Today has been an extremely stressful day for me – actually it was the fourth stressful day in a row. Lot’s of things going wrong that I can’t fix or control. Have you had days like that? Back in the good old morbidly obese days I would have been over the top with my food intake – but that just isn’t an option after gastric bypass.
Not long ago I came across a chapter in “Prevention’s Ultimate Guide to Women’s Health and Wellness” about dealing with stress. I wrote on a little card the behaviors suggested for self-calming in times of stress. Today I used the hints on that card and they helped me feel calmer and more able to cope. See if you’d like to try “Calm Response” on your next stressful day:
Breathe Deeply: People under stress breathe shallowly – this creates discomfort. Take a moment to drop your shoulders (very tense place for me), breathe deeply and let go of some of the tension.
Visual Vacation: Take 30-seconds and visualize yourself in a place you find calming, safe and relaxed. (I visualized a Nordstrom shoe sale!)
Get some Sunshine: Exposure to sunlight increases levels of serotonin, a natural hormone that reduces stress and imparts feelings of calm and well-being.
Be Socially Engaged: Call your best listener and share your troubles. I talked with Kim Stover, one of our lovely contributors here and she was wonderfully empathetic and understanding without fueling my stress. Thanks Kim for being your wonderful self.
Accept the Circumstances. Some types of stress you simply cannot solve. Deep breathing and mental vacations can ease stress, but not take away the circumstances. Understand that stress is, in fact, a part of being engaged in living.
Here’s wishing you the best of times and the ability to practice “Calm Response” on stressful days.
Kaye
LAWLS Bookstore
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Shopper’s Alert: Low-Carb Products
Conventional dieters are drifting away from the popular low-carb trend of recent years. That’s great news for LivingAfterWLS because low-carb products and cookbooks can be found in the bargain bins for pennies on the actual retail price. Last week I found “Low Carb Recipes”, an illustrated 96-page cookbook for just $3 in the bargain bin.
The gastric bypass diet is essentially low-carb. We are instructed to eat mainly high-protein low-volume meals. The introduction of this book, while speaking to the “normal” tummies makes a valid point even for us: “Many of us have let the extra weight creep on and developed bad eating patterns that make us fat, unhappy and ill. A low-carbohydrate diet is one, very successful, way of tackling these sorts of problems, revitalizing and re-energizing the system and trimming off that spare tire.”
What I find great about low-carb cookbooks is the emphasis on quality products and great flavor. Check out that bargain bin next time you’re shopping – you just may find a treasure for pennies on the dollar.
From my new book are two recipes I tried. Both are easy, healthy and delicious!
Lettuce-Wrapped Meat
Pork & Sage Kabobs
Enjoy!
The gastric bypass diet is essentially low-carb. We are instructed to eat mainly high-protein low-volume meals. The introduction of this book, while speaking to the “normal” tummies makes a valid point even for us: “Many of us have let the extra weight creep on and developed bad eating patterns that make us fat, unhappy and ill. A low-carbohydrate diet is one, very successful, way of tackling these sorts of problems, revitalizing and re-energizing the system and trimming off that spare tire.”
What I find great about low-carb cookbooks is the emphasis on quality products and great flavor. Check out that bargain bin next time you’re shopping – you just may find a treasure for pennies on the dollar.
From my new book are two recipes I tried. Both are easy, healthy and delicious!
Lettuce-Wrapped Meat
Pork & Sage Kabobs
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Monday Message from Kaye!
Hello Everyone!
Warm Wishes: We have three community members undergoing surgery this week to begin their new lives. Please send warm wishes to Laura, Pam and Keisha. To you lovely ladies I wish you the best and “Welcome to Your New Life – You Have Arrived!”
Delivered: “You Have Arrived – Head Games” a special issue newsletter, has been delivered to subscriber inboxes. I hope find time to read, enjoy and relate to the articles in this issue. Please drop me an email if you missed it and I’ll send it your way.
Community Growth: Our community continues to grow – we are nearing the 500 subscribers’ milestone – this awes me. Thank you so much for your belief and confidence in this website. I hope you are finding useful information for your life after weight loss surgery. As an incentive to new subscribers I’m offering to the 500th Subscriber – a free copy of the DVD “What’s So Funny?” Featuring Jessica Fischer’s story of obesity and transformation following gastric bypass surgery.
Mother Ship: Over at the main website, livingafterwls.com, we added 15 new pages last week for a total of 20 content filled pages. Now, many of these pages are still under construction but I hope by the end of the week to have them finished and online for your enjoyment. Thanks for sticking with me while I work on them. Like I’ve told many of you, I’m a writer, not a techie – so this is taking some time.
Please have a great week! Consider carefully what you put in your mouth and get out there and move that new body of yours! Remember we are LIVING after WLS.
Best wishes,
Kaye
Warm Wishes: We have three community members undergoing surgery this week to begin their new lives. Please send warm wishes to Laura, Pam and Keisha. To you lovely ladies I wish you the best and “Welcome to Your New Life – You Have Arrived!”
Delivered: “You Have Arrived – Head Games” a special issue newsletter, has been delivered to subscriber inboxes. I hope find time to read, enjoy and relate to the articles in this issue. Please drop me an email if you missed it and I’ll send it your way.
Community Growth: Our community continues to grow – we are nearing the 500 subscribers’ milestone – this awes me. Thank you so much for your belief and confidence in this website. I hope you are finding useful information for your life after weight loss surgery. As an incentive to new subscribers I’m offering to the 500th Subscriber – a free copy of the DVD “What’s So Funny?” Featuring Jessica Fischer’s story of obesity and transformation following gastric bypass surgery.
Mother Ship: Over at the main website, livingafterwls.com, we added 15 new pages last week for a total of 20 content filled pages. Now, many of these pages are still under construction but I hope by the end of the week to have them finished and online for your enjoyment. Thanks for sticking with me while I work on them. Like I’ve told many of you, I’m a writer, not a techie – so this is taking some time.
Please have a great week! Consider carefully what you put in your mouth and get out there and move that new body of yours! Remember we are LIVING after WLS.
Best wishes,
Kaye
Coming Soon!
