Stop Competing - This WLS is about our Health, not a Contest!

Recently I was reminded of how much effort we invest in competing to lose weight, even with WLS. So I pulled this bulleting from our 5 Day Pouch Test archives and wanted to share it again, even though many of you have seen it. Be sure to download the free poster as well - it is so pretty and a real reminder that weight loss is a personal endeavor, not a competition. I work with this topic every day and I still need a reminder that it is a journey, not a race. Link for the Full Newsletter

Greetings Neighbors!

Maybe it's the fall sports season that has so many of us in the competitive mood lately. Seems like things have really heated up on the weight loss surgery scrimmage lines where it is more popular than ever to compare and compete with one another in our weight loss. And while some healthy competition can be a great motivator the comparison of weight loss can lead to utter discouragement. I see it even with the 5 Day Pouch Test that people are making comparisons in how much weight is lost in the 5 days and if they do not meet that superficial standard they consider their 5DPT effort a failure.  It is not.

Unless you pound-for-pound and fork-for-fork competitively gained weight with another person you have no business competing to lose weight. Contrary to popular culture, weight loss is not a contest. Weight loss is a life saving initiative owned by the one taking action.

By all means we should compare our experiences. Let's share recipes and exercise tips. Let's give reminders to drink our water and take our supplements. But let's leave the competition to the amateurs. As weight loss surgery patients we understand that our lives were in danger from obesity and we took medical action to change the course. We are much wiser for it. Few people who join their positive energy forces in a united effort for better health ever feel burdened by not living up to an artificial contest.

If you are feeling beaten by the competition I invite you to download and print the copyrighted poster above. You can get it here. Please let it serve as a reminder the grand purpose of this weight loss surgery experience. You deserve to be healthy and pursue many prizes that far exceed the dot-marks on a weight loss ticker.

Remember, we are all in this together and we are here for you.  Please be sure to take a look at some of the free download worksheets LivingAfterWLS has available for you. These free tools are designed to support your best efforts for improved long-term health with weight loss surgery. Download Tools

For more informative and inspiring reading please visit
our 5 Day Pouch Test Articles Collection.

You Can Do This!
Kaye

5 Day Pouch Test in the Neighborhood

Link to the Newsletter in our Archive

Lasting Success Bundle & Summer Coupon! Great Savings

 

 

 

Put the Power of the Pouch in your hands with Kaye Bailey's two best selling books plus the highly effective Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal. Our customer favorite Lasting Success Book Bundle includes The 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual 2nd Edition (July 2012); Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test (2009); and The Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal (by Alex Lluch 2006). Nearly 700 pages of inspiration, motivation, empowerment & know-how to get you on track with WLS and keep you there! Great recipes, inspiring hints and proven secrets! Spoken in Kaye's compelling voice of compassion and "You Can Do This" spirit. Great bundle ensuring your lasting success with Weight Loss Surgery.

SKU #LAWLS-LSBB
List price: $65.96
Bundle Price: $56.95 - Save $9.00!

Now is a great time to pick-up our customer favorite "Lasting Success Book Bundle" featuring my all new 2nd Edition 5 Day Pouch Test Manual. Use Coupon Code HOTSUMMER at checkout and take $3 off at checkout to save a total of $12 off publisher price. Go ahead! Don't you deserve Lasting Success with WLS? Let me help you along the way - we are all in this together.

Learn More Here

Customer Top Rated
Lasting Success Book Bundle - Save 15% on Bundle!

 Shop books in the LivingAfterWLS General Store

Weekly Digest: Tips & Hints for WLS Success

LivingAfterWLS Digest 

Success Secrets Shared

Strategies for lasting weight loss & weight maintenance

    

July 17,  2012

LivingAfterWLS, LLC - All Rights Reserved 

Greetings!

I hope you this message finds you well as we reach the mid-point of summer. Recently I was asked to share my best diet and weight loss tips. I think like any of us in pursuit of better health and life-long weight management we can never satisfy an appetite for healthy tips and sound advice. Long before WLS I was collecting tips, and occasionally including them in dietary and health management.  It seems to me that the best tips are tried-and-true wisdom recycled over and over, while poor advise simply fades away to forgotten. So in this week's digest I've gathered some of tips and wisdom that works for me and for many of my LivingAfterWLS Neighbors as well. I hope you find a new gem to treasure and spot an old favorite among the lot. Drop by the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood and share your wisdom for better health and weight management. After all, we are all in this together!

Best Wishes & Good Health! 

Kaye

Go to Newsletter

Articles:

10 Healthy Habits for Weight Loss

Food Diary: Study shows helps dieters lose weight

Eating Out: Can-do Strategies

Buffet Table Tips for People with Diabetes

Recipe: California Omelet with Tomato & Avocado

 

 

Friday the 13th Free Shipping Sale!!! 24 Hours Only!

Crazy things happen on Friday the 13th!!!!  What's the craziest thing of all? How about FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed in the LivingAfterWLS General Store for the next 24 hours? You get the goods, we cover the shipping!! That's just crazy! And we are happy to share the insanity with our loyal customers. Enjoy quality products that support your healthy LivingAfterWLS! --No Coupon Needed --No Minimum Order --$4.95 Value! Shop today and call it your Crazy-Good Lucky Friday the 13th!  Enjoy! Kaye *Regretfully, we can not extend this offer to our International Customers. Please see our International shipping policy here. Shop Now!! Sale begins 12:01 a.m. eastern time 07/13/2012 and ends 12:01 a.m. eastern time 07/14/2012. Orders ship via USPS mail and most packages ship Priority Mail for quick delivery from our door to yours! Order your quality WLS products today and enjoy them in two shakes of a lucky black cat's tail!  Let's go Shopping!

