Are you stress eating? Try this surprising easy fix

I have interacted with literally thousands of people who have undergone weight loss surgery in the management of obesity. Not one of these people has ever told me they do not eat when feeling stressed. The reality is we reach for food in times of stress for the comfort or distraction it offers. It is not a moral weakness. Hunger cravings during stress are intrinsic human biological responses, the body's call for fuel to produce serotonin.

Fortunately, we can manage these cravings and control what we eat by carefully selecting the food we eat in response to stress-induced hunger and cravings.

Recent research identified vitamin C as a stress reducer. Psychology Today reported in June 2016 that studies show positive improvement when vitamin C is used as part of healthy and holistic stress management:

"It's already everybody's favorite nutritional supplement, linked, however controversially, to preventing the common cold and fighting cancer. But vitamin C recently added a new notch on its belt. The vitamin helps reduce both the physical and psychological effects of stress on people.

People who have high levels of vitamin C do not show the expected mental and physical signs of stress when subjected to acute psychological challenges. What's more, they bounce back from stressful situations faster than people with low levels of vitamin C in their blood.

In one study German researchers subjected 120 people to a sure-fire stressor—a public speaking task combined with math problems. Half of those studied were given 1,000 mg of vitamin C. Such signs of stress as elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol and high blood pressure were significantly greater in those who did not get the vitamin supplement. Those who got vitamin C reported that they felt less stressed when they got the vitamin."

Foods rich in vitamin C, particularly berries and citrus food, quickly cause a surge in serotonin production which produces a feeling of emotional relief. We often turn to simple carbohydrates -sweets, salty snacks or starchy foods- for comfort during stressful times. In a way we are correctly answering the cry of stress because we are eating foods that will increase serotonin which produces calmness. Knowing this we can eat in response to stress but rather than grab the snacky chips or cookies let's give an apple, a tangerine or strawberries a try. The resulting emotional relief paired with the knowledge of making a healthy choice is bound to go a long way in restoring emotional balance.

The Vitamin and Blood Sugar Connection after WLS

This is in response to the comments on Facebook regarding our LivingAfterWLS Digest yesterday on the importance of vitamin supplements following weight loss surgery. Kathy said she must take her vitamins or her blood glucose (blood sugar) drops and Karen asked what one had to do with another. Kathy - Great share of your experience and Karen Great question. --I offer here a quick answer (due to time limitations) but I've added this topic to my 2014 Editorial Docket first quarter so I can provide a more detailed and better researched response in article format.--
 

The Vitamin and Blood Sugar Connection after WLS

The vitamins/minerals most frequently implicated in blood glucose management are the electrolytes: specifically sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, and phosphates. As reported by Diabetic Health & Wellness (DH&W) in December 2013 with a disease such as diabetes where metabolic function is disrupted severe electrolyte imbalance can occur. "This is why managing electrolytes is a major issue for diabetics. One problem diabetics face is an offset of the proportion of electrolytes in their body caused by changes in their blood glucose level (typically high blood sugar). When you are hyperglycemic your body tries to get rid of excess glucose through increased urination. This increase in fluid loss causes electrolytes to also be lost, creating an imbalance in the body. The symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include fatigue, headache, irritability, and muscle pain."

The experts at DH&W say "The best way to keep your electrolytes balanced without disrupting your blood sugar is to include foods which are good sources of electrolytes in your diet as part of your diabetic meal plan." However, after WLS managing electrolytes with diet alone is challenging due to lower caloric intake, and intolerance of some foods. With malabsorptive procedures, such as gastric bypass, there is a shortage of gastric enzymes to break-down nutrients for transfer to vital organs via the blood stream. In fact, WLS poses a host of complications in nutrient and electrolyte balance which manifests as dumping syndrome, hypoglycemia, blood sugar crashes, etc.

Further Reading From Diabetic Health & Wellness: Diabetes and Electrolytes

Taking appropriate vitamin supplements that specifically include the electrolytes is an effective approach to blood glucose management in the face of metabolic challenges, as Kathy shared.