Special Edition "You Have Arrived"
Delivered exclusively to subscriber inboxes today is a special edition of the LivingAfterWLS Newsletter “You Have Arrived”. This issue focuses on the mental head games WLS patients experience (and suffer from) after weight loss surgery. My lead essay is titled “I Sold My Soul to the Bathroom Scale”. I hope you'll enjoy!
Link for the subscription & privacy policy.
Link for the subscription & privacy policy.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Subscriber Incentive!
Free DVD to 500th Subscriber
LivingAfterWLS is fast nearing a record 500 subscribers in just three months online! I am so excited to reach this milestone I’m offering a great incentive to new subscribers! Free to the 500th Subscriber – a copy of the DVD “What’s So Funny?” Featuring Jessica Fischer’s story of obesity and transformation following gastric bypass surgery.
While this is a great reason to subscribe to LivingAfterWLS keep in mind that every subscriber receives:
Free Exclusive Monthly “You Have Arrived” email newsletters covering pertinent topics for living after weight loss surgery.
Free Exclusive Special Edition “You Have Arrived” email newsletters that are topic oriented covering issues for making the most of the WLS tool.
Past issues included:
Priority email response from me when you write with concerns or questions about LivingAfterWLS.
Subscribe today – You may be the lucky winner. Link for the full subscription & privacy policy.
While this is a great reason to subscribe to LivingAfterWLS keep in mind that every subscriber receives:
Free Exclusive Monthly “You Have Arrived” email newsletters covering pertinent topics for living after weight loss surgery.
Free Exclusive Special Edition “You Have Arrived” email newsletters that are topic oriented covering issues for making the most of the WLS tool.
Past issues included:
- Beating The Snack Monster Issue
- Special Pre-OPS Issue
- Independence Day Holiday Issue
- And coming August 15: Head Games After WLS Issue
Priority email response from me when you write with concerns or questions about LivingAfterWLS.
Subscribe today – You may be the lucky winner. Link for the full subscription & privacy policy.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Enjoy the Blueberries!
Skip the Muffin
All of my life I believed the best way to eat blueberries was with a muffin wrapped around them. No way could plain off-the-bush berries taste good. Well, lo and behold, I've been eating blueberries by the handful and they are fabulous! I can tolerate them with my gastric bypass system, I don't overeat or get sick with them. Best of all blueberries are in season now available at supermarkets and farm stands.
With flavors that range from mildly sweet to tart and tangy, blueberries are healthy superstars bursting with nutrition and flavor while being very low in calories. Blueberries are at their best from May through October when they are in season. Researchers at Tufts University say blueberries rank number one of fruits and vegetables when it comes to destroying harmful free radicals.
When purchasing: select blueberries that are firm and have a lively, uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom. Shake the container, noticing whether berries have the tendency to move freely; if they do not, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy. Avoid berries that appear dull in color or are soft and watery in texture. They should be free from moisture since the presence of water will cause the berries to decay.
Storing: Ripe blueberries should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator where they will keep for about a week, although they will be freshest if consumed within a few days. Always check berries before storing and remove any damaged berries to prevent the spread of mold. But don't wash berries until right before eating as washing will remove the bloom that protects the fruit’s skin from degradation. If kept out at room temperature for more than a day, the berries may spoil.
Ripe berries can also be frozen, although this will slightly change their texture and flavor. Before freezing, wash, drain and remove any damaged berries. To better ensure uniform texture upon thawing, spread the berries out on a cookie sheet or baking pan, place in the freezer until frozen, then put the berries in a plastic bag for storage in the freezer. Berries should last up to a year in the freezer.
Now, if you just can’t bring yourself to eat them plain substitute this Blueberry-Peach Crisp recipe for the ubiquitous muffin. This recipe does not contain processed sugar and it is quite delicious. As always after WLS, monitor portions. ENJOY!
With flavors that range from mildly sweet to tart and tangy, blueberries are healthy superstars bursting with nutrition and flavor while being very low in calories. Blueberries are at their best from May through October when they are in season. Researchers at Tufts University say blueberries rank number one of fruits and vegetables when it comes to destroying harmful free radicals.
When purchasing: select blueberries that are firm and have a lively, uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom. Shake the container, noticing whether berries have the tendency to move freely; if they do not, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy. Avoid berries that appear dull in color or are soft and watery in texture. They should be free from moisture since the presence of water will cause the berries to decay.
Storing: Ripe blueberries should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator where they will keep for about a week, although they will be freshest if consumed within a few days. Always check berries before storing and remove any damaged berries to prevent the spread of mold. But don't wash berries until right before eating as washing will remove the bloom that protects the fruit’s skin from degradation. If kept out at room temperature for more than a day, the berries may spoil.
Ripe berries can also be frozen, although this will slightly change their texture and flavor. Before freezing, wash, drain and remove any damaged berries. To better ensure uniform texture upon thawing, spread the berries out on a cookie sheet or baking pan, place in the freezer until frozen, then put the berries in a plastic bag for storage in the freezer. Berries should last up to a year in the freezer.
Now, if you just can’t bring yourself to eat them plain substitute this Blueberry-Peach Crisp recipe for the ubiquitous muffin. This recipe does not contain processed sugar and it is quite delicious. As always after WLS, monitor portions. ENJOY!
Silica Vitamin Helps Slow Hair Loss
The question of hair loss comes up all the time in the WLS community. Is there anything we can do to prevent hair loss or at least decrease the severity of it? Some centers say there is nothing to be done, that patients have to live with the hair loss. Other centers say a diet of 70g. protein a day will prevent hair loss. Still other centers recommend taking a daily multi-vitamin and supplemental vitamins intended to improve hair health. I believe in taking a supplemental vitamin that contains silica which is known to improve the health, texture and volume of hair.
Hair loss usually occurs in the fourth of fifth month following weight loss surgery. During the phase of rapid weight loss, caloric intake is marginal. This puts the body in a state of panic called starvation. Think about the pictures of prisoners of war. Most victims of this atrocity are without hair because they are literally starving to death. A healthy body normally sheds ten percent of hair follicles at any given time. When a body is starving roughly thirty to forty percent of hair follicles are sacrificed as the body channels nutrition to more vital areas. During this phase hair loss is dramatic, often patients find clumps of hair on the shower floor. Remaining hair becomes drab and lifeless.
