Throw-Back-Thursday: Motivation and Kindness

TBT! Hello good readers and happy Throw Back Thursday to you! Perhaps I should call it "TRUE CONFESSIONS THURSDAY" because today I reveal to you the most difficult thing about being a bariatric researcher-writer/online personality/patient: Staying Motivated and Treating Myself Kindly.

There it is.  I know! I nag you all the time to be kind to yourself and to use motivation as your most powerful tool in the management of this most disrespected disease we call obesity. Being brave and confident in the face of constant struggle coupled with years of blaming and belittling ourselves for a metabolic disorder is exhausting. More often than not at the end of the day the last thing I want to worry about is the Four Rules or the bathroom scale or fighting the zipper on mysteriously shrinking blue jeans (it's the dryer, right?).  You too?

Blog Post 06/21/2016:
Obesity Reclassified: Obesity is a medical condition, not a moral failure

But I've committed to you to keep researching, keep writing, and hopefully, consistently provide your with the inspiration you crave that soothes your soul at times when you feel you cannot take another moment of this crazy harder-than-hell LivingAfterWLS way of life.

Now the good news for me is that there is a rainbow in the storm! Since 2005 I've written thousands and thousands of articles, a few books, and created year's worth of recipes that serve as my safety-net when I cannot muster the resolve to pull inspiration and kindness from thin air. Today I've pulled from our archives a Weekly Digest newsletter from 2014 that is all about Self-Compassion as we travel this difficult road. It turns out this "road" is more a bumpy meandering primitive trail rather than the faster easier super highway. Darn it! If only WLS were as easy those on the outside think it is!  I've shared here my opening greeting from that newsletter and provided links to the longer articles. 

I needed to read this, perhaps you do as well. After all, we are in this together!

Resources for You: We have thousands of articles, blog posts, and newsletters available to you free - your safety net. Use the "SEARCH" box in this blog or the topic cloud (both in the right hand column) to find articles and links to topics that matter to you. Please note we cannot honor expired promotions shown in our archived resources.

Enjoy!
Kaye


Improve Health and Weight Loss
Self-Compassion is the first step
October 2014
Link to the Newsletter: Weekly Digest October 2014

"Thank you for joining me in this week's LivingAfterWLS Digest, I know your time is valuable and appreciate you spending some of it with me. Today I address the issue of self-compassion and kindness and the role it plays in our health and weight management after surgery. As a group we are generous with our kindness and caring for others, but oh-so-hard on ourselves. Not a day goes by where I don't receive an email full of self-loathing and disappointment when WLS has not gone text book perfect as planned. Words like "failure" "disappointed" "angry" "depressed" and "hopeless" are used to describe setbacks that are perceived as personal weakness. Yet if we were to listen to a friend talk this way about herself we wouldn't allow it - we would build on her strengths and abilities and buoy her spirits with encouragement and praise.

It is time we turn the table and exercise self-compassion and self-kindness. Doing so is the first step in taking positive action to manage our weight and health using the surgical tool we so desperately needed. Our featured article, "Encouraging self-compassion for a positive body image" is a good starting place to launch your campaign for self-kindness. Follow that with some "me time" spent on the LivingAfterWLS Personal Self Assessment, your quarterly review of your goals, progress, and plans.
Download the worksheet for free: Self-Assessment Worksheet.

Other features in today's Digest include some fact-filled links on the big health headline: Ebola Virus Disease; updates from the new and improved LivingAfterWLS Blog; a great recipe for Beef with Soba Noodles; and a quick study on the health benefits of walking.

I hope you find this digest useful in your ongoing efforts for improved health with weight loss surgery. You have the power to make this your healthiest season ever! Let's do it together!"

Link to the Newsletter: Weekly Digest October 2014

Connect with the only official 5DPT Facebook Group - See you there!

Now in our Archive: Best of 2011 Newsletters

Greetings! 

Hello and Welcome!

It's that time of year again when we prepare to close the cover on another calendar and reflect upon the year just finished before setting our sights on the new one. With pleasure we present you the best of our email newsletters from 2011. Not only do the newsletters give us a look back at what we learned, they can provide a source of inspiration and excitement for the year to come. Perhaps you'll find one of your favorites from our list here, or maybe come across one you missed. But most of all we hope these newsletters serve you well in your continued pursuit of health with weight loss surgery. We look forward to providing more meaningful content and useful recipes and ideas in 2012.

CHEERS!

Kaye 

Link to the Best of 2011 Newsletter

Link to Newsletter Archive

12 Years Ago Today - I Arrived

12 Arrivalversary - Celebrating In the Neighborhood

Today marks the 12th Anniversary of my gastric bypass surgery on September 13, 1999. As we do each year on this date Jim took my "AFTER" picture. This morning out in the yard with the beautiful sunshine KeepHerKitty decided to join me for a picture. Isn't she gorgeous? Like all of here at LivingAfterWLS she struggles with her weight, as you can see. And sadly I am a treat giving enabler to her. So here is the picture, my latest "After" in this ongoing journey of LivingAfterWLS.