Thank you for shopping our Crazy Friday the 13th Free Shipping sale! We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you and supporting your healthy weight loss surgery way of life. Sincerely, Kaye Bailey LivingAfterWLS, LLC LivingAfterWLS   |   5 Day Pouch Test    |    General Store    |    Neighborhood

Just Released: All New 5DPT Owner's Manual

All New: 5DPT Owner's Manual 2nd Edition! Hot off the Press!

July 1, 2012:   LivingAfterWLS and Kaye Bailey are pleased to announce the publication of the All New 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual. Same Great plan: 70 more pages of new information, FAQ's, Recipes, and Inspiration to get you back on track with WLS! 180 pages total. Buy Now $22.95 (Same low price as 1st edition - 70 more pages!) "Find your weight loss surgery tool in five focused days." "Thank you for joining me in the 5 Day Pouch Test program and making it a valued tool in your weight loss surgery toolbox. In your hands is the second edition of the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual. The original manual, first published in 2008 and reprinted several times since, has been updated with new FDA nutrition guidelines, updated policy from the bariatric field, and new studies relating to the treatment of obesity.  You will also discover 16 new, tested and approved recipes included for your enjoyment during the 5 Day Pouch Test. In response to helpful feedback from readers of the first edition the format has been changed slightly making it easier to find quick answers while also providing complete discussions about the what, how, and why of working our weight loss surgery tool." (Page 7: 2nd Edition). Add to Cart: 5DPT Manual

July 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin: Mid-Year FAQ's & Answers

Link to Bulletin in our Archive: July 2012

Greetings Neighbors and Happy Summer 2012!

Summer is upon us with record breaking heat and strange weather events across the country. And many of you, after enjoying the July 4th Holiday, are getting back on track using the 5 Day Pouch Test. This makes it a good time to review the basics of the 5 Day Pouch Test and answer some of the questions we are asked by people, just like you, who want to do their best with weight loss surgery using the 5DPT as one of their tools. As we recover from obesity many of us report enjoying the activities of summer as one of the great thrills that come with weight loss. I hope you have found this to be true for you.

One way to get the most enjoyment out of the summer season, and any season, is to take a few moments to review the basics that keep us on track with weight loss surgery. Nothing will bring the good times to a halt faster than feeling discouraged or disappointed with our surgery and our health. If we take a few moments to review the basics and make a few adjustments we can stay on track while enjoying the good life we dreamed of before surgery. And now is also a great time for a reset if we find ourselves so far off track that we need the 5 Day Pouch Test . Wherever you may find yourself at this moment I hope this Bulletin has something to offer as LivingAfterWLS continues to support your best efforts with weight loss surgery.

For those suffering record heat, please take a moment to look at last week's digest: Summer Heat & WLS: What you must know to survive record-breaking temps. Link Here

Remember, we are all in this together and we are here for you.  Please be sure to take a look at some of the free download worksheets LivingAfterWLS has available for you. These free tools are designed to support your best efforts for improved long-term health with weight loss surgery.
Download Tools


You are more powerful than you think and
You Can Do This!
Kaye

Go to Bulletin: July 2012

Deadline Extended: 2012 Neighborhood Postcard Swap

Welcome to the 2012 Neighborhood Postcard Swap
A Neighborhood Tradition since 2008!


Full Post: 2012 Postcard Swap
 
This is the least expensive most fun *Vacation* you will enjoy all year. Please take a minute to learn how it works and then join us! The Postcard Swaps -- as you can see below with KeepHerKitty in 2008 -- Have been tremendously successful. So let the fun begin!

Check out the 2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap Here

What it is: Neighbors mail 6 unaddressed, but stamped postcards to one central location in a regular mailing envelope. Include in that envelope a note with your Neighborhood Display Name, Your Name and Postal Address. (All information is kept private and used for the single purpose of this Swap.) The postcards are collected here at LivingAfterWLS and everyone who sends in 6 postcards will receive 6 postcards mailed randomly throughout July & August. Just when you need a little pick-me-up you will find a cheerful and fun postcard in the mail -- real live touchable mail - - from one of your Neighbors! A chance to see the world and enjoy the beauty and diversity of our close-knit global Neighborhood! Follow the detailed instructions below and get ready to vacation right from your very own spot in this Safe Haven Circle of Friends!

Postcard Swap: Opens June 8, 2012 and Closes July 8, 2012  
New Deadline: July 22, 2012.


Link to Learn More

Summer Heat Poses Danger to WLS Patients

 Summer Heat & WLS What you must know to survive record-breaking temps!

From the LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest July 2, 2012
It's hot out there! Across the nation, as we look forward to celebrating Independence Day on Wednesday, many are suffering from record-breaking hot temperatures. Add to that power outages that have shut-down air conditioning and refrigeration and this is one sweaty country. Aside from being uncomfortable and inconvenient, high temperatures pose serious health threats including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Those of us with weight loss surgery may be at increased risk of heat related illness if we struggle with the all-important Rule #2 of the Four Rules: Drink Lots of Water. As bariatric patients we are instructed to sip-sip-sip water during waking hours to keep our body hydrated and facilitate weight loss. In situations of extreme heat even a slight case of dehydration can become serious and may include symptoms very similar to dumping syndrome such as dizziness and disorientation.

Please take a moment to review the articles in this week's Digest and take appropriate action to protect your body from heat related illness with proper hydration and other temperature-lowering actions. And be mindful of those around you for symptoms that suggest a heat related illness, sometimes we do not recognize the symptoms in ourselves. Let's take care and avoid being one of the statistics during this week of celebrating in scorching high heat. You deserve to take extra-steps to be healthy and enjoy your new life of LivingAfterWLS!