I knew hair loss was a potential result of weight loss surgery, but because I’m a “cup-half-full” person, I didn’t believe that hair loss would happen to me! That just happens to other people, I told myself! Imagine my surprise when my blonde locks were littering the bathroom floor like hair saloon. I shed some tears over that.The hair loss is a transient effect of your gastric bypass surgery and will be resolved when nutrition and weight stabilize. When my hair began falling out, my husband, who has been a proponent of vitamin supplements all his life, found a vitamin specifically formulated for building strong healthy hair.
The vitamin I take for healthy hair and nails is
Silica Complex
It contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, boron, betaine and horsetail extract. Consumption of this supplement almost immediately retarded my hair loss and renewed my dull lifeless hair. I will continue taking this supplement throughout my life. Five years after surgery my hair is long, full and lustrous – one would never know I had suffered significant hair loss. In hindsight, I would certainly begin taking this supplement prior to my surgery. In the very least I would begin taking it soon after surgery before the signs of hair loss were apparent.
This is a large vitamin - I call it "the big ugly" and for new post-ops it will be nearly impossible to swallow. You can split the vitamin with a sharp kitchen knife or purchase a pill splitter at your drugstore. As always, check with your bariatric center if you are newly post-op.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Film Review:
What's So Funny?
a transformation of epic proportions
by Kaye Bailey
Funny, poignant, painful and joyous – That’s how I describe Jessica Fischer’s story as presented on the DVD “What’s So Funny? A transformation of epic proportions.” Jessica was a successful stand up comic who at the young age of 23 looked obesity square in the face and laughed on stage in New York City. She captured audiences with her self-deprecating fat humor.
Then she underwent gastric bypass surgery, lost half of her body weight and suddenly she wasn’t so funny. It turns out former fatty just isn’t as funny as the 300 pound girl making fun of her own obese self. Jessica found herself reinventing her act and herself, while at the same time trying to hold on to who she was before surgery. Can’t we all relate to that?
The film not only features Jessica, but also her support network: parents, brother, sister, friends, and even surgeon Dr. Shaw. Jessica’s sister is course and skeptical, openly criticizing the “easy way out”. She says, “You’re 23! What are you doing? Get off you ass and do something – walk around the block.” But her sister later concedes how hard Jessica worked for her weight loss and that WLS was, in fact, the only option for her. “It was not an easy fix,” she states, “she needed the help. I don’t think she knew how to get out of her own way.”
Dr. Shaw calls Jessie a model patient. He said what weight loss surgery does is open a window to make it possible to change a lifetime of eating behaviors and misconceptions. He said the physical changes from gastric bypass are predictable, “What is more profound than the physical change is the psychological and social changes. Weight loss surgery corrects a medical problem that comes with a lot of social and psychological baggage.”
The best part of this film is that it is real. Weight loss surgery is tough and the road is bumpy and twisted and challenging. It's tough being fat and it's tough losing weight. Not just for the comedienne on stage - but for every person brave enough to "take the easy way out." A definite must-see film for the LivingAfterWLS audience and the people they love.
WHAT'S SO FUNNY? follows Jessica’s journey after her surgery. Not only does she lose the weight, but also her drive and ability to perform comedy, which she perceived as her "ticket" into the world of entertainment. While her physical transformation is remarkable, it is the emotional turmoil she experiences afterwards, which is truly life changing and proves to be more than she bargained for.
The DVD "What's So Funny?" may be purchased directly from Chrysalis Productions, which is not affiliated with this site I highly recommend it for anyone before or after WLS.
This DVD is produced by Chrysalis Productions, a New Jersey based non-profit organization dedicated to the production of human interest, educational, historical and/or socially relevant documentary films designed to inform and enlighten the general public.
Jessica Fischer. Is a native of Georgetown, MA, Jessica has been performing in New York since 2001. Some favorite roles include the third witch inLady McBroth as part of the La MAMA reading series and LuLu Reilly with the Peterborough Players. She was also seen in the independent film RF. Jessica has performed her stand-up act at venues such as Stand Up New York, New York Comedy Club, Caroline's on Broadway and The Duplex. She's also performed regularly at both the Tribal Comedy Hour and The Poole Party at Don't Tell Mama's. A theatre arts graduate of Bridgewater State College in MA, Jess is now in rehearsals for a new play by Boston playwright William Donnelly entitled, Host.
Sandra Longo, Producer/Director
Sandra Longo makes her directorial debut with the documentary feature, What's So Funny? After over a decade in the corporate world, Sandra worked for several years as a personal coach whose specialty was helping others to pursue their life's dreams. As a result, she felt compelled to pursue her own dream of becoming a filmmaker. A native of the Midwest, Sandra has lived throughout the United States and Bermuda. She and her husband now reside near the Jersey Shore and are parents to two five-year olds adopted from Guatemala. She is currently in production on her second feature documentary, as well as co-producing a television pilot.
Funny, poignant, painful and joyous – That’s how I describe Jessica Fischer’s story as presented on the DVD “What’s So Funny? A transformation of epic proportions.” Jessica was a successful stand up comic who at the young age of 23 looked obesity square in the face and laughed on stage in New York City. She captured audiences with her self-deprecating fat humor.
Then she underwent gastric bypass surgery, lost half of her body weight and suddenly she wasn’t so funny. It turns out former fatty just isn’t as funny as the 300 pound girl making fun of her own obese self. Jessica found herself reinventing her act and herself, while at the same time trying to hold on to who she was before surgery. Can’t we all relate to that?
The film not only features Jessica, but also her support network: parents, brother, sister, friends, and even surgeon Dr. Shaw. Jessica’s sister is course and skeptical, openly criticizing the “easy way out”. She says, “You’re 23! What are you doing? Get off you ass and do something – walk around the block.” But her sister later concedes how hard Jessica worked for her weight loss and that WLS was, in fact, the only option for her. “It was not an easy fix,” she states, “she needed the help. I don’t think she knew how to get out of her own way.”
