Get Geared Up For Success in 2009

Hello Neighbors and Happy Monday!

This is last week of January - Have you found your New Year's Resolutions dimming already? I know I need a little boost of encouragement today so I found this article by Cookie Tuminello (pictured below), a Personal Power Mentor at Success Source. In a fundamentally basic way she provides us eight can-do strategies for finding success in 2009. Some of them are quite applicable to us as weight loss surgery post-ops as we tend to carry the "people pleasing" gene. I know you will enjoy this article as much as I did.

Get Geared Up For Success in 2009

By Cookie Tuminello

"Success is waking up in the morning, whoever you are, wherever you are, however old or young, and bounding out of bed because there's something out there you love to do, that you believe in, that you're good at - something that's bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again today." - Whit Hobbs

Are you ready to kick butt this year? Did you jump out of bed this morning ready to go? If you are like most women, you drag yourself out of bed in the morning with a 'ho hum' kind of attitude. And then you wonder why you are not as successful as you think you should be. Newsflash for you. If this sounds like you then you'd better 'Wake up, Alice' because this ain't living and this ain't success. It is sleep walking through your life. It is being resigned to your life. Yuck, who wants to live life like that?

Success is an inside job. If you're not excited and ambitious about where you are and what you're doing in your life, then do something about it - change it.

Now granted, for those of you that know me or have been reading my ezine for awhile know that I don't literally jump out of my bed in the morning. I ease into my day with my quiet time and my coffee. My head is always racing with ideas and things to do so I do some writing (journaling) and read a mediation to clear my head and get myself mentally ready for my day. There is a method to my madness.

Bottom line! If what you're doing right now is not getting you closer to your goal, then you need to stop doing it and start doing something else that will work.

Here are 8 Success Strategies that I use to coach other women who want create quantum leaps in their businesses and their lives.

Now, I know you are probably saying to yourself right now, I've heard all this before. If you know them, use them and are receiving results, read no further. However, if you are not getting the results you want in your business, I think you would be well served to revisit them and take action.

1. DEFINE what success means to you. You can't go there if you don't know where you're going. Could it be more time off to enjoy your successes, more money, more productivity, more fun, more choice. You name it. It's your career and your life. Write it down, make it real. Read "Write It Down Make It Happen" by Henriette Klauser.

2. Use your Core Values to make all your decisions. How many of you know what your core values are? Core values are who we are. They are not who we think we are, who you want to be, or who we think we should be. An example: How many of your current choices reflect your core values? How many are should's and how many are choices.

3. Begin to set boundaries, say No. How many of you have a hard time saying No to everybody else but YOU? Example: How many of you think that just because you have an open door policy in your office that means you have to always be available? How many of you think that you can't say NO because you won't be liked?

4. Ask for what you want. How many of you have a hard time asking for what you want? Your success is tied to your ability to make effective requests, promises, and offers. Example: Request/ Components of Request: Speaker, Listener, Action to be performed, and Time Frame to perform action.

5. Say what you mean and mean what you say. How many of you dance around a subject because you're afraid the result it would produce?

6. Master the art of presenting ideas and handling difficult conversations. There are guidelines. Most people get blindsided and don't get what they want because they don't clear about what it is that they want before having conversations. Example: Promotion, Management Idea, Breakdown with Employee.

7. Plan to succeed daily. How many of you start your day off in a dead heat run and before you get to the office you're already fried only to be met with one breakdown after another? Planning to succeed insures your success. Example: Every morning I start my day with an Intention Statement.

8. Carve out "YOU" time regularly. How many of you schedule You time? How many of you don't even ask for some time for yourself? If you want You time, you will have to plan for it to happen. If you don't take time out for yourself, you become resentful and resigned. If you have trouble asking for time off, start small. Example: Put a 'Do Not Disturb Sign' on bathroom door and pamper yourself with a long hot bath (at least 30 minutes). Doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you never do it, it is a really big deal.

Do yourself a favor this year. Start off on the right foot, with the right strategies and the right mindset so you can get the most out of your time and expertise.