Watch your inbox for the LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest this week, I have collected and shared many of the lessons I have learned in these 12 years. You can subscribe to the free emails here: LivingAfterWLS Newsletters. I have been fortunate to learn so much from all of you wonderful Neighbors and it is an honor to able to share our collective experience.

So CHEERS to another 12 Years!

Show the world you "LIKE" LivingAfterWLS - Click LIKE on our Facebook Page





LivingAfterWLS General Store
Great Coupon for September!!! Code: RENEW2011
In this 9th month of the year when we RENEW our attention & efforts for healthy weight management we are pleased to offer 9% off orders of $20 or more. Enter code at Checkout & Save!

Hot Off the Press!

Apples and Exercise Promote Body Fat Loss After Weight Loss Surgery
For some exercise enthusiasts carbo-loading is key to supplying the body with adequate energy for extreme workout sessions. But for the rest of us the simple apple may be the best carbo-loading secret around when it comes to supplying the body with energy before a workout. Read More

Three Keys to Lasting Weight Loss Surgery Success
Nearly a quarter-million people in the United States will undergo weight loss surgery this year to arrest their morbid obesity and lose weight. In spite of the drastic nature of gastric surgeries not all patients will reach a healthy weight and some may eventually regain weight they lost initially with surgery. Bariatric surgeries help arrest the disease by reducing the amount of calories a person may eat, but the surgery does not remove the disease. With patient compliance weight is lost and obesity can be put in remission.
Read more

Dietary Sensibility Prevails Even With Weight Loss Surgery
Even though the standard for pre-surgical education has been elevated for bariatric patients seeking treatment for obesity with weight loss surgery a certain silliness prevails among both patients and the public suggesting surgery is the easy way to lose weight and lifestyle changes are not necessary to affect weight loss. The notion that simply eating less of the things we were eating at the height of our obesity as a means to losing weight is absurd. Read more

Weight Loss Surgery, Vegetarians and High Protein Diet - Putting it All Together
Vegetarians who are suffering from morbid obesity and undergo weight loss surgery for the treatment of obesity are challenged to follow the weight loss surgery high protein diet when they do not partake of red meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. The first rule of a bariatric diet is to eat protein first: at least 60 percent of dietary intake should be protein. Low glycemic carbohydrates and healthy fat provide the remaining 40 percent dietary intake. Read more

Kaye Bailey Article Syndication

Kaye Bailey EzineArticles

Recently syndicated articles by internationally recognized weight loss surgery expert Kaye Bailey:

Four Truths About Weight Regain After Weight Loss Surgery
Nobody undergoes weight loss surgery thinking weight regain will happen to them. But statistics indicate that 80 percent of those who undergo gastric bypass, gastric banding, or gastric sleeve weight loss surgery will at some point regain some of the weight they lost initially with the surgery. Learn four truths about weight gain after weight loss surgery.
Read Full Article

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

Gastric Bypass Dumping Syndrome - Three Foods That Cause It
As pre-op weight loss surgery patients we are taught to fear the mysterious dumping syndrome and in most cases we are told that avoiding sugar will prevent the occurrence of dumping syndrome. So it comes as a surprise when after having a malabsorptive gastric surgery we experience symptoms that we think are dumping syndrome, yet sugar has not crossed our lips. In this article we take a look at dumping syndrome so that we can understand the full picture - beyond the sugar - and avoid the foods that may cause it.
Read Full Article

Budget Tips For Eating Healthy After Weight Loss Surgery
After gastric bypass, gastric banding or gastric sleeve weight loss surgery we know we must follow a healthy high protein diet in order to lose weight and maintain weight loss. In these economic times it is natural to be concerned about the cost of a specialized diet. Follow these helpful tips to sustain your weight loss surgery diet without breaking the bank.
Read Full Article

Kaye Bailey EzineArticle Profile

Birthday Gift for You in the General Store

Yesterday was my 44th Birthday and I'm sending a big cyber-hug of THANKS to all my LivingAfterWLS Neighbors and Friends who have taken the time to wish me Happy Birthday! I am simply overwhelmed with your love and kindness. Thank you!

We have made it possible in the LivingAfterWLS General Store to give back this weekend as both my husband and I celebrate our birthdays. I'm personally including with each order my own recipe for Parmesan Chicken and enough You Have Arrived Italian Blend seasoning to make it! Consider it my gift to you for your kindness and loyalty to the LivingAfterWLS project. No coupon code necessary - I'm sending this with all orders placed April 21-April 26. Thank you for celebrating this birthday with me! I'm looking forward to a healthy happy year with you.