Dr. Shaw calls Jessie a model patient. He said what weight loss surgery does is open a window to make it possible to change a lifetime of eating behaviors and misconceptions. He said the physical changes from gastric bypass are predictable, “What is more profound than the physical change is the psychological and social changes. Weight loss surgery corrects a medical problem that comes with a lot of social and psychological baggage.”
The best part of this film is that it is real. Weight loss surgery is tough and the road is bumpy and twisted and challenging. It's tough being fat and it's tough losing weight. Not just for the comedienne on stage - but for every person brave enough to "take the easy way out." A definite must-see film for the LivingAfterWLS audience and the people they love.
WHAT'S SO FUNNY? follows Jessica’s journey after her surgery. Not only does she lose the weight, but also her drive and ability to perform comedy, which she perceived as her "ticket" into the world of entertainment. While her physical transformation is remarkable, it is the emotional turmoil she experiences afterwards, which is truly life changing and proves to be more than she bargained for.
The DVD "What's So Funny?" may be purchased directly from Chrysalis Productions, which is not affiliated with this site I highly recommend it for anyone before or after WLS.
This DVD is produced by Chrysalis Productions, a New Jersey based non-profit organization dedicated to the production of human interest, educational, historical and/or socially relevant documentary films designed to inform and enlighten the general public.
Jessica Fischer. Is a native of Georgetown, MA, Jessica has been performing in New York since 2001. Some favorite roles include the third witch inLady McBroth as part of the La MAMA reading series and LuLu Reilly with the Peterborough Players. She was also seen in the independent film RF. Jessica has performed her stand-up act at venues such as Stand Up New York, New York Comedy Club, Caroline's on Broadway and The Duplex. She's also performed regularly at both the Tribal Comedy Hour and The Poole Party at Don't Tell Mama's. A theatre arts graduate of Bridgewater State College in MA, Jess is now in rehearsals for a new play by Boston playwright William Donnelly entitled, Host.
Sandra Longo, Producer/Director
Sandra Longo makes her directorial debut with the documentary feature, What's So Funny? After over a decade in the corporate world, Sandra worked for several years as a personal coach whose specialty was helping others to pursue their life's dreams. As a result, she felt compelled to pursue her own dream of becoming a filmmaker. A native of the Midwest, Sandra has lived throughout the United States and Bermuda. She and her husband now reside near the Jersey Shore and are parents to two five-year olds adopted from Guatemala. She is currently in production on her second feature documentary, as well as co-producing a television pilot.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Dinner tonight?
Chicken, Mango & Avocado Salad
One of our readers mentioned to me she enjoyed a small serving of chicken and mango. It sounded so yummy and reminded me of a recipe I tried not long ago: Chicken, Mango & Avocado Salad with Orange Dressing. Thanks Sara for the reminder! Sara is just out of surgery and this was a healthy, wise and safe food choice for her as she transitions from soft liquids to normal foods. I hope you all enjoy this healthy WLS friendly recipe!
Mangoes, a relative of the cashew, are in season from May through September. They have a thin tough skin which is green with yellow and red mottling. They can weigh as little as 6 ounces or as much as 4 pounds. There is a large seed inside the mango so the size is deceiving. A good ripe mango will smell sweet and have juicy orange flesh.
To store a mango place a ripened fruit in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Un-ripened fruit may be ripened in a brown bag at room temperature for two days. Mangoes are rich in Vitamins A, C & D.
Mangoes, a relative of the cashew, are in season from May through September. They have a thin tough skin which is green with yellow and red mottling. They can weigh as little as 6 ounces or as much as 4 pounds. There is a large seed inside the mango so the size is deceiving. A good ripe mango will smell sweet and have juicy orange flesh.
To store a mango place a ripened fruit in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Un-ripened fruit may be ripened in a brown bag at room temperature for two days. Mangoes are rich in Vitamins A, C & D.
Cookbook Software: Living Cookbook
Last week Diane shared with us her family effort to create a cookbook that will include a WLS section! Here is a description of the software program she is using.
Living Cookbook is award-winning, easy-to-use nutrition, cooking and recipe management software. Use it to create, organize, print and e-mail your recipes. Other features include a meal planning calendar, cookbook publishing, nutritional analysis, menus, ingredient database, grocery lists, web integration, import and export, reference library, powerful search engine, clone recipes, customize recipe views, backup and restore, integrated spell-checker and more. Comes with over 1000 free recipes.
Visit www.livingcookbook.com for more information and to download a free trial
Living Cookbook is award-winning, easy-to-use nutrition, cooking and recipe management software. Use it to create, organize, print and e-mail your recipes. Other features include a meal planning calendar, cookbook publishing, nutritional analysis, menus, ingredient database, grocery lists, web integration, import and export, reference library, powerful search engine, clone recipes, customize recipe views, backup and restore, integrated spell-checker and more. Comes with over 1000 free recipes.
Visit www.livingcookbook.com for more information and to download a free trial
Shari Received a Liver Transplant
For the past few weeks we’ve been following the story of Shari who was in urgent need of a liver transplant. She has received a donor liver and is in stable condition in ICU. Thanks for your thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
GOOD NEWS: SHARI RECEIVED A NEW LIVER!
We are pleased to announce that Shari finally received the liver transplant she so desperately needed. Her doctor finished the surgery Saturday night and said that it went very well. She is still recovering in the ICU, but is stable.
We just wanted to thank everyone for the unbelievable outpouring of love, support and prayers over the past three weeks. It has been an amazing source of comfort and inspiration and we have been touched by the kindness of strangers and friends alike. Shari will be overwhelmed when she learns the extent of the efforts that took place on her behalf across the nation.
We are forever grateful to the donor’s family for this amazing gift and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
We hope that Shari’s situation has helped to draw attention to organ donation and that it will encourage those who may not have considered it before to become an organ donor. According to UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), there are over almost 90,000 people in the United States waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with more than 17,000 awaiting a liver, illustrating the importance of organ donation. We know how hard the waiting can be and truly hope that everyone continues to spread the word for this urgent need so that other families can experience the joy that we are feeling today.
Thanks again,
Shari’s Family, Friends & Colleagues
GOOD NEWS: SHARI RECEIVED A NEW LIVER!