Sign up to receive my FREE Report, '50 Ways to Take Back Your Power Right NOW', my FREE ezine 'Monday Morning Coffee with Cookie', at http://www.SuccessSource.biz all brought to you by Cookie Tuminello, Your Personal Power Mentor!

Visit People Pleaser No More today to get your copy and check out my "People Pleaser No More™" program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cookie_Tuminello

http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Geared-Up-For-Success-in-2009&id=1889557

Correction: Tomato-Chickpea Soup

Correction: This recipe was published in our 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin on January 23. Please note that 1 (14.5-ounce) can of tomatoes was omitted from the recipe published in the Bulletin. Below is the corrected recipe. Sorry about that, Neighbors. Enjoy your soup!

Tomato-Chickpea Soup Comfort Food for Days 1 & 2 (5 Day Pouch Test)
Tomato Chickpea Soup with Sour Cream One question I answer often is "Can I have tomato soup on the 5DPT?" Most tomato soups are heavy with fat and slight on the protein content. However, I recently came across this Martha Stewart Living Recipe for Tomato Chickpea Soup and it works well for Days 1 & 2 of the Pouch Test and can also be included in a healthy post-5DPT menu. Not only are the chickpeas nutritionally dense, they are filling and add healthy vegetable protein to the dish. This soup does not have the familiar rich cream texture of traditional soup, but I think you find it quite satisfying. Remember, a serving size is 1 cup. This recipe makes 6 cups so you will have left-overs to enjoy for meals later in the week.

Ingredients:
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon
on red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon caraway seeds
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes diced or pureed
3 1/2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
Sour cream for serving

Directions:
Using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon, crush garlic, chiles, coriander, salt, and caraway to form a paste.

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garic mixture, and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes.

Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and stock. Simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Working in batches, puree soup in a blender. Rewarm if necessary. Serve 1 cup of soup and 1 teaspoon of sour cream per person.

Serves 6. Per serving: 173 calories, 11g protein, 22g carbohydrate (4 grams fiber), 8g fat (1g saturated), 610mg sodium.

Fish Tacos

Today in the 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin we talked about what makes a great "Day 6" recipe. Here's what we concluded:

A main dish should optimally be 20 grams of protein or greater. Keep in mind on average 1-ounce of animal protein (meat, poultry, fish, shellfish) has roughly 7 grams of protein so you will want to eat at least one 3-ounce serving of animal protein to get 20+ grams in a meal. One egg or 1-ounce of whole cheese each have about 6 grams of protein, and it takes 3-ounces of tofu to get 6 grams of protein.

This great fish taco recipe fits the bill - and better yet - it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. The recipe is taken from "Better Homes and Gardens 15 Minutes or Less Low-Carb Recipes" page 215. Serve it with a side of lightly dressed slaw and you have a meal the whole family can enjoy. This is a great any-day recipe but if you are doing the 5 Day Pouch Test enjoy it on Day 4.

Fish Tacos
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh or frozen skinless cod, orange roughy, or other fish fillets (1/2- 3/4-inch thick)
2 teaspoons Mexican seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium lime
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
8 romaine lettuce leaves or four 8-inch low-carb whole wheat tortillas

Directions:
Thaw fish, if frozen. Preheat broiler. IN a small bowl combine Mexican seasoning and salt. Rinse fish: pat dry with paper towels. Measure thickness of fish. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over both sides of each fish fillet.

Place fish on the greased unheated rack of a broiler pan. Tuck under any thin edges. Broil about 4 inches from the heat for 4 to 6 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Meanwhile, finely shred enough peel from lime to make 1/2 teaspoon. Cut lime in half: squeeze enough juice to make 1 tablespoon. In a small bowl stir together the 1/2 teaspoon lime peel, the 1 tablespoon lime juice, and sour cream. Set aside.

Using a fork, flake fish into bit-size pieces. Divide fish among romaine leaves; roll up. Serve with sour cream mixture.