Go to Newsletter

Seasonal Melons: Perfect in the WLS Diet

Hello Everyone! I'm so happy to be back on the grid after a short break. How is everyone doing? This is my favorite time of year in the battle against the Carb Monster because I do better with my Day 6 & Protein First plan than in any other season. Last night for dinner we grilled steaks and had a side salad of cubed cantaloupe, sliced strawberries, fresh raspberries & blueberries. No dressing. 100% fruit goodness. Following the 2B/1B (2 Bites Protein, 1 Bite Carbohydrate) I had a flavorful meal that kept me satisfied for hours. Delicious! Try it for yourself, simple fresh fruit & berries with your grilled protein: Pure Protein First Love!

Many weight loss surgery patients report melon to be one of the easiest of fruits to enjoy after surgery. Melons are generally low in natural sugar, ripe on flavor and easily digestible. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Vitamin B6, folate and dietary fiber.

How to Select and Store
The key to purchasing a quality melon is to find one that is ripe. If you tap the melon with the palm of your hand and hear a hollow sound, the melon has passed is ripe. Choose a melon that seems heavy for its size, and one that does not have bruises or overly soft spots.

Melons & Food Borne Illness
Because of heightened sensitivity to foods and food borne illness gastric bypass patients must exercise extreme food safety precautions. Follow these simple guidelines to help keep your fruit fresh as well as safe.

When you buy cut melons, be sure they have been buried in ice or displayed in a refrigerated case, not just displayed on top of ice. Uncut melon does not need to be refrigerated.

Before cutting, the outer surface of the melon should be washed with drinking water to remove surface dirt.

Hands and all equipment and utensils (cutting boards, knives, etc.) need to be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water, and rinsed.

Cut melons must be refrigerated at 41º F or below.

Cut melons may be served without refrigeration for a maximum of 4 hours (such as at a brunch, picnic, or buffet). At the end of that time, any leftover melon must be thrown away.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:
Add some sparkling water to fresh squeezed cantaloupe juice for a delightfully refreshing drink in the warm months of the year.

In a blender or food processor, purée cantaloupe and peeled soft peaches to make delicious cold soup. Add lemon juice and sweetener (sparingly) to taste.

Top cantaloupe slices with yogurt, and chopped mint.

More Ideas: LivingAfterWLS Kitchen

5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin: Struggling on Days 1&2?

Link: June 5DPT Bulletin

Have you found yourself starting the 5 Day Pouch Test over and over again struggling just to get through Days 1 and 2 and wondering what in the world you are doing wrong? Do you blame yourself for being weak and lacking will power because the liquid days are too big a burden to bear? You are not alone. Many people struggle on Days 1 and 2: over the last five years I've worked with many of you and I have learned a lot about what makes it hard and what makes it easy to get through the liquid days.

This month's 5DPT Bulletin takes a look at some of the pitfalls that derail us on Days 1 and 2. I then give solutions and suggestions to avoid these pitfalls so we all may successfully get back on track with our health and weight management using the weight loss surgery tool in the manner that serves us best. Little things make a difference and I think if you give Days 1 and 2 another try a pleasant surprise awaits you come Day 3.

You are more powerful than you think and You Can Do This!

Go to the bulletin Now


LivingAfterWLS Newsletter Archive

Journaling Makes a Difference

Many of you have asked about our Pocket Diet Journal from LAWLS General Store. It is compact, 4x5", comb-bound for ease of use, and has pages for 100 days food/exercise/energy-level journaling. Graph weight-loss progress. Reward stickers! Keep track of water intake, vitamin/prescription intake, and nutrient counting. Loaded with tips & hints, also has 20-pages nutritional data on popular foods. Great planning & record keeping tool. Only $9.95. Sometimes paper records are better than an App!! :)
$9.95

Buy Now

Use Coupon Code: JUNEFUN to take $2 off any order at checkout.  LivingAfterWLS General Store.

Perfectly sized (4"x5" comb-bound) personal diet journal. 2-Pages per day to record food intake, keep track of water & vitamins, and record exercise. Fold-out weight graph. 20 pages of nutritional data for popular food. "I did It!" stickers to motivate your success. Great value. With this journal as your companion, you can make better, more informed choices that will help you lose weight, look better, and improve your health! By Alex Lluch, Copyright 2006.

Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal

JELL-O and Yogurt -- Great Idea!!

This is a cool snack tip I just came across in Diabetic Living (Spring 2012): "To satisfy my sweet tooth I mix a little sugar-free gelatin powder into plain nonfat Greek yogurt. It adds flavor and sweetness." from Pan Bentley, page 22. I like this idea because it changes-up the sometimes tedious yogurt, and it is another opportunity to get gelatin in our diet which we know supports healthy hair & nails!! Plus -- can you say YUMMY!!! Give it a try and let me know what you think. And for more gelatin ideas take a look at this past issue of Cooking w/Kaye in our archives:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs008/1101189349792/archive/1104218782240.html#


Recipes: JELL-O JIGGLERS
There's no better way to eat JELL-O. JIGGLERS are available in tons of shapes and in every JELL-O flavor out there. It's everyone's favorite for a reason.

2-1/2 cups boiling water (Do not add cold water.)
2 packages (8-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Gelatin, any flavor

Kaye's Note: In place of the 2 packages (8-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Gelatin I use 1 package (4-serving size) sugar free JELL-O and 2 envelopes Knox Original Gelatin Unflavored. I then proceed with the recipe as directed.

1. Stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 3 minutes until completely dissolved. Pour into 13x9-inch pan.
 2. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until firm.
 3. Dip bottom of pan in warm water 15 seconds. Cut into 24 decorative shapes using 2-inch cookie cutters, being careful to cut all the way through gelatin to bottom of pan. Lift JIGGLERS® from pan.

Reserve scraps for snacking. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator. Kaye's Note: I enjoy tossing the scraps with yogurt and topping with granola or nuts for a refreshing and energy-boosting morning snack.

LivingAfterWLS Coupon: JUNEFUN

LivingAfterWLS General Store: 

COUPON!
Have Fun this Summer and SAVE! $2.00 off any order, no minimum order.
Code: JUNEFUN at checkout to save!

LivingAfterWLS is pleased to offer exclusively books from our publishing line including Kaye Bailey's critically acclaimed 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual and her follow-up Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test. In addition we are actively building our media library to include publications that will empower you to achieve greater success with weight loss surgery.
 
Shop Books

LivingAfterWLS is pleased to offer superior quality dietary products to support your health and wellness with weight loss surgery. Flat Rate ShippingKaye Bailey personally uses these products and believes they contribute to her health, wellness, and weight management.

Shop Dietary Support

"You've heard the stories about hair loss associated with weight loss surgery. Maybe dramatic hair loss is your story. It was mine. Six months out of surgery I was several dress sizes smaller and going bald. You too? That was 12 years ago and I was on my own to figure out how to fix it. Now I'm pleased to say I have healthy lustrous hair and these are the products that are working for me. I offer them to you with confidence, and the assurance you do not need to spend 12 years trying to get your hair back. Please take a look."
--Kaye Bailey, founder LivingAfterWLS & 12 years post RNY Gastric Bypass.

Shop Healthy Hair

Don't forget your coupon:

Have Fun this Summer and SAVE! $2.00 off any order, no minimum order.
Code: JUNEFUN at checkout to save! 

Summer Living-Having a Post-WLS Blast!

Hot off the press: LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest

LivingAfterWLS Digest

Summer Living-Having a Post-WLS Blast!

Play Fair, Play Smart, Have Fun!  

May 30,  2012

Read digest in our Archive

This week Americans marked the unofficial start of summer with the Memorial Day holiday. And it seems Mother Nature was ahead of schedule as much of the country recorded above normal hot temperatures. As the pattern goes for those of us recovering from morbid obesity with surgery, many of us will be spending more time out-of-doors in pursuit of health and activity that obesity had made difficult. With that in mind this week's LivingAfterWLS Digest takes a look at ways to make sure our summer activities are health promoting. We certainly didn't come this far in our weight loss to be sidelined with a food-borne illness or a heat related health crisis. So please, take a few moments to review these common sense articles full of great tips and advice for making our summer living fun!

I've also pulled out a few of my favorite summer recipes that are light and tasty making the most of fresh seasonal ingredients. I hope you will enjoy them.

Happy Summer - We are all in this together!

Link to Newsletter

Free Gift with Every Purchase

I am very pleased to report that after our unfortunate inventory shortfall we have the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual back in stock and available for immediate shipment. All orders on back-order have been filled and will be out no later than today's US Mail. As a token of our appreciation for your patience we are sending a complimentary product sample package ($7 value) with each back-order. And today -- any order for the 5DPT Manual will also get the sample pack. A special thanks to our LivingAfterWLS Neighbors. Order now to get your free gift!!
http://www.livingafterwls.com/General_Store/General_Store/books.html#manual

Shop LivingAfterWLS General Store

Weekly Digest: Lies & Myths of Goal Weight

LivingAfterWLS Digest

The Lies & Myth of Goal Weight

Avoid the Pitfalls Associated with a Single Goal 

May 16,  2016

Greetings!

Note: This is an encore presentation of our Goal Weight Range Newsletter previously published 05/10/2011. In response to many many requests we are pleased to publish it again and share this information that has made a positive difference in the lives of many WLS Neighbors. Thank you for joining us today in this LivingAfterWLS Digest. Check out our follow-up to this newsletter published 05/17/2011: Goal Weight Range Part II: Super Morbidly Obese. Calculating Goal Weight Range: The Process in Achievable Phases. 

---

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

Few patients will ever reach goal weight.

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

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

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

Continue reading the LivingAfterWLS Digest

Safely Slim - Get 2 Servings FREE!!

Perfect time to stock up on Safely Slim - only $1.50/meal!! Spring Special: Get 12 for price of 10! Just $1.50/meal. Safely Slim Stimulant Free Fat Loss Shake provides 20g protein per serving. Convenient single serving packets provide 20g protein, 10g dietary fiber, 110 calories. Clinically shown to reduce body fat. Delicious thick Vanilla Ice Cream flavor. Ideal for 5 Day Pouch Test, meal replacement or healthy protein first alternative to snacking. Easy to prepare using a glass & spoon, a shaker cup or blender. Adjust flavor by increasing or reducing the amount of water used. Safely Slim is the stimulant free complement to any diet and exercise program that promotes fat loss, not muscle loss. Sweetened with sucralose, 1 g sugar per serving. (Allergen Information: Contains milk, and soy lecithin ingredients).
Shop Now





http://www.livingafterwls.com/General_Store/General_Store/safe_slim.html

Plateau keeping you from goal? Easy Fixes

5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin - May 2012

Plateau keeping you from goal? Easy Fixes For Metabolism Slumps

There is great speculation among the seasoned ranks of weight loss surgery patients that at some point the magic of gastric surgery is gone and the body resets its metabolism adjusting to the new smaller stomach and different digestive system. During the phase of rapid weight loss, called by many the "honeymoon period," patients of gastric surgery seemingly lose weight without effort. In truth, patients are eating a diet so low in calories their bodies are near starvation mode. As the body heals from medical injuries sustained in surgery and adapts to the new stomach and digestive process of gastric bypass, gastric banding or gastric sleeve, it does tend to metabolize and store energy (food) more efficiently.