We are pleased to announce that Shari finally received the liver transplant she so desperately needed. Her doctor finished the surgery Saturday night and said that it went very well. She is still recovering in the ICU, but is stable.
We just wanted to thank everyone for the unbelievable outpouring of love, support and prayers over the past three weeks. It has been an amazing source of comfort and inspiration and we have been touched by the kindness of strangers and friends alike. Shari will be overwhelmed when she learns the extent of the efforts that took place on her behalf across the nation.
We are forever grateful to the donor’s family for this amazing gift and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
We hope that Shari’s situation has helped to draw attention to organ donation and that it will encourage those who may not have considered it before to become an organ donor. According to UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), there are over almost 90,000 people in the United States waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with more than 17,000 awaiting a liver, illustrating the importance of organ donation. We know how hard the waiting can be and truly hope that everyone continues to spread the word for this urgent need so that other families can experience the joy that we are feeling today.
Thanks again,
Shari’s Family, Friends & Colleagues
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Kaye's Monday Message: August 8
Hello Everyone!
Warm Wishes: We have two community members undergoing surgery this week to begin their new lives. Please send warm wishes to Megan & Regena. Both of these ladies have sent me such lovely comments – I am personally thanking them and wishing them the best of success in their new lives!
Help Needed: We continue to support through thought and prayer a friend of one of our community members who is in urgent need of a liver transplant. Our prayers continue to go out to Shari as she fights for life. Please link to Shari Kurzrok’s site for a downloadable flyer that can be distributed to hospitals, fire and police departments and posted on bulletin boards. Shari has made her career leading fundraisers for the American Red Cross – now is a chance to give back to her.
Special Edition: I’m working on a Special Edition of our newsletter “You Have Arrived”. This one is all about the mental head games we play after weight loss surgery and features my essay “I Sold My Soul to the Bathroom Scale”. It will be delivered to subscriber inboxes Monday, August 15.
Reader Feedback: We had lots of reader feedback last week in the form of comments – let’s continue the interaction as we truly become a supportive community for LivingAfterWLS. If you are uncertain how to leave a comment link here for instructions.
Have a great week & enjoy LivingAfterWLS!
Kaye
Warm Wishes: We have two community members undergoing surgery this week to begin their new lives. Please send warm wishes to Megan & Regena. Both of these ladies have sent me such lovely comments – I am personally thanking them and wishing them the best of success in their new lives!
Help Needed: We continue to support through thought and prayer a friend of one of our community members who is in urgent need of a liver transplant. Our prayers continue to go out to Shari as she fights for life. Please link to Shari Kurzrok’s site for a downloadable flyer that can be distributed to hospitals, fire and police departments and posted on bulletin boards. Shari has made her career leading fundraisers for the American Red Cross – now is a chance to give back to her.
Special Edition: I’m working on a Special Edition of our newsletter “You Have Arrived”. This one is all about the mental head games we play after weight loss surgery and features my essay “I Sold My Soul to the Bathroom Scale”. It will be delivered to subscriber inboxes Monday, August 15.
Reader Feedback: We had lots of reader feedback last week in the form of comments – let’s continue the interaction as we truly become a supportive community for LivingAfterWLS. If you are uncertain how to leave a comment link here for instructions.
Have a great week & enjoy LivingAfterWLS!
Kaye
Friday, August 05, 2005
WLS a Family Affair
Six Cousins – 1000+ Pounds Lost!
Diane Shields, one of the great ladies here at LivingAfterWLS, is thriving since her surgery. Presently she is working on a family cookbook that includes 7-generations of recipes. For this project she is using Living Cookbook software to develop the cookbook. “I’m working on a cookbook right now for our family reunion. I come from a very large family (in more ways than one). I emailed all of my cousins. They sent me cherished family recipes, short stories about their families, and pictures.”
Diane explained, “There's 7 generations of us. We get together every year for my grandmother's birthday. She'll be 106 this November. Food has always been a big part of our gatherings. I suppose that has something to do with many of my cousins being obese. As of right now six of us have had the WLS. So I plan to add a section of the cookbook just for us. Complete with before and after pictures.”
What a great idea – including a section in the family cookbook for WLS people. How much more supportive could you be of this new lifestyle?
Diane said last year was the first reunion she attended after losing weight. She said, “No one recognized me. I was always the chubby one of the bunch. But as the years went on they put on the weight as fast as I did. One of my cousins had scheduled her surgery for last October but backed out. After I got through talking with her and promising to be there for her, she rescheduled for January. She was down 70 pounds the last time I spoke with her.”
When Diane and her cousins tallied the weight loss the realized the six of them had lost of a-half ton of weight. More than 1000 pounds lost! “We are each in the DOUBLE CENTURY CLUB. Well except for the last one, but to reach goal she'll join the club too! So you can plainly see WLS is a way of life for many of us.”
Way to Go Diane & Family.
Diane explained, “There's 7 generations of us. We get together every year for my grandmother's birthday. She'll be 106 this November. Food has always been a big part of our gatherings. I suppose that has something to do with many of my cousins being obese. As of right now six of us have had the WLS. So I plan to add a section of the cookbook just for us. Complete with before and after pictures.”
What a great idea – including a section in the family cookbook for WLS people. How much more supportive could you be of this new lifestyle?
Diane said last year was the first reunion she attended after losing weight. She said, “No one recognized me. I was always the chubby one of the bunch. But as the years went on they put on the weight as fast as I did. One of my cousins had scheduled her surgery for last October but backed out. After I got through talking with her and promising to be there for her, she rescheduled for January. She was down 70 pounds the last time I spoke with her.”
When Diane and her cousins tallied the weight loss the realized the six of them had lost of a-half ton of weight. More than 1000 pounds lost! “We are each in the DOUBLE CENTURY CLUB. Well except for the last one, but to reach goal she'll join the club too! So you can plainly see WLS is a way of life for many of us.”
Way to Go Diane & Family.
The Incredible Egg Cooker
From reading my food diary you’ll see I eat hard cooked eggs often. I have the most brilliant appliance called egg cooker that I use to keep a supply of perfectly hard cooked eggs on hand. Simply load the tray with six eggs, pierce the shells with the pin, add water, cover, set the timer and off you go! Within minutes perfectly cooked eggs. I allow them to cool slightly and refrigerate them in the shell away from the raw eggs.
