly. The guidelines for the plan are very specific and deserve review.

First Off - the 5DPT is a drastic measure to stop a carb monster or slider food habit. It is a rapid return to compliance with the general rules of successful weight loss or maintenance after weight loss surgery. The 5 Day Pouch Test is not intended to be a way of life - it is a trip to the dietary and mental emergency room in order to stop further injury from out of control or improper eating.
Understanding Hunger, Appetite & Satiety

The 5 Day Pouch Test is intended to prepare us for the eternal Day 6 way of eating that includes a high protein diet with the inclusion of nutritious complex carbohydrate vegetables and low-glycemic fruits and limited whole-grain starch. In addition Day 6 means following the Liquid Restrictions and avoiding slider foods or processed carbohydrate grazing.

From the Plan:

This is the 5-day plan that I (Kaye Bailey) have developed and used to determine if my pouch is working and return to that tight newbie feeling. And a bonus to this plan, it helps one get back to the basics of the weight loss surgery diet and it triggers weight loss. Also, it is not difficult to follow and if you are in a stage of carb-cycling it will break this pattern. Sounds pretty good, right?

The 5 Day Pouch Test should never leave you feeling hungry. You can eat as much of the prescribed menu as you want during the day to satiate hungry and prevent snacking on slider foods and/or white carbs. You must drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. A reduction of caffeinated beverages is suggested, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey.

Weight loss is not the intent of the 5 Day Pouch Test, however, many who have tried this plan report a significant drop in weight. More importantly they celebrate a renewed sense of control over their pouch and eating habits and easily transition back to a healthy post-surgical weight loss way of eating.

Although weight loss often occurs on the 5DPT it is when we follow Day 6 consistently that we achieve greater weight loss and weight maintenance. We also feel better about ourselves.

Days 1 & 2 are difficult - liquid both days. This is necessary to rest your tiny tummy pouch and reduce any inflamation that has occured from eating food that irritates the tiny pouch and the stoma opening through which food flows to the digestive track. It is very similar to how we prepared for surgery and how we nurtured our new digestive system after surgery. Think of it as coddling an infant - you would not feed a new baby fried chicken or pretzels or ribeye steak or chocolate cake. So why feed a new bariatric tummy these difficult foods? If you feel frightened or unable to do Days 1 and 2 then do a modified test starting with Day 3. Repeat Day 3 twice, do Day 4 twice, move on to day 5 twice (this makes it a 6 day test) and then begin the eternal Day 6. It is better to do the 5DPT as outlined, But doing a modified test is better than sinking further into a processed carb cycle or slider food addiction.

A Plan to Work the 5 Day Pouch Test

There is no such thing as perfection in life or the 5 Day Pouch Test. In fact, nobody has ever done the test perfectly, not me or Queen Gretchen or Toris or any of the other 5DPT experts. But what we have done is our best on any given day and learned our way back to following the proven rules that work with our weight loss surgery. Use the 5DPT as a learning tool; not a measure of success or failure. We have spent enough of our lives measuring personal worth by the way we eat and the number on the scale. The 5DPT is about reclamation of your power to do the very best at living healthy with surgical weight loss and beyond to maintenance. Be kind to yourself.

Some keys to working Day 6:
**Plan you meals

**Add new things to your diet in the way of lean protein and healthy complex carbohydrates.

**Forgive slip-ups and let them teach you.

**Embrace the WOW moments and let them motivate you.

**Never underestimate the power of the pouch - it is there for you if you work it.

**Finally - Remember you are never alone. One year out, 20-years out you have a friend in the Neighborhood.


Questions & Answers:
This sounds like just another short fad diet.
I can understand this feedback, particularly if it comes from one who has not had weight loss surgery or gone through the stages of the post-op diet. The 5 Day Pouch Test is drastic and it has to be. If a person is feeling out of control with their eating, feeling like they have failed at weight loss surgery and gaining weight then drastic action is necessary. This plan allows that individual to take control in 5 days and exchange destructive eating behavior for appropriate eating behavior that results in feeling good and weight loss. In addition, those who started the plan feeling hopeless and desperate come away with new confidence in their ability to work their surgical weight loss tool.