Further studies suggest that vitamin D also plays a role in blood glucose management. "New research strongly suggests that vitamin D and calcium also play important roles in maintaining normal insulin function and glucose control — the keys to diabetes. Early in 2009, doctors at the Harvard School of Public Health found that low vitamin D and calcium levels were related to higher, unhealthy levels of C-peptide, a common marker of insulin function."

Further Reading From dLife: Vitamin D and Calcium for Better Blood Sugar


People treated with bariatric surgery have a metabolic disorder that causes the body to store excess energy in the form of body fat. To put this disorder into remission proper nutrition is essential.

Ok - There is a short answer to a BIG topic. Please watch for a more complete article from me on this important issue early next year. 

Thanks and best wishes for a good day, good health, and balanced electrolytes!

Vitamins: A Do or Don't after WLS?

Published Today: LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest

Vitamin Supplements: What you need to know now

Link to the newsletter: LAWLS Digest: Vitamins

 

You most likely heard the news earlier this week shouting, "Stop wasting your money on vitamin supplements!" This headline was pulled from the Annals of Internal Medicine in which the authors of an editorial conclude there is no evidence that routine use of vitamin and mineral supplements brings health benefits. The editorial stated, "The routine use (of vitamins) is not justified and they should be avoided. This message is especially true for the general population with no clear evidence of micronutrient deficiencies, who represent most supplement users in the United States and in other countries."

Those are strong words and mainstream media took notice with many news broadcasts and newspapers repeating the headline to stop wasting money on vitamins.

I've read many arguments for and against the use of vitamin supplementation over the last few days. The common factor in my research indicates these studies and expert opinions are intended for the general population of people who eat a balanced diet of nutrient dense food and who have no mitigating health circumstances. I'm not sure I know anyone who fits into that general population.

When we consented to have a surgical weight loss procedure we committed to a lifetime of following a carefully prescribed diet that most likely includes the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. We understood before surgery that our the low caloric intake after surgery and decreased absorption efficiency would require supplementation to meet our basic nutritional needs. Our bariatric surgeon and nutritionist prescribed specific supplementation to each of us. This prescription is to be followed throughout the course of our life with adjustments being made by us in collaboration with our health care team as nutritional needs change. Our nutritional needs are monitored with blood tests, overall health and well being, and life stages.

Today's digest offers many features regarding vitamin supplements and the weight loss surgery patient. I encourage you to spend time reviewing your personal vitamin and mineral supplementation. Are you getting all the nutritional support you need with diet and supplementation? Are you following the vitamin protocol prescribed at the time of surgery? Are you monitoring your nutritional wellness with blood tests and assessment of your overall health and well being?

I realize this is a particularly busy time of year to be asking one more thing of you. If you don't have time today to give thought to this topic save your newsletter to read later. Give it a good look-over when you have downtime before the new year begins. Set a goal to get your nutritional health in tip-top shape in 2014. Can you think of a better gift to give yourself?  Consider using our LivingAfterWLS Personal Self-Assessment Worksheet as part of your goal. Using it reminds us how far we have traveled and where we would like to go. Download the worksheet in pdf format: Self-Assessment Worksheet

I am grateful for all of you in the LivingAfterWLS community who work very hard every day to live healthier and manage your weight with the surgical tool. May your holidays be bountiful and celebrated with heartfelt gratitude. I wish you the best this holiday season and always.  Thanks for LivingAfterWLS with me!

Cheers! Kaye 

Published Today: LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest

Vitamin Supplements: What you need to know now

Link to the newsletter: LAWLS Digest: Vitamins

Featured in Today's Digest:
Refresher: The B Vitamins
Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
What vitamin supplement is best for me?
Holiday Tips: Stay on Track & Enjoy
Recipe: Chicken breasts with apple stuffing

Link Now:  LAWLS Digest: Vitamins

Why we need to supplement B Vitamins after WLS

Refresher Course: The role of B vitamins after WLS

By Kaye Bailey

Weight loss surgery patients are advised to compliment their diet with a vitamin B supplement often taken in sublingual tablet form or by monthly injections. Some surgical procedures for weight loss inhibit absorption of the B vitamins which may result in deficiency. In addition, the low calorie high protein diet following bariatric surgery does not provide adequate dietary intake of B vitamins. Patients should follow the specific directions of their bariatric center when taking B vitamin supplements. Annual blood tests are needed to ensure deficiencies are quickly identified and treated.