Now, I’m not going to suggest breaking the no-snacking rule; but sometimes having an egg between meals is a great pick-me-up. Remember, an egg has 7 grams of protein and is a perfect fit for your tiny tummy.
Diane asked, "What is one kitchen gadget you would not be without???" Great question - click the survey on the left. Thanks Diane!
Vitamin B - Take Sublingual Tabs for Effective Nutrition
If you are having a hard time remembering to go in to the doctor for your Vitamin B shot there is an acceptable alternative - Sublingual tabs you slip under your tongue to dissolve. Taken once daily a WLS patient can avoid B-vitamin deficiency. As we know 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.
B12 (2500MCG) SUBLINGUAL
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.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Exciting New Features at LivingAfterWLS
I’m happy to announce two new features added to the LivingAfterWLS community – a library page and some fun surveys.
The brand new LivingAfterWLS Library is a small, but rapidly expanding directory of helpful books/videos recommended by community members. There is a quick link to email me your recommendation, and also links to our affiliate, Amazon.com for each book or video mentioned. Keep checking in as our library grows to include cookbooks, fitness videos, health & nutrition books, self-improvement and gastric bypass books
For fun I’ve added some quick surveys to the site. Scrolling down this page on the left you will find the survey, “What stage are you at in LivingAfterWLS?” Please check your answer and click “vote now” – you will see the real-time results of the online survey. Cool, huh?
The new Library page also has a survey, “How many nights a week do you cook at home?” I’m curious about what our community members are doing. Aren’t you? Click over to that page and participate in this survey!
I hope you enjoy these features. As always, I love your comments and suggestions – email me!
Best wishes,
Kaye
The brand new LivingAfterWLS Library is a small, but rapidly expanding directory of helpful books/videos recommended by community members. There is a quick link to email me your recommendation, and also links to our affiliate, Amazon.com for each book or video mentioned. Keep checking in as our library grows to include cookbooks, fitness videos, health & nutrition books, self-improvement and gastric bypass books
For fun I’ve added some quick surveys to the site. Scrolling down this page on the left you will find the survey, “What stage are you at in LivingAfterWLS?” Please check your answer and click “vote now” – you will see the real-time results of the online survey. Cool, huh?
The new Library page also has a survey, “How many nights a week do you cook at home?” I’m curious about what our community members are doing. Aren’t you? Click over to that page and participate in this survey!
I hope you enjoy these features. As always, I love your comments and suggestions – email me!
Best wishes,
Kaye
Bead Bags for Supplements
A Brilliant Idea!
Leave it to our brilliant and innovative frequent contributor, Kim Stover, to come up with an “out of the box” great idea for an ordinary craft product. She’s found little bead bags are perfect for organizing a daily supply of vitamins – and who among us isn’t always looking for a better way to organize our supplements! Kim wrote,
“I meant to tell you about something that I found at Michael's Craft Store. Do you have a Michael's in your area? If not, I'm sure that any craft store would carry this item. Anyhow, it is a box of mini-zipper baggies. They come in a box of 200 and you can find them in the beading section. The ones that I purchased are 2"x3" and the cost was about $2.50. I've started to pack my vitamins in these little wonders. Perfect! I sit down at the kitchen table with my pharmacy in front of me, bag up one or two weeks worth of daily pills and then I'm done! It becomes a "grab 'n go" item as I’m running out the door (especially on a day like today...). Brilliant, no?”
Brilliant, YES! Thanks Kim, as always, for sharing with us. Please readers, if you have other ideas for organizing supplments let's hear about it! Post your comments today - Thanks!
“I meant to tell you about something that I found at Michael's Craft Store. Do you have a Michael's in your area? If not, I'm sure that any craft store would carry this item. Anyhow, it is a box of mini-zipper baggies. They come in a box of 200 and you can find them in the beading section. The ones that I purchased are 2"x3" and the cost was about $2.50. I've started to pack my vitamins in these little wonders. Perfect! I sit down at the kitchen table with my pharmacy in front of me, bag up one or two weeks worth of daily pills and then I'm done! It becomes a "grab 'n go" item as I’m running out the door (especially on a day like today...). Brilliant, no?”
Brilliant, YES! Thanks Kim, as always, for sharing with us. Please readers, if you have other ideas for organizing supplments let's hear about it! Post your comments today - Thanks!
The Newbie Pantry – What’s in Your Cupboard?
Diane Shields, one of the great ladies here at LivingAfterWLS and an exceptional cook in her own right, has provided a list of what she kept in her pantry as a WLS Newbie. She makes the knowledgeable statement, “The hardest part of this surgery is not getting into a rut with what you eat. For those just starting out, they need to know that a variety of foods are best. Natural, whole foods are essential. I cook from scratch most of the time. That way I can control what I put into my body.”
Diane sent a recipe for Thai Peanut Butter Burgers – be sure to give it a try – it is melt in your mouth delicious! Thanks Diane!
Here is what she had on hand to keep her fed, happy and losing weight after surgery:
Sugar free Jell-o
Beef & chicken bouillon
High protein puddings
Unflavored protein powder (I added this to Jell-o and bouillon)
Ready-To-Drink protein drinks
Assorted flavors powdered protein shake mix
Refried beans
Eggs, cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese
Assorted seasonings and herbs
What’s in your pantry? Newbies & Old-Timers alike comment here!
Diane sent a recipe for Thai Peanut Butter Burgers – be sure to give it a try – it is melt in your mouth delicious! Thanks Diane!
Here is what she had on hand to keep her fed, happy and losing weight after surgery:
Sugar free Jell-o
Beef & chicken bouillon
High protein puddings
Unflavored protein powder (I added this to Jell-o and bouillon)
Ready-To-Drink protein drinks
Assorted flavors powdered protein shake mix
Refried beans
Eggs, cheese, cream cheese, cottage cheese
Assorted seasonings and herbs
What’s in your pantry? Newbies & Old-Timers alike comment here!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
What is “Fitness Walking”?