While you are shopping please take advantage of our coupon - Enter SPRING in the coupon box at checkout and save $2.00 off your order - no minimum purchase required!

FREE with ALL BOOK PURCHASES -- Goody Bag that includes some of our LivingAfterWLS Worksheets, the 5 Day Pouch Test handy reference card, a sweet laminated "You Have Arrrived/Four Rules" Wallet Card and product samples! Fun Stuff!!! Items are top quality and may vary with what we have on hand! Fun for Everyone!
LivingAfterWLS Books

FAQ: Credit & Debit Cards -- The LivingAfterWLS General Store accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit and debit cards and PayPal payment options. PayPal is the verified secure gateway by which our payments are processed, but not the required form of payment. When placing an order enter the CAPTCHA (funny letters and numbers) in the PayPal gateway box to proceed then click the link on the left side of the page that says "Don't have a PayPal Account? Use your credit card or bank account to continue" -- Click the word "Continue" to make a secure payment with your credit or debit card. Your secure purchase is guaranteed.

Shop Now!

Our products are carefully selected with you in mind - Thank you for allowing us to serve you. More than being an online merchant I consider myself and LivingAfterWLS a steward of the weight loss surgery community. It is an honor to be in your service. May you have a fine weekend and enjoy your best life LivingAfterWLS!

Sincerely,
Kaye Bailey

Find me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter

It's My Birthday!

Recovery Monday on YouTube

a bit under the weather

hey Neighbors -- I'm not ignoring the Neighborhood, emails or PMs. I'm just feeling pretty lousy and hanging-out like a lump on the couch. I think I have food-borne illness since eating a deli lunch of questionable freshness yesterday. Jim thinks the stress of the last few weeks has whipped-a** on my little body and I just need to chill-out and rest. HA! I'm sipping copious amounts of Emergen-C and resting best I can. I really need to get feeling better soon. KeepHerKitty is home with me, not feeling so chipper herself:



In good news:

Our new little booklet "Know Your Numbers" is now in stock at the LivingAfterWLS Store -- Such a cool tool, go here:

Exciting Personal News: I learned this week I get to be the custodian of my beloved grandmother Florine's dining room set. My grandmother was a goddess of entertaining, including a stint in Washington DC hostessing political powerhouses and a lifetime of grandly hosting her cherished family. I am wigged-out excited for this because of the history of this family heirloom, but also because we gave our dining set to our son last year and have not replaced it! This year we can eat Thanksgiving at the family table. (Last year we ate off paper plates sitting on crates of 5DPT books!).

Speaking of Grandma Florine, for years she hosted Gingerbread House party for oodles of aunts, uncles, cousins, and kin. Grand family tradition. Grandma passed in April 2007 and the following holiday season I honored her by replicating her childhood home in Gingerbread:



This year I will honor the LivingAfterWLS Neighbors by making & donating on your behalf a Gingerbread House to our local Relay for Life Festival of Trees. I want to include our rainbow and penguins --- any other suggestions? If you've heard me speak about the Emperor Penguins you understand the connection.

The Gingerbread House featured above is still presentable -- I preserved it and I can hardly wait to make it the centerpiece on my Grandma's table... I think she would be pleased.

Ok -- time for more rest.


Please share your ideas for our LivingAfterWLS Gingerbread House. What do you think about skinny snowmen? LOL!

Countdown to my 10-Year Arrivalversary

Hey Neighbors!!!

This coming Sunday, September 13, 2009, will mark my 10 year Arrivalversary!!! I am gobstruck that 10 years have come and gone. It seems like the 6 months prior to WLS lasted forever while I was in the waiting mode. And now 10 years of Living are behind me. And what a great 10 years they have been. I'm so grateful to be healthy and fit and more importantly that the LivingAfterWLS Project was born and raised during that time.

The big celebration of my Arrivalversary is the publication of my new book - Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test which will be out October 27th. (Shameless advertisement - you can reserve your copy here with our pre-publication sale. First 100 copies signed & numbered by me). Honestly - that should be enough of a celebration....

BUT -- I want to do something really big (not bungee jumping MOUJ) --- Any suggestions?

....
And here's what they came up with:

--From BeJean"Congrats!

I say get a tatoo, the LAWLS ribbons (logo) w/ "10 years" ."

--My Reply"OMG! Thank you, everyone. I just burst into tears reading this thread and I'm pretty sure it is down home sentimentality, not the hormones talking! I've wanted a tattoo for years but never thought of anything that "fits" --- but the LAWLS ribbon rainbow! Perfect. Thanks Jeanie for the suggestion. Jim is getting his first tat next month (grandson Mason designed it for him) and I think I'll go along for some ink of my own. Perhaps on the ankle? Ribbon Rainbow with "You Have Arrived" seems perfect!!! (Does it hurt to get inked?)"

So what do my dear blogger friends think??