Read Full Article

5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual - Inventory Update

Update on 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual

5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual

5 Day Pouch Bulletin: Bust a Plateau!

From the 5DPT Bulletin - May 2012

Greetings Neighbors!

If you are receiving this message from me it is because you signed up to receive it and you probably already know a little bit about the 5 Day Pouch Test and about me. Thank you.  

If you follow the 5DPT you know I always say don't do the plan for quick weight loss.

Do the plan to get back on track with our WLS basics and refresh your memory about the Four Rules, slider foods, and liquid restrictions.

Any weight loss during the plan is a bonus. I stand by this.

But that doesn't mean the 5DPT should not be used to bust a weight loss plateau.  In fact, many thousands of people have reported to me that the 5DPT is the one thing they tried that worked in breaking a weight loss stall.  It is not so much that the plan is magic, although who among us wouldn't like to believe in magic now and again! The plan breaks a stall and promotes weight loss because it returns us to the dietary due-diligence prescribed at the time of surgery and we focus on using the tools that make weight loss surgery work. Generally weight is lost in the first few days of the plan and this serves us well as a great motivator to continue with the plan and beyond knowing we are powerful and can work the tool to improve our health and manage our weight.

If you are frustrated with a plateau give the 5 Day Pouch Test a try. Get that scale moving again and renew your confidence in your pouch, your personal power, and decision to have surgery in the first place! You Can Do This!!!


See the full bulletin online

Tip #2: Linking Neighborhood & Facebook Accounts

Tip 'o the Month #2 - Synching the Neighborhood with your Facebook account:
It is very popular these days to synchronize social media accounts and the Neighborhood now makes it possible to connect your Neighborhood account with other social media including Facebook and Twitter. You are in control of these settings. Many people prefer to keep their Neighborhood identity separate from other social media due to the sensitive nature of WLS and the deeper conversations we enjoy here. On the other hand, many are willing to share-all, tell-all with their circle of friends beyond the Neighborhood. The settings options lets you share your content at your comfort level. Here's what to do:

Link to post in Neighborhood

May Tip 'o the Day - In the Neighborhood

Hello Neighbors!

Welcome to May Tip 'o the Day! This month I am excited to share a daily tip with you that will help us all learn more about the features here in the Neighborhood and make the most of them so we can improve our overall community experience. Please check this thread each day and take a minute to learn more about what the Neighborhood has to offer. And if you discover some neat trick or feature we haven't covered yet please post here for all to see. I learn tons from our Neighbors and I think collectively we can bring the house down when we learn more about getting around!

May 1 - Tip #1
Update and share your status! You will notice on the right-hand column there is scrolling box, "Recent Status Updates." It's easy to update your status and share! Click the down arrow next to your display name in the upper right corner, on the top navigation bar. This opens the settings box like this:



Click your cursor in the field, "What's on your mind?" and type your status. This could be anything you want to share with Neighbors including WLS, hobbies, weather, friends, family, work, 5DPT --- whatever is on your mind. When you have typed your thoughts just click or and your status updates and feeds to the scrolling box on the main screen! You can add comments or comment on one another's status simply by clicking the "Comment" button just below the status update. This is a great quick way to share and connect without posting. Give it a try! I'll be watching for your updates! 

Go to the Tip 'o the Day

Hair Loss After WLS? Fix it Now!

Did you know one of the best ways to preserve and improve your hair health after WLS is to feed it with vitamins and nutrients and protect it with high protein hair products? Give our Beautiful Hair Bundle a try and enjoy gorgeous healthy hair after #WLS. Coupon SPRING2012 save 3-Dollars off your order!

Shop Now & Love Your Hair! W/coupon just $56.95 (30+ Day Supply)

Hair health after weight loss surgery is best approached internally with added vitamins, minerals, and herbal nutrients from supplements and externally with all natural biotin and keratin protein fortified shampoo, conditioner and a scalp emulsion. Feeding hair with supplements promotes stronger healthier hair growth while using fortified products to clean and condition hair improves the look and feel of hair. In combination the vitamins and minerals work with the hair care products to build healthy hair and arrest the hair loss associated with anesthesia, surgery and a low-calorie diet. Of course, results are unique to the individual. But if hair loss is is taking joy out of your weight loss experience give these quality products a try and get the shine back. As a bonus, the supplements are also known to support skin and nail health. 

Shop Now

Easter Bunny Treat: Buy 10 - get 2 Free!

Do you love our Safely Slim like I do? So does the Easter Bunny! Order 10 servings and the Easter Bunny is going to send you two extra servings! Get 12 filling and nutritionally complete meals for the price of 10 -- save .25 cents a serving. 

What a good treat --vanilla or chocolate -- in your Easter basket! 20g Protein and 10g fiber in a 110 calorie shake you can feel good about indulging. Link below & order your Easter shakes today - we'll automatically send 12 for the price of 10 -- Hop Hop HOp! No Coupon needed.

Safely Slim - 12 Servings for price of 10 (just $1.50/Meal)

Buy Now - $17.95 

LivingAfterWLS General Store

 

Do you have WLS Broken Eggs?

From the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood:
Janet - Thanks so much for sharing this! You did yourself proud. This is my favorite part of your post:

I have learned that a few eggs may break, some that I didn't even drop, and I can still clean up the mess and move on. I am learning to be me own caregiver. I made my husband wait on his dinner until I drank my protein drink! He didn't die by eating late and I am feeling very proud of myself!