In Monday’s post I mentioned my August goal is to walk 60 fitness miles and Diane asked, “What is fitness walking?” Great question! As I define it, fitness walking is the deliberate specific act of walking for fitness. Not strolling through the mall or walking in the park or playing with the dogs. To me, fitness walking is intent focused walking specifically for exercise.
There are several reasons I set my goal for “fitness walking.” First of all, I have not walked deliberately for exercise since early May. I’ve told myself doing yard work, playing with the dogs, walking around the ranch is enough. I convinced myself parking further out in the parking lot or taking extra stairs would keep me fit and I didn’t need to walk on the treadmill or power walk in the neighborhood.
This activity has not been enough.
I’m losing my fitness edge, my body feels soft. But worse, I’ve not had the energy reserves I enjoyed earlier this year and I’ve felt more stress lately. Last week I began reading Denise Austin’s book, “Shrink Your Female Fat Zones” and came across this quote: “Walk for energy. Walk for lower blood pressure. Walk for stress release. Walk for you.” The light went on! Of course! That’s what I’m missing in my day, a good old fashioned fitness walk.
“I love to walk. It’s such a great way to work out. It boosts your metabolism and puts you in a fabulous mood. After I walk, I feel invigorated and have a wonderful sense of self-accomplishment. I’ve found that it’s one of the best tools for permanent weight loss.” Denise Austin
So, this month I’ve scheduled time on my calendar for fitness walking for my physical and mental health. Since the first days out of WLS I’ve enjoyed walking and, dare I say, embraced it as a way of life? Yet I allow one week to go without walking, and then another and soon two months have passed and I’m out of the habit. How can it be so easy to give up something that makes me feel so good?
Fitness Walking! It’s on my calendar. What about yours?
Best wishes,
Kaye
There are several reasons I set my goal for “fitness walking.” First of all, I have not walked deliberately for exercise since early May. I’ve told myself doing yard work, playing with the dogs, walking around the ranch is enough. I convinced myself parking further out in the parking lot or taking extra stairs would keep me fit and I didn’t need to walk on the treadmill or power walk in the neighborhood.
This activity has not been enough.
I’m losing my fitness edge, my body feels soft. But worse, I’ve not had the energy reserves I enjoyed earlier this year and I’ve felt more stress lately. Last week I began reading Denise Austin’s book, “Shrink Your Female Fat Zones” and came across this quote: “Walk for energy. Walk for lower blood pressure. Walk for stress release. Walk for you.” The light went on! Of course! That’s what I’m missing in my day, a good old fashioned fitness walk.
“I love to walk. It’s such a great way to work out. It boosts your metabolism and puts you in a fabulous mood. After I walk, I feel invigorated and have a wonderful sense of self-accomplishment. I’ve found that it’s one of the best tools for permanent weight loss.” Denise Austin
So, this month I’ve scheduled time on my calendar for fitness walking for my physical and mental health. Since the first days out of WLS I’ve enjoyed walking and, dare I say, embraced it as a way of life? Yet I allow one week to go without walking, and then another and soon two months have passed and I’m out of the habit. How can it be so easy to give up something that makes me feel so good?
Fitness Walking! It’s on my calendar. What about yours?
Best wishes,
Kaye
Monday, August 01, 2005
Why Are Men So Hard-Headed About WLS?
One of our readers, Diane, posted a thoughtful comment to this older post. She asks us, "Why do they have to be so hard headed?" Let's get some thoughts going about why it is so tough for men to undergo gastric bypass. Comments appreciated and men - feel free to chime in.
Men & Weight Loss Surgery
It’s estimated 200,000 American’s will undergo gastric bypass surgery this year. Only 15 percent, 30,000, will be men. Yet obesity statistics in this country indicate morbid obesity is not gender specific. About 60% of American men and women are obese. So why are so few men, comparatively speaking, going under the knife to lose weight?
It has long been known that if a man wants to lose weight he’ll go to the gym, pump some iron and maybe run a few laps. Seldom does he head for the kitchen to fix a nutritious, balanced low calorie meal. Men are genetically predisposed to lose weight more quickly than women. Most experts agree men tend to lose weight faster because they typically have more lean muscle mass and a lower body fat percentage than women. Said simply, men generally have a higher metabolism, or rate at which they burn calories, because they have more muscle.
Given the better odds for quicker success can we conclude that men are opting for conventional weight loss methods - diet and exercise – before considering gastric bypass as a plausible option?
Perhaps. But it’s been my experience that obese men, like obese women, are ashamed of being fat, ashamed of failing to lose weight and ashamed to take the last-resort surgical option for weight loss. And unlike women, men don’t cluster to talk about their “feelings” or the shame and self-loathing that accompanies obesity. Not surprisingly, many men feel very alone in their battle of the bulge.
One man, William, who secretly underwent gastric bypass said, “It is very difficult for men to reach out and ask for help because obesity is still very much considered a ‘women's disease’. Men may also not want to come forward for fear that people will think they are vain or worse weak.” When someone asks William how he is losing weight he answers with a slap on the back and a wink, “Working my ass off at the gym, buddy – you ought to try it!” He doesn’t even mention diet, portion control or nutrition.
Women are more often prompted to pursue weight loss, including gastric bypass, for self-esteem issues. They need to recover a sense of self-worth or validation, they need to feel attractive to future mates. Women often perceive that being overweight is a character flaw and by fixing it they can become a better person. Many believe media presentation of perfection fuels this perception. Men have generally been immune to unrealistic standards and historically an overweight man was one of affluence and abundance.
These days more and more men are prompted to lie on the surgical table for health reasons, few will admit having surgery to improve their self-esteem. Obesity related health problems scare, and perhaps, shame men to have surgery, lose weight and become healthier. But social stigma shames men into keeping quiet about it.
“I watched three men in my family, one-by-one, drop dead from massive heart attacks. Near as I could tell I was next,” said 37-year-old Frank Elliott. “At 385 pounds I needed to do something fast. So I had the surgery, I lost the weight and kept my mouth shut about it. I was ashamed of being so weak that I couldn’t lose weight on my own.”