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism.

B vitamins are found in all whole, unprocessed foods. B vitamins play a key role in supporting and increasing the rate of metabolism; maintaining healthy skin and muscle tone; enhancing the immune and nervous system; promote cell growth and division; including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia; and may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine
Thiamine is highly concentrated in yeast so cereal grains are an important source of this vitamin that is essential in helping the body transform food into energy and contributes to brain, nerve cell, and heart function. Pork, fish, sunflower seeds, rice, and pasta also supply good amounts of thiamine. Many processed foods are enriched with thiamine. The Reference Daily Intake (RDA) of thiamine is 1.4mg, however some studies suggest intake of 50mg increases mental alertness. Thiamine absorption occurs in the jejunum and ileum, therefore gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients have decreased opportunity for vitamin B1 absorption from food.

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin
Riboflavin is found in dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts, legumes, leafy greens, and enriched breads and cereals. It plays an essential roll in the production of red blood cells, energy production, and growth. Riboflavin is an easily absorbed micronutrient that is best known visually as the vitamin which imparts the orange color to solid B-vitamin supplements. People who take a high-dose B-complex will notice an unusual fluorescent yellow color in their urine as they slough off excess vitamin B2. Riboflavin is continuously excreted in the urine of healthy individuals, making deficiency relatively common when dietary intake is insufficient. Visible symptoms of riboflavin deficiency included cracked and red lips, inflammation of the lining of mouth and tongue, mouth ulcers, cracks in the corner of the mouth, and a sore throat. The RDA for vitamin B2 is 1.3mg/day for men and 1.1mg/day for women. Most vitamin B complex supplements provide a much higher dose of riboflavin.

Vitamin B3: Niacin
Like thiamine, niacin is important in the conversion of food to energy. It is also required for normal growth and the synthesis of DNA and helps keep the skin, nerves, and digestive system healthy. Niacin occurs naturally in lean meat, poultry, and seafood. Milk, cereals, and some dietary meal replacement bars and drinks are fortified with niacin. The RDA of niacin for men is 16mg and women 14mg. Extreme dosages (1.5-6 grams/day) of niacin may cause flushing and itching and may also elevate blood sugar. Standard supplementation should not result in this toxic reaction.

Vitamin B5: Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid also helps the body convert food into energy and plays a role in synthesizing hormones and other body chemicals. Deficiencies of pantothenic acid are virtually unknown. The name pantothen is Greek meaning "from everywhere" and small amounts of pantothenic acid are found plant and animal food sources including grains, legumes, eggs, meat, and poultry. The RDA for both men and women is 5mg/day.

Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is important in the utilization of protein and in the production of red blood cells. It works with other B vitamins to boost the immune system and produce antibodies. Good sources of B6 are chicken, beef, fish, beans, bananas, and enriched cereals. Pyridoxine is not commonly found in plants.

Vitamin B7: Biotin
We frequently hear about the role biotin plays in hair and skin growth but this powerful vitamin also plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates into energy. Studies indicate biotin may also be helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level. Biotin is found in eggs, dairy products, legumes, whole grains and cruciferous vegetables. People in the phase of rapid weight loss following weight loss surgery often experience hair loss, which may be the result of biotin deficiency. Increased biotin supplementation immediately following surgery may lower the risk of hair loss due to biotin deficiency.

Vitamin B9: Folic Acid
This B vitamin - also called folate or folacin, is vital to tissue growth and plays a role in the prevention of certain birth defects. It is important for women of childbearing age to get enough of this nutrient. It is believed folate may also help prevent certain cancers and help prevent heart disease. Good sources of folate include artichokes, asparagus, avocado, blackberries, broccoli, brussels spouts, chickpeas, green peas, lentils, orange juice, raw peanuts, pinto beans, romaine lettuce, spinach, wheat germ and wild rice. Many cereals and refined grain products are fortified with folate.