Serves 4. Per serving: 154 calories, 22g protein, 6g fat (3 saturated), 3g carbohydrate.


For more great recipes visit the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen and to find out what other surgical weight loss patients are serving for dinner visit the Community Kitchen in the Neighborhood.

Take Time to Stretch the Body

Today is a bit cold and glum here in Wyoming and I did not particularly want to get out of bed this morning and get going with the routine of the day. So lazily I stayed in bed and watched with fascination the ritual of KeepHerKitty (my beloved calico cat) as she prepared herself for the day - be it rain or shine.

Leisurely she rose and made her body long and lithe in a slow luxuirous stretch. First she extended her hands (front legs) with her rump in the air. Then she rolled her back, vertebra-by-vertebra until each part was stretched and fluid. She extended each paw stretching wide her toes and she stretched without worry for the ticking clock. Little KeepHerKitty was in charge of her own flexibility on her own schedule. Good manners did not keep her from sharing a big wide-mouth open yawn with me. And from all accounts, the expression on her face told me that stretching feels good.

Oh that we should learn from our pets.

Do you ever find yourself mid-way through the day never having stretched or flexed your body? Things feel all tight and stiff and unyeilding? I don't think KeepHerKitty has ever gone a day with her body feeling stiff and unflexed. What a good example this little feline is to me.

So I came accross and article by Scott Malin who teaches about the Dynamics of Motion. You can learn more about his work at Dynamics of Motion. Here is what Mr. Malin has to say about the benefits of flexibility -- and I think KeepHerKitty would agree!

Top 4 Benefits of Flexibility
By Scott Malin

Flexibility is easily overlooked in a workout setting, though it has numerous benefits. Good flexibility can literally be the difference between achieving your goals or falling short due to injury or pain. Each of the following areas explains how flexibility, when used on a regular basis, will improve your workout and quality of life.

1) Improves Posture

Stretching improves posture by getting the body to re-balance the muscles that are tight. The soft tissue structures of most people's bodies get damaged due to poor habitual patterns and a sedentary lifestyle. Stretching can help realign soft tissue structures, helping you maintain good posture and protecting you from injury. When the body is properly stretched, not only does posture improve, but many people notice dramatic reductions in chronic pain, for example - lower back pain. Low back pain can be caused by tight muscles that help support and protect the back. So when the hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, glute medius, etc. are properly stretched, stress is reduced on the lower back and this can alleviate or even eliminate pain.

2) Improved Performance and Decrease of Risk of Injury

Proper stretching techniques also increases physical performance. When muscles and joints become more flexible, they have the ability to move through a greater range of motion and with more power. In addition, with greater flexibility it takes less energy to achieve the full range of motion, so your movement becomes more efficient and effective. Stretching decreases resistance in tissue structures, making them more pliable and thus less susceptible to injury due to over extension or improper movement.

3) Eliminates Shortening of Musculature

The chronic shortening of muscles leads to many problems. When an individual performs resistance training, the muscles are contracted over and over again. Over time this will lead to loss of full range of motion, improper movement patterns, pain in the joints and loss of mobility. However, these problems can be alleviated simply by engaging in warm up and cool down stretches. In addition, on days off, stretching can take place of the workout. It can even be done when you have a few spare minutes or while watching television. Think of it this way- as you contract your muscles, they become shorter. As you stretch them, they become longer. So, it is very important to balance out your workouts with stretching to avoid shortened muscles.

4) Aids in reducing muscle stiffness and soreness, and improves blood flow

Stretching helps dispel the build up of lactic acid in the muscle that is being worked, thus aiding in eliminating the stiff sore muscles on the following day. It also helps to aid in blood flow to the tissue. Blood carries the necessary nutrients to repair tissue after a workout. Stretching increases tissue temperature which in turn increases circulation.

If you would like to learn more about dynamics flexibility and much more, please visit Dymanics of Motion. Scott Malin is a widely respected expert on the subject of fitness, strength, and nutrition.