Just in case some don't know the "broken egg" reference I'll quote from page 27 of my Day 6: Beyond 5DPT Book:

Years ago in on e of the many diet programs I was following, and I am not sure which it was, a counselor talked about dropped eggs as the theory applies to the scenario above. She asked if any of us, while in the kitchen baking, had accidentally dropped an egg on the floor. We all nodded yes. She then asked if we said, "To hell with it" and proceeded to drop the remaining eggs on the floor. We all nodded no, of course not! "Then why, when you drop the metaphorical diet egg do you say to hell with it and break the diet for the rest of the day?" Great allegory!

Dropped eggs happen. We are human. We live in a difficult world. So the next time you drop the diet egg visualize getting a paper towel, wiping up the spill and moving forward. Dropped eggs happen and a great deal of life and living is all about cleaning up messes.

Day 6: Beyond 5 Day Pouch Test

APRILFOOLS - Save $5 in LivingAfterWLS General Store

Happy April Fools 2012!!

We know our LivingAfterWLS General Store customers are no fools - and that's why we are jolly to offer you!

--SAVE $5.00 off Order*

--Coupon Code: APRILFOOLS

Enjoy terrific savings on quality products in support of your life long weight management efforts. Shop our store now through noon (EDT) April 3 and save save SAVE! No jesting, just great savings!  We ship fast in carefully prepared packages, and we always send a little something extra just because we like you!

Shop Now & enjoy your purchase this week!

Kaye

Shop Now!!

Sale begins noon eastern time 04/02/2012 and ends noon eastern time 4/3/2012.

Books   Dietary Support  
 Hair Loss Recovery  5 Day Pouch Test 

*$39 Minimum Order

Daffodil Days 2012

When I'm in charge Daffodil Days will be a national holiday. Here are this year's American Cancer Society Daffodils with collector Boyd's Bear "Shar N. Hope". This one's for you KimS. ♥

ACS Daffodil Days

About Daffodil Days

You can give hope to people facing cancer and save lives by supporting the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days program. The Daffodil Days program is your chance to fight back against cancer by raising funds and awareness to help beat the disease. While the Daffodil Days program involves offering daffodils every spring to donors in appreciation for their contributions, it is about more than just giving beautiful flowers - it is everyone's opportunity to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays, where cancer never steals another year from anyone's life.
The dollars you raise through the Daffodil Days program do make a difference. Your support allows the American Cancer Society to save lives and create a world with more birthdays by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.

About Gift of Hope

Each Daffodil Days participant has the opportunity to donate a Gift of Hope in any denomination. A Gift of Hope donation funds cancer research, educational programs, advocacy, services for cancer patients and their families, and furthers the mission of the American Cancer Society. The Gift of Hope also enables your American Cancer Society to deliver flowers anonymously to cancer patients at medical centers and facilities in your community. Gifts of Hope are not delivered to specific cancer patients, nor are the donor's name attached to the gift.

Leftover Corned Beef? Try these Recipes!

Cooking with Kaye Newsletter:
Inspired Irish Recipes
For St. Patrick's Day & Beyond  

Weeknight Cheater:

Corned Beef Quesadillas

This puts an unexpected Tex-Mex twist on your corned beef leftovers that is sure to be a big hit with the family. Look for low-carb tortillas in the deli section of your supermarket. Pre-made and toasted quesadillas reheat quickly in the microwave oven for a delicious lunch the following day. 

Ingredients:
1/2 pound corned beef, cooked and sliced
1/4 pound Monterrey jack cheese, shredded
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
4 small low-carb tortillas
Cooking spray 

Spray a medium (10-inch) non-stick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Meanwhile layer a tortilla with 2 slices of corned beef, 1 Tablespoon Monterrey jack cheese, 1 Tablespoon diced green chilies. Top with a second tortilla. Slide into the preheated skillet and heat, watching closely for the tortilla to brown and the cheese to melt. Turn once and cook on second side. Remove to cutting board, slice and serve warm. Garnish with tomato slices, avocado and sour cream or salsa if desired.  

*Consider using whole grain tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.

More recipes in the Newsletter

General Store: Spring Coupon save $3 at Checkout

Coupon Code: SPRING2012 takes $3.00 off orders of $29 or more at checkout. Great time to shop & stock-up on quality #WLS supplies to support your life-long weight management goals.

Weight Loss Surgery Books

Customer Top Rated
Lasting Success Book Bundle - Save 15% on Bundle!

Put the Power of the Pouch in your hands with Kaye Bailey's two best selling books plus the highly effective Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal. Our customer favorite Lasting Success Book Bundle includes The 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual (2008); Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test (2009); and The Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal (by Alex Lluch 2006). 600 pages of inspiration, motivation, empowerment & know-how to get you on track with WLS and keep you there! Great recipes, inspiring hints and proven secrets! Spoken in Kaye's compelling voice of compassion and "You Can Do This" spirit. Great bundle ensuring your lasting success with Weight Loss Surgery.

SKU #LAWLS-LSBB
List price: $65.96
Bundle Price: $56.95 - Save $9.00!

Add to Cart

Good Luck and Weight Loss Surgery: Are you one of the "Lucky" ones?

LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest March 20, 2012

Over the weekend we marked St. Patrick's Day - a celebration of Ireland's culture of which luck plays a starring role. Legend and folklore entwine luck in song and tale about the Irish people. Symbols of luck - the four leaf clover and pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - abound. And classic Irish blessings bestow luck upon the deserving. So here at LivingAfterWLS under our own beautiful rainbow we searched for the pot of gold to find how luck plays a role in our weight loss surgery experience. Please join us in the wearin' of the green as we explore the lucky side of weight loss surgery in this You Have Arrived Newsletter. And please enjoy a pot of slow cooker stew (recipe below) on us - You are sure to feel lucky with this in your bowl.