What are liquid restrictions?
After surgical weight loss patients are advised to avoid drinking water 30 minutes before meals and 30 minutes after meals. (The time restriction varies from surgeon to surgeon, but must use the 30 minutes before, 30 minutes after restriction. Follow your surgeon's specific directions.) In addition there should be no liquid consumed while eating. Following these liquid restrictions allows the pouch to feel tight sooner and stay tight longer, thus leaving the patient feeling satiated for longer periods of time without experiencing the urge to snack.

One exception to the mealtime liquid restriction is an alcoholic beverage. Due to the rapid absorption of alcohol after a gastric stomach reducing surgery patients should not drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Patients who elect to include an alcoholic beverage in their regular food plan should drink it only with meals. Alcoholic beverages should be limited to one serving per day or less

Why do I need to take only 15 minutes for meals? My center told me to take 30 minutes for each meal.
Many bariatric centers recommend patients take 30 minutes for meals. Some even instruct patients to use a stop watch and time 3 minutes between bites of food. The reason is to slow down the eating habits of the recovering morbidly obese person. After some time patients who comply with the 30 minute meal rule tend to be able to eat more and often linger over the meal, even though satiation has resulted. Consequently they eat more food, particularly if they are not following liquid restriction and using liquid to wash the food through the pouch.

During the pouch test a person is following the liquid restriction and eating a high protein diet. By limiting the time to eat to 15 minutes one will enjoy the satisfaction feeling that is the desired result of a gastric pouch.

Finally! Read Read Read!
5 Day Pouch Test Blog5 Day Pouch Test Website

Heat it up with Ginger

Today we celebrate the health and healing powers of ginger. Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to main dishes and many fruit and vegetable dishes. Ginger has long been known to tame digestive discomfort and many post-weight loss surgery patients report that including ginger as an ingredient in their healthy diet helps reduce stomach distress.

Ginger can be found in many forms including fresh roots, powder, crystallized, candied and pickled. For the best healing properties select fresh ginger root found in the produce section of your market. Fresh ginger should be refrigerated unpeeled. For use in cooking peel the ginger, a potato peeler works well, and chop, slice or mince as directed.

Ginger Yogurt with Fruit
Adapted from World's Healthiest Food

This 10-minute breakfast is yummy tasting and rich in vitamin C, Vitamin B, potassium and dietary fiber. The ginger adds a delicious twist to the blend of banana and yogurt. Even though it is light, it will sustain you for quite a while. Protein powder may be added to the yogurt mixture if desired.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 large ripe bananas
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 large papaya
1 cup seedless grapes
1/4 cup sliced almonds


Directions:
In a blender combine the yogurt, bananas and ginger.

Spoon out meat of papaya and divide papaya and grapes between two bowls.

Mix with blended yogurt and top with sliced almonds.

More LivingAfterWLS Dairy & Cheese Recipes


Ginger Chicken
This recipe will remind of your favorite Chinese take out. The marinade turns up the heat on the same 'ole chicken breast. As written the recipe calls for cooked rice but many weight loss surgery patients do not tolerate rice. We served it over baby spinach greens and it was delicious!

Ingredients:
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound skinned boned chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 cups hot cooked rice

Combine first 12 ingredients in a bowl; stir well. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Drain chicken, reserving marinade.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; sauté 5 minutes. Add reserved marinade; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Serve over rice.

Serving Size: 3 ounces chicken and 1 cup rice. Per serving: 430 calories, 33 grams protein, 4 grams fat (1 saturated), 62 grams carbohydrate and 1 gram dietary fiber.

Without rice: 190 calories. 28 grams protein, 4 grams fat (1 saturated), 10 grams carbohydrate and 1 gram dietary fiber.

Come cook with us! LivingAfterWLS Kitchen

Wild Caught vs. Farm Raised Salmon

Hello Neighbors!

You know I'm a big fan of salmon and eat it regularly. Normally I get my salmon from a big-box super center in large quantities to portion out, vacuum pack and freeze for later use. But I've often wondered where this salmon comes from and is it my healthiest option.