Vitamin B12: Various Cobalamins
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and in the functioning of the nervous system and it enables the body to utilize folate. Called cobalamin, vitamin B12 is plentiful in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Kaye Bailey (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved
Article syndicated by EZineArticles: WLS patients need B vitamins

B Vitamins Refresher Course

Refresher Course: The B Vitamins. Here is a detailed article about the B Vitamins and why we need them, especially after WLS.  Consider taking a high potency B Complex vitamin for best delivery of nutrients to the body.

B Vitamins - What Are They and Why Weight Loss Surgery Patients Need Supplements
By Kaye Bailey

Weight loss surgery patients are advised to compliment their diet with a vitamin B supplement often taken in sublingual tablet form or by monthly injections. Some surgical procedures for weight loss inhibit absorption of the B vitamins which may result in deficiency. In addition, the low calorie high protein diet following bariatric surgery does not provide adequate dietary intake of B vitamins. Patients should follow the specific directions of their bariatric center when taking B vitamin supplements. Annual blood tests are needed to ensure deficiencies are quickly identified and treated.

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. B vitamins are found in all whole, unprocessed foods. B vitamins play a key role in supporting and increasing the rate of metabolism; maintaining healthy skin and muscle tone; enhancing the immune and nervous system; promote cell growth and division; including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia; and may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine
Thiamine is highly concentrated in yeast so cereal grains are an important source of this vitamin that is essential in helping the body transform food into energy and contributes to brain, nerve cell, and heart function. Pork, fish, sunflower seeds, rice, and pasta also supply good amounts of thiamine. Many processed foods are enriched with thiamine. The Reference Daily Intake (RDA) of thiamine is 1.4mg, however some studies suggest intake of 50mg increases mental alertness. Thiamine absorption occurs in the jejunum and ileum, therefore gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients have decreased opportunity for vitamin B1 absorption from food.

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin
Riboflavin is found in dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts, legumes, leafy greens, and enriched breads and cereals. It plays an essential roll in the production of red blood cells, energy production, and growth. Riboflavin is an easily absorbed micronutrient that is best known visually as the vitamin which imparts the orange color to solid B-vitamin supplements. People who take a high-dose B-complex will notice an unusual fluorescent yellow color in their urine as they slough off excess vitamin B2. Riboflavin is continuously excreted in the urine of healthy individuals, making deficiency relatively common when dietary intake is insufficient. Visible symptoms of riboflavin deficiency included cracked and red lips, inflammation of the lining of mouth and tongue, mouth ulcers, cracks in the corner of the mouth, and a sore throat. The RDA for vitamin B2 is 1.3mg/day for men and 1.1mg/day for women. Most vitamin B complex supplements provide a much higher dose of riboflavin.

Vitamin B3: Niacin
Like thiamine, niacin is important in the conversion of food to energy. It is also required for normal growth and the synthesis of DNA and helps keep the skin, nerves, and digestive system healthy. Niacin occurs naturally in lean meat, poultry, and seafood. Milk, cereals, and some dietary meal replacement bars and drinks are fortified with niacin. The RDA of niacin for men is 16mg and women 14mg. Extreme dosages (1.5-6 grams/day) of niacin may cause flushing and itching and may also elevate blood sugar. Standard supplementation should not result in this toxic reaction.

Vitamin B5: Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid also helps the body convert food into energy and plays a role in synthesizing hormones and other body chemicals. Deficiencies of pantothenic acid are virtually unknown. The name pantothen is Greek meaning "from everywhere" and small amounts of pantothenic acid are found plant and animal food sources including grains, legumes, eggs, meat, and poultry. The RDA for both men and women is 5mg/day.

Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is important in the utilization of protein and in the production of red blood cells. It works with other B vitamins to boost the immune system and produce antibodies. Good sources of B6 are chicken, beef, fish, beans, bananas, and enriched cereals. Pyridoxine is not commonly found in plants.

Vitamin B7: Biotin
We frequently hear about the role biotin plays in hair and skin growth but this powerful vitamin also plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates into energy. Studies indicate biotin may also be helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level. Biotin is found in eggs, dairy products, legumes, whole grains and cruciferous vegetables. People in the phase of rapid weight loss following weight loss surgery often experience hair loss, which may be the result of biotin deficiency. Increased biotin supplementation immediately following surgery may lower the risk of hair loss due to biotin deficiency.

Vitamin B9: Folic Acid
This B vitamin - also called folate or folacin, is vital to tissue growth and plays a role in the prevention of certain birth defects. It is important for women of childbearing age to get enough of this nutrient. It is believed folate may also help prevent certain cancers and help prevent heart disease. Good sources of folate include artichokes, asparagus, avocado, blackberries, broccoli, brussels spouts, chickpeas, green peas, lentils, orange juice, raw peanuts, pinto beans, romaine lettuce, spinach, wheat germ and wild rice. Many cereals and refined grain products are fortified with folate.

Vitamin B12: Various Cobalamins
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and in the functioning of the nervous system and it enables the body to utilize folate. Called cobalamin, vitamin B12 is plentiful in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Kaye Bailey (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Free iPhone App to Track Supplements

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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


Features

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

Magnesium Deficiency & WLS Patients

One nutrient we often overlook is magnesium. A magnesium deficiency can cause personality change manifest by confusion, apprehensiveness and depression. In the old days they put people in mental institutions because they were so nutty from the deficiency. Acute sensitivity to sound is another indication of deficiency -- read to learn more.

Magnesium Deficiency Causes Personality Change and WLS Patients are at Risk
By Kaye Bailey

Have you ever felt like you were completely losing your mind? Like the world was swallowing you up and little things were out of your control and unmanageable? Like you were confused, tired, out of sorts and simply wanted to collapse? Has everyday noise become intolerably loud in your head?

That's how I was feeling a few months ago. I was confident I'd lost my mind and suffered a serious change of personality (for the worse, I may add).

My husband noticed my personality change too. He's a good and wise man and quietly did some research. This is what we learned and how we set about correcting my "problem."

As we know the gastric-bypass patient is at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiency. I religiously take my supplements.  However, I was not taking the RDI of Magnesium which is 400 milligrams/day. Magnesium rich foods are raw rice bran, raw wheat germ, yellow cornmeal, corn, soybeans, soy milk, tofu, raw seeds and nuts, leafy greens, yellow vegetables and fruits, whole cereal grains, milk products & seafood. Meat and poultry are not particularly good sources of magnesium.  Clearly, a weight loss surgery patient will not meet their magnesium requirements through diet.

From Dr. Bernard Jensen's Guide to Body Chemistry & Nutrition" I quote:

 "I want to point out here that the classical deficiency symptoms for magnesium include neuromuscular signs, such as tremors, weakness, muscle spasms and irregular heartbeat; gastrointestinal signs such as nausea and vomiting; and personality changes that display confusion, apprehensiveness and depression. In the "old days" people with magnesium deficiency were often (mistakenly) taken to mental institutions because they acted so radically different that they literally seemed to be mentally ill."

In other reading we learned magnesium deficiency leads to a hyper-sensitivity to sound:

 "It is well established that nutritional effects may result in hypersensitive hearing. Many individuals who are deficient in magnesium suffer from sound sensitivity, and they often experience an improvement after receiving magnesium supplements. A suggested 20 milligrams per each 10 pounds of body weight per day, is an appropriate amount of magnesium. Improvement would occur within a few days if the cause of the sensitivity is a magnesium deficiency." This statement appeared in The Sound Connection, 1998, Vol. 5, No. 3.