Article Source: Ezine Articles Scott Malin

Are You Worth $24.95? 5DPT Owner's Manual

I have been asked by a few (very few) people if the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual is worth the $24.95 price. That is a touchy question for me as I am the author of the book and my company, LivingAfterWLS, LLC published the book (i.e.; paid the bill for publication). This was an extremely costly project for me and my company and certainly not a get-rich-overnight project. Not by any means. But here is how I answer this question on the 5 Day Pouch Test Website:

Still not sure about ordering the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner’s Manual? Ask yourself this:

• Am I worth $24.95?
• Is it worth that small amount of money to learn the secrets of the 5 Day Pouch Test and have a solid proven plan to get myself back on track and make this weight loss surgery tool work?
• Do I deserve to be my healthiest following surgical weight loss?

Consider the cost of gathering all the 5DPT information on your own:

2 (1-hour) consultations with a nutritionist: $140
1 (20-minute) office visit with my bariatric surgeon: $60
1 (20-minute) office visit with my primary care doctor: $60
Research time with the 28 books cited in the bibliography: 112 hours
Recipe testing: 52 recipes times 3 test runs:
156 meals @ $4/each meal = $624 dollars in groceries

Cost so far: $884 and 271 Hours.

Now that you have your information compiled it is time to put it all together and make a plan. You will need to test it and have others test it with you. Modifications will be made along the way. You might come up with a working plan.

Or, you can order the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner’s Manual and have all this information – plus the experience of others – right at your fingertips.

Are you worth $24.95?

Order the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner’s Manual Today and Get Going on the Road to Wellness with your Surgical Weight Loss Tool.

And don't forget - right now we are offering FREE First Class shipping and the FREE 2009 Success Kit! Talk about a great value!

You ARE worth $24.95 and this is YOUR Year to Shine!

Kaye's Top 5 "Day 6" Recipes

(For the Beef Osso Buco alla Milanese recipe shown at left go here: Osso Buco alla Milanese)

We are often asked, "OK, now the 5 Day Pouch Test is complete, what do I eat so that I can stay on track?"

Great question. Because if we stay on track we don't need to do the 5DPT again and we are in control of our cravings, our fork and our LivingAfterWLS. Here are my Top Five Day 6 recipe picks taken directly from the LivingAfterWLS Kitchen. Like you I work a full-time job and don't want to spend hours in the kitchen after a long workday. Each of these recipes meet the criteria of 20+ grams protein per serving with 10 grams or fewer complex carbohydrates all served up with a big batch of flavor. I hope you enjoy these, and many other LivingAfterWLS Recipes as you pursue your best healthy life.

Grilled Garlic Jumbo Shrimp & Cherry Tomato Skewers
This recipe calls fora grilling cooking method but it works just as well to cook the shrimp and tomatoes under the broiler. The left-overs are fantastic when served chilled with salad greens or gently reheated in the microwave oven.

Pecan Crusted Chicken
We all know that lean cuts of chicken are high in protein, low in fat and rich in B Vitamins. Adding a pecan crust to this baked chicken not only retains moisture, but adds some heart-healthy Omega-3 Essential Oil to the dish which makes it easier for our bodies to absorb the nutrients. For a shortcut, substitute your favorite no-sodium poultry seasoning blend for the parsley, oregano, thyme, paprika, and cayenne.

Oven Baked Turkey White Chili
It is deep winter in my part of the world and this oven-baked chili is just what the doctor ordered for comfort eating and good healthy dining. If you prefer prepare the chili and cook on low in a slow-cooker for 6 to 8 hours. Dinner is served!

Carbonnade: Beef and Beer Stew Recipe
This is a classic beef stew with the meat being made tender by slow braising in a beer sauce. Use the Dutch oven method for cooking or take advantage of your slow cooker. Either way this will produce a tender succulent stew that your tiny pouch is sure to appreciate.