Link to Newsletter

Irish Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables Recipe

Use the slow cooker and have this delicious St. Patty's Day dinner ready for dinner. 

Irish Beef Pot Roast with Vegetables Recipe - Diabetic Recipes from Diabetic Gourmet Magazine

Ingredients

• 1 boneless beef bottom round rump roast or beef bottom round (3 to 3-1/4 pounds)
• 2 packages (24 ounces each) fresh pot roast vegetables (potatoes, onions, carrots, celery)
• 2 packages (.75 to .88 ounces each) mushroom or brown gravy mix
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beer
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare pot roast vegetables: cut potatoes in half (or into quarters if large), onions into 1/2-inch wedges, and carrots and celery into 2-inch pieces; set aside.
2. Combine gravy mixes, flour, salt and pepper in large bowl. Add vegetables to bowl; toss to coat well. Remove vegetables from flour mixture and place in 5 to 6-quart slow cooker. Add beef roast to bowl, turning to coat evenly with flour mixture. Remove roast and place in slow cooker in center of vegetables.
3. Whisk beer into remaining flour mixture until smooth; add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 10 to 11 hours, or on HIGH 6 to 7 hours, or until beef and vegetables are fork-tender. (No stirring is necessary during cooking.)
4. Remove roast and vegetables. Skim fat from gravy. Carve roast into thin slices. Serve with vegetables and gravy. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. 

Interesting new procedure in bariatric surgery. Published by Medical News Today.

Stomach Origami - New Weight Loss Surgery

Stomach Origami - New Weight Loss Surgery

14 Mar 2012  

A novel weight loss surgery called gastric plication, that involves the stomach being folded into a smaller, more compact size, is currently a new clinical trial option at UC San Diego Health System for individuals wanting weight-loss surgery that does not permanently alter their anatomy or require an implanted device.

Santiago Horgan, M.D., chief of minimally invasive surgery and director of the UC San Diego Bariatric Metabolic Institute, said:

"This minimally invasive surgery is a new choice for patients who are more than 30 pounds overweight. By folding the stomach, we can reduce the volume by 70 percent. Patients can expect to lose up to 2 pounds per week following the procedure."

According to Horgan, the 1-hour procedure is comparable to the art of origami. Gastric plication is performed laparoscopically and is potentially reversible. In order to reach the stomach to place the folds, 1 to 5 incisions are made in the abdomen. One or two folds (depending on the size of the patient's stomach) are then created with non-absorbable sutures.

Horgan, explained:

"After surgery, with a smaller stomach size, a patient feels fuller faster and is likely to have an actual decrease in appetite. If, for some reason, we need to return the stomach to its original size, we can do so. Also, since the patient's anatomy is not rerouted, the patient does not have severe food restrictions."

Individuals undergoing the procedure are only hospitalized for 1 or 2 days and can return to normal activities in one week. Candidates must have a body mass index of at least 27.

The procedure not only helps with weight loss, but also has associated benefits according to Horgan. Several patients are able to reduce their diabetes, depression and blood pressure medications. These long-term results are the result of a combination of surgery, exercise and healthy eating.

This clinical trial surgery was performed by Horgan as well as Garth Jacobsen, MD, and Nikolai A. Bildzukewicz, MD, of UC San Diego Health System.

Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today

Cooking with Kaye: Inspired Irish Recipes

Cooking with Kaye - Live online today in our archive:

Inspired Irish Recipes
For St. Patrick's Day and Beyond
8 Recipes - Great family meals


March 14, 2012
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This week many of us will serve up a traditional classic corned beef and cabbage dinner in what has become a great Irish-American tradition. Corned beef seems to be one of those foods you either love or your hate; not many fence sitters on this one. After weight loss surgery if we have developed a salt sensitivity corned beef does not always sit well with us and cooked cabbage can cause gastric distress for us. The key is to enjoy small portions and remain hydrated before and after a traditional corned beef dinner. For me, a life-long lover of corned beef, I now find greater enjoyment in using the leftover corned beef to play a smaller role in reinvented main dishes. Today I share my classic corned beef dinner with you along with some make-over dishes that I think you will enjoy. And for dessert be sure and try my festive Shamrock Meringue Kisses - Guilt Free & Delicious!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! And may the luck of the Irish be with you!

Thanks for cooking with me!
Kaye Bailey

Link to full newsletter

Is the 5 Day Pouch Test dangerous to my health?

The March 2012 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin is now live online in our archive. We answer the pressing question, "Is the 5DPT Dangerous to my health?"

Greetings Neighbors!

If you are receiving this message from me it is because you signed up to receive it and you probably already know a little bit about the 5 Day Pouch Test  and about me. Thank you.  

Recently someone wrote to say they were afraid to do the 5DPT because they read in a forum that the plan is dangerous. Dangerous how? I asked. Because it is a liquid diet, came the response.  Apparently there was some confusion about the plan as a whole. A liquid diet should only be followed under the care and supervision of a qualified health care professional. The 5 Day Pouch Test plan includes two days of eating liquid meals but the definition of liquids includes things beyond protein shakes and clear broth. Our Day 1 & 2 liquids include delicious soups made of wholesome vegetables and meat protein. It is not necessary to puree the soups as the chewing of braised meats and vegetables is a critical step in initiating the digestive process that leads to digestion and satiation. These soups are so wholesome and delicious that many people continue to enjoy the recipes beyond the 5DPT.