I started immediately taking a magnesium supplement  and within a few weeks I felt like a new woman back to my old self again. The hyper-sensitivity to sound diminished and life did not seem so overwhelming. Case in point - exactly two weeks after beginning the magnesium supplement my stepsons and their children arrived unexpectedly at our home for dinner. To make matters worse, we had the kitchen disassembled for a minor remodel project.  I happily adapted and cooked dinner for 7 without having a breakdown. That's when I knew the magnesium was working.

Patients should talk with their bariatric center if they experience these conditions or concerns. Annual blood tests will indicate if a patient is deficient in magnesium and other essential vitamins and minerals.

© 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved

Vitamin B-Complex: WLS Patients Must Supplement

Hello Everyone. Since 10 years ago when I had gastric bypass surgery not much has changed regarding supplementation of B-Complex vitamins for malabsorptive procedures (gastric bypass). Most surgeons and nutritionists agree we need to supplement. I continue to receive occasional B-12 injections in addition to daily use of BariCeuticals pharmceutical grade B-12 complex which is an easy to take sublingual spray. So far my blood work indicates my Vitamin B levels are appropriate and my energy and mood are sustained. It is so important that we do pay attention to our vitamin and mineral intake and keep up with annual blood tests so that we can avoid nutritional health problems later down the line. Here is a refresher article from my sydicated collection of articles at EzineArticles.com:

By Kaye Bailey - EzineArticles Expert Author

The malabsorptive nature of the gastric bypass system prohibits adequate amounts of B-complex vitamins from food sources from entering the body of weight loss surgery patients. Annual blood tests indicate that patients who do not supplement their diet with B-Complex Vitamins are deficient.

B-Complex vitamins are found in both meat and plant foods. Most dietary supplements contain the B-Complex vitamins, but many WLS patients elect to take an additional B-Complex tablet. There is risk of B-Complex deficiency due to malabsorption and limited food intake. B-Complex tablets can be purchased in sublingual form – a small tablet placed under the tongue to be dissolved and absorbed through the soft tissues of the mouth.

Learn more about BariCeuticals pharmceutical grade B-12 complex spray.

It has long been believed, although not scientifically supported, that mega doses of B-complex vitamins will combat everyday stress, boost energy and control food cravings. I can recall years ago my moody grandmother taking a trip to see the town doctor for a B-12 shot. Much to grandfather’s relief she returned from the visit cheerful and seemingly stress-free. In those days it was common for women “going through the change” to take B-12 shots.

The Vitamin B complex refers to all of the known essential water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C. These include thiamine (vitamin B1) riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) pyridoxine (vitamin B6) biotin, folic acid and the cobalmins (vitamin B12). Each member of the B-complex has a unique structure and performs unique functions in the body. B-Complex vitamins support energy production, the immune system, proper cell division and support the nervous system.

Recent research conducted by the National Institute on Aging found that women over age 65 with a vitamin B12 deficiency were twice as likely to suffer from depression as those with a full store of the vitamin. Maybe Grandma was right to visit her doctor for that shot of cheerfulness. Today things are easier, slip a tab of feel-good nutrients under your tongue.

Article Source: Article Source: Vitamin B-Complex: WLS Patients Must Supplement

Hey Neighbors! I just got off the phone with Silvia and she apologies for some out-of-stock problems and customer service issues. Like any new company that experiences a growth surge there is a learning curve. But due to increased business she has been able to reduce prices on the Bariceutical product line without any compromise in quality.

Read my endorsement of Bariceuticals - I use these and love the way I feel!

Right now she is offering the Total Protein (My favorite product) at Buy 1 - Get 1 Free. Take a look:

True Protein - 15 Servings
Buy 1 Case/Get 1 Free for only $29.99
A $60 Value!

Go Here Now!

"Pre-Digested Total Protein complex is a concentrated, great tasting liquid that can be mixed with water or your favorite drink. It is essential for you to consume the right amount of protein to help your muscle mass and prevent anemia. The fact that you are not able to eat as much protein as your body requires, this pre-digested protein will fill the gap between what you are getting nutritionally and what your body needs. Recommended dosage: Bariatric bypass patients, 1-2 packets A.M. or P.M. mixed in water or your favorite drink and sipped gradually throughout the day which is helpful in the prevention of mal-absorption. Lap Band patients, 1 pouch each day at any time, just mix in 20 oz of water or favorite drink."