George Mateljan over at The World's Healthiest Foods is featuring salmon this week and he offers insight to the farm vs. wild salmon dilemma.

Is there any nutritional difference between wild-caught and farm-raised fish? Is one type better for me than the other?

Overview
From both a nutritional and environmental impact perspective, farmed fish are far inferior to their wild counterparts:

Despite being much fattier, farmed fish provide less usable beneficial omega 3 fats than wild fish.

Due to the feedlot conditions of aquafarming, farm-raised fish are doused with antibiotics and exposed to more concentrated pesticides than their wild kin. Farmed salmon, in addition, are given a salmon-colored dye in their feed, without which, their flesh would be an unappetizing grey color.

Aquafarming also raises a number of environmental concerns, the most important of which may be its negative impact on wild salmon. It has now been established that sea lice from farms kill up to 95% of juvenile wild salmon that migrate past them.(Krkosek M, Lewis MA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.)

So, the next time I shop the big box I will be asking from what waters has my fresh salmon swam? Really, if we are going to try and eat ourselves into nutritional Nirvana we must ask and deserve to know where our food has been.

Thanks George and World's Healthiest Foods.

Monday in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood

Hello Neighbors!

I hope you had a fine weekend and were able to do some serious LIVING! Our weather here in Wyoming has turned quite lovely after such a long LONG winter. It was nice to enjoy lots of sunshine and outdoors this last weekend. Here is a look at a tiny corner of my perennial garden. In another few weeks the perennials will emerge carpeting the earth in green, I can hardly wait!

Like many of you, I am continuing my course to take control of regained pounds. The pounds are coming off slowly, but consistently: I'm down 4 pounds with 13 to go. Sticking with the Four Rules and watching the liquid restrictions (no water 30 minutes before or after meals, no drinking with meals) is helping me to feel my pouch again. And believe it or not, I am really enjoying my exercise again, particularly walking.

Are you starting this week with new resolve to work your pouch? Jane in the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood offers some great advice and encouragement in this topic: 5 Day Pouch Test May 19-23, Team Test! She has an idea for making the 5 Day Pouch Test a family affair:

"Before you start the 5dpt you'll also want to look at the recipes for the week to choose which ones will work for you and possibly your family. This test is about YOU, but real life proves that cooking for the family happens, so by working your recipes into their diets for the week you'll have better luck with success."

Need more encouragement? Read Rachael's topic, "I Am Celebrating Big Time, I am in control." She's lost 30 pounds in 60 days! No wonder she is celebrating!

Remember, LivingAfterWLs is never about perfection, it is about doing our best on any given day. Hope you do your best today! And remember you are never alone; come visit us in the Neighborhood.

CHEERS!
Kaye

Seared Salmon and Tomato-Mozzarella Salad

We enjoyed a meal so delicious last night that I forgot it was healthy! I first made a Tomato-Mozzarella salad from tomato slices that had been drained on paper toweling and then seasoned with salt and pepper. These were arranged in a ring on the serving platter then drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, finally garnished with toasted pinenuts.

For the Salmon:
In a large skillet I heated 1 tablespoon of EVOO. Working on parchment paper I seasoned the skinless, boneless salmon fillets with freshly ground pepper and pink sea salt. The fillets were put in the hot oil to sear for 4 minutes and then turned, allowing to cook over medium high heat for 3 more minutes. After removing the skillet from the heat I topped each fillet with 1 generous tablespoon of Sweet Peppers Bruschetta Topping by Gia Russa (Found at World Market), placed the lid on the skillet and let the salmon rest for a few minutes.

What a great meal! I didn't run caloric or protein-fat-carb counts because when a meal is this healthy I prefer to think of all the healthy nutrients such as vitamins C and A and lycopene in the tomatoes; calcium in the mozzarella and salmon and of course the beneficial omega-3 fish oil which is good for hormonal health, skin and the immune system.

For more great salad ideas check out the Neighborhood Memorial Day Recipe Contest.

Happy Eating!