Soup Recipes

I am aware that some people chose to eat protein shakes exclusively for Days 1 & 2 and some even add a few extra liquid days into the plan. Once they change the plan that much they are no longer doing the 5 Day Pouch Test: they are doing a liquid diet or liquid fast and ultimately they experience disappointing results.

The 5 Day Pouch Test, with its two days of liquids as the plan defines them, is not dangerous to your health. When the 5DPT is done correctly the liquid days give your digestive system a much needed break from the off-plan foods you may have been eating such as snacky non-nutritional carbohydrates. By eating both protein fortified drinks and nutrient rich soups one achieves the greatest results, gently breaking a carbohydrate snacking cycle and relieving the intestinal inflammation that results from slider food snacking. Those who follow the plan closely report the greatest feeling of satiation and fewer symptoms of carb-withdrawal than those who eat only protein shakes or clear broth for two days.
 

The 5DPT as it is written and presented online and in print is an organized approach to getting back to the WLS basics both mentally and metabolically. When followed with attention to details we hear great success stories that include restored feelings of pouch tightness and satiation, lost weight, increased energy and overall improved confidence and mental well-being. 

If you are going to invest five days into getting back on track then do it all the way. Take the program as a whole and immerse yourself in doing it right. Build that storm of enthusiasm and recreate the excitement you felt leading into surgery and the days and weeks that followed. Learn about yourself. Take notes and use the 5DPT 2-page journal. Learn your strengths and weaknesses and harness that knowledge to do better on Day 6 and Beyond.

You Can Do This!

Kaye

Read the full Newsletter

Three Benefits of Journaling for Successful Weight Management

Perfect for WLS weight management

People who undergo surgery for weight loss are often tempted to simply let the surgery do the work for weight loss without making an effort to adapt new healthier diet and fitness habits. But the surgical bariatric patients who wish to achieve weight loss and maintain a healthy weight for years to come will use the surgery as an opportunity to form new habits creating a new healthier way of life. Using checklists to set goals, make a plan, and promote accountability is a key way for weight loss surgery patients to make the most of their surgical opportunity to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight long-term. Here are three benefits checklists provide:

Map a Plan. We have all been heard saying things like, "I need to lose some weight" or "I need to plan my meals and eat better" or "I really should start exercising." And we know that saying these things seldom puts in motion the actions to accomplish results. The use of checklists can change words to results because they give us a place in which to map a plan. A good checklist will provide an opportunity to set a goal and then outline the steps required to achieve that goal. Just like a well-planned road trip a good check list maps the route for the journey to ensure the destination is reached.

Establish Accountability. We may not like to admit it as adults, but the simple fact is we perform better when we are held accountable. That includes being personally and possibly privately accountable to our self when pursing goals that are important to us. A good checklist holds us accountable with milestones and deadlines. Saying "I'd like to sign-up for a 5K race," doesn't hold the punch that writing down on a checklist, "Participate in benefit 5K three weeks from today" does. Seeing the goal written down keeps it present in our thoughts and actions. And the best part is that little check box in which we can put a great big X when the goal is accomplished. Accountability with checklists can be a private action, or it may be shared by like-minded people. People with shared goals may wish to share their checklists adding another layer of accountability that is both motivating and empowering.

Tactile Action. The literal act of holding a checklist, filling-in the blanks, and marking boxes is physically rewarding. But more importantly the act of writing a checklist, marking progress and accomplishing tasks or goals with a it gives us a pause to consider our goals and assess our progress. Effective time management strategies call for small blocks of time set aside to focus exclusively on making checklists, marking progress and noting accomplishment. For effective weight loss and weight management time should be dedicated each day to make and review checklists all the while keeping an eye on our big goals and the route we will take to achieve them.

Checklists can be as simple or as complicated you make them. When the goal is as important as long-term health and weight management the investment of time and thought in a well executed checklist nets great benefits.

Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal - Get yours today!

Lasting Success Book Bundle - Save 15% on Bundle!

Customer Top Rated
Lasting Success Book Bundle - Save 15% on Bundle!

Put the Power of the Pouch in your hands with Kaye Bailey's two best selling books plus the highly effective Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal. Our customer favorite Lasting Success Book Bundle includes The 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual (2008); Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test (2009); and The Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal (by Alex Lluch 2006). 600 pages of inspiration, motivation, empowerment & know-how to get you on track with WLS and keep you there! Great recipes, inspiring hints and proven secrets! Spoken in Kaye's compelling voice of compassion and "You Can Do This" spirit. Great bundle ensuring your lasting success with Weight Loss Surgery.

Exclusively available at the LivingAfterWLS General Store

Leap for It -- Free Shipping! No Coupon. No Minimum.

Happy Leap Day 2012!!

In celebration of this extra day of LIVING we are pleased to offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed in the LivingAfterWLS General Store for the next 24 hours.

--No Coupon Needed

--No Minimum Offer

--$4.95 Value!

Just a leaping good deal for you, our loyal customer as we celebrate LIVING after WLS!  Enjoy!

Kaye

*Regretfully, we can not extend this offer to our International Customers. Please see our International shipping policy here.

Shop Now!!

Sale begins noon eastern time 2/29/2012 and ends noon eastern time 3/1/2012.

\

 

SHOP NOW

Weight Loss Surgery Books

There is still love in the air at the LivingAfterWLS General Store! Use code: CUPID2012 and save $2.50 off any order- no minimum purchase. And get a free gift with every order. We love our #WLS Neighbors and it shows in every package we send you. CUPID2012 -- Shop Now! Books, Dietary Support, Hair Care, and our FAMOUS Carb Monster Soup Mixes!

Shop Now