Because men are reluctant to go public with their obesity solution there is a lack of male-bonding or support for one another. One LivingAfterWLS reader, Rob said, “I’m finding it difficult being one of the very few men who’ve had this surgery locally. By nature, I’m a talkative and sometimes overly reflective and analytical person. Maybe this is why I get a real sense of fulfillment when I can “talk shop” with other WLS people. But men, by nature I believe, don’t tend to want to band together in the support groups like women seem prone to. This lack of a true peer support system makes it a bit tough.”
Surprisingly men tend to celebrate the same “magic moments” women do when it comes to massive weight loss. Rob said, “The physical changes have been such a treat! I was wearing size 60 pants this time last year and I’m buying 46s and 48s now. Buying clothes is a blast!! One of my biggest short-term goals was to be able to go to most any store in town and buy clothes off the rack. I’ve jumped for joy each time I’ve had to take my watch to the local jeweler to have a link removed from the band. Did I mention that the physical changes have been a treat? I have collarbones now! The girl at the lab can find my veins by sight instead of “poke and fish” now. I’m almost down to having only a single chin!”
Wouldn’t it be great if he had a support network of men who were celebrating the same milestones?
In the context of human relationship male bonding is most likely to happen on the sports field, at the bar or in the stadium stands. Perhaps this is where the WLS male contingent needs to gather, rather than in the traditional meeting room on folding chairs. Given a familiar and comfortable environment where the words “emotions” and “feelings” aren’t requisite for the event I submit WLS men could build a camaraderie based on shared experience and common compassion.
Will that bust the social stigma for overweight men who chose to control their obesity with surgery? Probably not. But if it can help one or two or a hundred men become more self-respecting and more self-assured then why not? In the meantime, we have several male subscribers to LivingAfterWLS. Rob is one of them. I’m happy you are here.
© 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved
Men & Weight Loss Surgery
Is There a Social Stigma?
It’s estimated 200,000 American’s will undergo gastric bypass surgery this year. Only 15 percent, 30,000, will be men. Yet obesity statistics in this country indicate morbid obesity is not gender specific. About 60% of American men and women are obese. So why are so few men, comparatively speaking, going under the knife to lose weight?
It has long been known that if a man wants to lose weight he’ll go to the gym, pump some iron and maybe run a few laps. Seldom does he head for the kitchen to fix a nutritious, balanced low calorie meal. Men are genetically predisposed to lose weight more quickly than women. Most experts agree men tend to lose weight faster because they typically have more lean muscle mass and a lower body fat percentage than women. Said simply, men generally have a higher metabolism, or rate at which they burn calories, because they have more muscle.
Given the better odds for quicker success can we conclude that men are opting for conventional weight loss methods - diet and exercise – before considering gastric bypass as a plausible option?
Perhaps. But it’s been my experience that obese men, like obese women, are ashamed of being fat, ashamed of failing to lose weight and ashamed to take the last-resort surgical option for weight loss. And unlike women, men don’t cluster to talk about their “feelings” or the shame and self-loathing that accompanies obesity. Not surprisingly, many men feel very alone in their battle of the bulge.
One man, William, who secretly underwent gastric bypass said, “It is very difficult for men to reach out and ask for help because obesity is still very much considered a ‘women's disease’. Men may also not want to come forward for fear that people will think they are vain or worse weak.” When someone asks William how he is losing weight he answers with a slap on the back and a wink, “Working my ass off at the gym, buddy – you ought to try it!” He doesn’t even mention diet, portion control or nutrition.
Women are more often prompted to pursue weight loss, including gastric bypass, for self-esteem issues. They need to recover a sense of self-worth or validation, they need to feel attractive to future mates. Women often perceive that being overweight is a character flaw and by fixing it they can become a better person. Many believe media presentation of perfection fuels this perception. Men have generally been immune to unrealistic standards and historically an overweight man was one of affluence and abundance.
These days more and more men are prompted to lie on the surgical table for health reasons, few will admit having surgery to improve their self-esteem. Obesity related health problems scare, and perhaps, shame men to have surgery, lose weight and become healthier. But social stigma shames men into keeping quiet about it.
“I watched three men in my family, one-by-one, drop dead from massive heart attacks. Near as I could tell I was next,” said 37-year-old Frank Elliott. “At 385 pounds I needed to do something fast. So I had the surgery, I lost the weight and kept my mouth shut about it. I was ashamed of being so weak that I couldn’t lose weight on my own.”
Because men are reluctant to go public with their obesity solution there is a lack of male-bonding or support for one another. One LivingAfterWLS reader, Rob said, “I’m finding it difficult being one of the very few men who’ve had this surgery locally. By nature, I’m a talkative and sometimes overly reflective and analytical person. Maybe this is why I get a real sense of fulfillment when I can “talk shop” with other WLS people. But men, by nature I believe, don’t tend to want to band together in the support groups like women seem prone to. This lack of a true peer support system makes it a bit tough.”
Surprisingly men tend to celebrate the same “magic moments” women do when it comes to massive weight loss. Rob said, “The physical changes have been such a treat! I was wearing size 60 pants this time last year and I’m buying 46s and 48s now. Buying clothes is a blast!! One of my biggest short-term goals was to be able to go to most any store in town and buy clothes off the rack. I’ve jumped for joy each time I’ve had to take my watch to the local jeweler to have a link removed from the band. Did I mention that the physical changes have been a treat? I have collarbones now! The girl at the lab can find my veins by sight instead of “poke and fish” now. I’m almost down to having only a single chin!”
Wouldn’t it be great if he had a support network of men who were celebrating the same milestones?
In the context of human relationship male bonding is most likely to happen on the sports field, at the bar or in the stadium stands. Perhaps this is where the WLS male contingent needs to gather, rather than in the traditional meeting room on folding chairs. Given a familiar and comfortable environment where the words “emotions” and “feelings” aren’t requisite for the event I submit WLS men could build a camaraderie based on shared experience and common compassion.
Will that bust the social stigma for overweight men who chose to control their obesity with surgery? Probably not. But if it can help one or two or a hundred men become more self-respecting and more self-assured then why not? In the meantime, we have several male subscribers to LivingAfterWLS. Rob is one of them. I’m happy you are here.
© 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved
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