Taking Supplements: Tough Pill to Swallow

Kaye Bailey syndicated articles

We have all been told to take our vitamins after gastric bypass weight loss surgery. In order to be nutritionally healthy we must supplement because the malabsorptive system prevents key nutrients from being absorbed by the body. But new patients report difficulty swallowing pills because of liquid restriction and tightness in the new stomach pouch.

Here are some strategies for getting those all important supplements down:

Applesauce: Try coating the bottom of a spoon with applesauce. Place the pill (either whole or crushed) on top of the applesauce and add another dollop of applesauce to the spoon. Simply swallow the spoonful of applesauce.

Yogurt: You can use the method above substituting yogurt (unsweetened, low-fat) for the applesauce.

Back of the throat: Place the tablet or capsule on the tongue at the very back of the throat. Take a small sip of water, lean your head back and swallow. Take one pill at a time pausing for two-three minutes between each one to allow the tiny pouch to settle.

Some patients report never having trouble taking vitamins or medications after weight loss surgery. This is perfectly fine and does not mean the stomach pouch is enlarged or not working. Just like before surgery, some people have more difficulty swallowing pills than others. It is quite personal.

The universal thing is to remember to take the vitamin supplements and other medications daily on schedule. Consistency results in the best health of the weight loss surgery patient. For a list of recommended supplements for weight loss surgery patients visit LivingAfterWLS.

Vitamin D: Miracle Vitamin?

As recipients of surgical weight loss we need to be vigilant about our nutritional intake and nutrient balance in our bodies. Lately the headliner vitamin in mainstream media is Vitamin D. The jury is still out on the impact of vitamin D deficiency in surgical weight loss patients so we are left to make sense out of data presented for people without WLS. I found this article in Clean Eating which succinctly brings to focus our need for vitamin D. Take a look:

As Reported in Clean Eating (March/April 2009: Page 86)

Is vitamin D really the "miracle vitamin" I keep hearing about?
by Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

"It's pretty darned close. Research has shown a link between vitamin D and lower levels of both breast and colon cancer, higher measures of physical strength and performance in older adults, mood enhancement and stronger bones. In the famous Framingham Heart Study, those with low levels of vitamin D doubled their risk for heart disease. And in the follow-up study, men who were vitamin D deficient were twice as likely to have heart attacks. If that weren't enough, a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that the individuals taking vitamin D were seven percent less likely to die of life threatening conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. You might think we get plenty of vitaminD, but we don't. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics is suggesting that we double the recommended daily allowance for children and infants. The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) is between 200 to 600 IUs. Vitamin D is inexpensive and comes in a tiny little soft gel that's very easy to swallow. I believe we'd all benefit from supplementing with 1,000 IUs a day. Foods that contain high levels of vitamin D are cheese, egg yolks, milk, certain fish and cod liver oil."

20gram Protein Drink! Refreshing!

Hello Neighbors!

Will we ever get tired of talking about protein drinks?

I have a new cocktail that is really tasty! And it is non-dairy. One reason I don't care much for most protein drinks is the texture of dairy and the digestive upset I get from dairy based food. Yesterday I came across Kellogg's "SpecialK2O Protein Water" that promises to take the edge off hunger. I purchased a 4-pack of tropical blend flavor. It cost $5.76 at Wal-Mart for the 4-Pack ($1.44/bottle). This morning I added 1 serving of the Bariceutical Total Protein to the Protein Water and served it over ice. All total it contained 20g protein and it was refreshingly delicious! It took about an hour to sip through beverage as it was 18 fluid ounces. But I don't feel hungry or thirsty and I have good energy.

Give it a try! Something new and tasty and good-for-me is always welcome in my kitchen!

Learn more about Bariceutical Liquid Vitamins for Weight Loss Surgery Patients

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."

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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™."

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