Scrambled Eggs & Caramelized Onions
Short on time? Long on Hunger? Try the Scrambled Eggs & Caramelized Onions. Thinking out of the box this makes a better supper than breakfast. Serve with sliced tomatoes and you have a well-balanced meal.

For more great recipes and to learn what your WLS Neighbors are cooking visit The Community Kitchen.

CHEERS!
Kaye

Fabulous 5 Day Pouch Test in Review

Hello Neighbors!

Did you follow the 5 Day Pouch Test in the Neighborhood last week? This was our most active support conversation in the history of the 5DPT and we had lots of people supporting one another as we re-discovered the power of our surgical weight loss tool. Here are some clips from that conversation, you can read the full discussion here: 5 Day Pouch Test January 12.

"My 5DPT went well and it was such a frantic week it was nice to not worry about what to eat. I did not lose any weight but I feel less bloated and more in control, more at peace with my relationship with food. I am also more cognizant of my water intake - and I was slacking on that. So as far as I'm concerned the 5DPT was a success for me.

This is a reminder that the 5DPT is NOT a diet and not about losing weight. It's about getting back to basics, getting in control, finding the pouch again and feeling a sense of renewal. I'm looking forward to Day 6!!!

My compliments go to Donna Marie and all who participated this week. This has been our most active 5DPT weekly thread EVER! Way to go Pouchers!!! The ongoing support and accountability is a great motivator to all who participate. Thank you, each of you, for making this possible. I look forward to enjoying future 5DPT threads."
--Kaye


"Hello Everyone! I didn't post yesterday...but my day was great!! I'm feeling good. And I'm up early this morning & exercised for close to an hour! I'm excited and feel back on track & once again hopeful to get all this regained weight off! I've got a long way to go...but I weighed in this morning... and I'm 7lbs closer to my goal weight!!"
--Cassandra77


"WE DID IT!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!! I am feeling SO good. I learned a lot this week. For starters, I know what the "foamies" are, and I found out I am not the only one with "the CLAW"! LOL! I also learned that my pouch is not broken, and I can have control. Most important of all, I came to a realization that I can't believe took me this long - planning my menu and having all my shopping done, and preparing things ahead of time is the absolute KEY to success for me. And, I learned that there is a great deal of support and encouragement to be had here, and I need to participate more! No one can be an island when it comes to this.I hope that all of you have learned some things as well, both about yourself and this journey, and about your friends here at LAWLS. You CAN regain control of your weight loss surgery tool, you CAN eat compliantly, and you CAN stop the regain!I had a successful Day 6, and am working on a successful Day 7. I already have my menu plans done for the week, and will be going shopping so I can have everything in the house and prepared. I lost 7 lbs last week! That means I went under the 200 lb mark, which was very important to me! And, I now have also set a goal, which I never had, so I have something to work toward.I want to thank you so much, Kaye, for this site and most of all for the 5DPT. You are a lifesaver to all your sisters in the WLS community, and you have impacted so many people's lives. God Bless you.Thank you to all of those who did the 5DPT with me this past week."
--Donna Marie

Go HERE and read a full week of empowering support and inspiration.

Pouchy Eve: January 12, 2009

Go to the Neighborhood to read more for January 12, 2009

It is dark here on Pouchy Eve and I feel the anticipation of a young child waiting for Christmas morning. I know that there are treasures and gifts to be found come sun up tomorrow and I'm ready!!! And I am excited. I am ready to feel lean, clean, mean and IN CHARGE of my pouchy, my fork, and my life.

I have protein shakes in the super-cold fridge and I have my soups and my tonic tea and my water ready to nourish me tomorrow. There isn't any *bad* or *tempting* food in the house. I talked with my husband and family about this at our family dinner tonight and they are here to help me. What the deal???? I cannot fail because I have done my homework. I am committed and I have a team.

Sounds like many of you have done your homework too. Way to Go!!!

Donna Marie -- Thanks for starting this thread and leading the Neighbors. I know you are new here but I already feel the power of your friendship and persuasion. What a great opportunity for me to be lead by one of our great sisters in the cause of health with surgical weight loss. Thank you.

Everyone else -- I'm with you. Sip-by-sip, step-by-step, minute-by-minute.


Here we go!

We can do this!!!

OK - time for sleepy tea and get some zzzzzzzzzz's! Tomorrow (here comes the cliche') is the first day of the rest of my life and I need to be well rested for the ride!!!


Let's keep this conversation going -- our collective power cannot be stopped.

Won't you be my Neighbor?

5 Day Pouch Test: Day 5

Hello Everyone!!!

I've just been reading through the 5 Day Pouch Test January 5th thread in the Neighborhood. We have lots of fine friends who have really kicked off 2009 with a bang! They have shared some great information and experience in this conversation - and it's just too good to leave it in the Neighborhood. So I'm bringing some of my favorite quotes to you for the inspiration and enlightenment. Remember: 2009 is YOUR time to Shine!!! You Can Do This!

For Days 1 & 2: Jane's French Onion Soup

Day 1: It's me again....it's bedtime and I must say I've done well today. Had a few moments this evening where I wanted to munch something real bad, but managed to get over that with a few sips of Nectar Protein and have been sipping on water all evening. So I am ready for Day 2...bring it on! One thing I am noticing this evening---I don't feel bloated and all 'puffed up'........that's a good thing!
--Meryl

Ok, so I have my day 3 plan and it looks like day 3 will bring a trip to the gym unless the lady I work for calls and offers me some extra hours. Then I have no choice but to say yes. I just finished some more tea and a cup of the jello brand mint chocolate SF pudding. It is soooo good. I still want to eat, and eat, and eat some more. But instead I am going to bed. I have to work at 7 am for a couple of hours, I'll take a protien shake with me and then when I get home I will have some egg beaters. I am really looking forward to them..o my! My mouth is watering just thinking about them... how crazy is that????? Who would have thought that one would salivate over the thought of eating eggs????
--Kristy

Hello My Friends!
Although I haven't posted yet I have been following the 5DPT. Monday went really well...I was grouchy as all get out! LOL Tuesday I had a killer headache but thats ok. Thankfully work has been super busy so I dont get as hungry. I had some split pea soup for lunch and then I had 2 protein shakes the rest of the day since I couldnt stop for anything else. Where are you guys getting all the good soup recipes?....hot & sour soup, egg drop soup, cream of turkey??? Am I missing something? LOL
--MiVidaLoca

(Hot & Sour Soup & Cream of Turkey Soup recipes are in the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual).

Day 2 was also a great day! I think the fact that I'm using those yummy soup recipes is the reason I am able to do it this time. They are so satisfying and I feel full and not deprived. For me, I don't think I would have done as well if I was having to just stick with liquidy broths or canned soups. I am looking forward to Day 3 tho'--Protein Drink & Coffee for Breakfast, Eggs for Lunch, Parmesan tuna for supper--have some left over soup if I need anything inbetween. Had a bit of an yen for carbs tonight (like toast), but I just let the craving pass and it actually went away in less than 5 minutes I'm sure. Keeping my hands busy on a knitting project while I watched TV also helped. Really noticed the 'tightness' of my pouch as well today--it is really happy. It makes me realize that I was stuffing the poor thing to it's extreme limits all the time.
-- Meryl

Jane reminds us the 5DPT is not about losing weight, it's about getting control. "Kristy, I stepped on the scale this morning... I'm tellin' ya... Is that TORTURE or what? My scale hasn't budged either. I KNOW BETTER than getting on that beast during the 5dpt... but I can't help myself this time. LOL!"
-- ~Jane~

Day 3 went really well. Damn I LOVE to tuna patties! I had them for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks as well). I make them by moulding them with 2 dessertspoons so they're only little. I had egg and feta salad with them sometimes too. I'm really amazed at how much more in tune to my stomach I've gotten in the last couple of days. I've really had to stop myself from eating a lot earlier than I usually would. It was soooo hot here yesterday I got in all my water and then some. Supplements are going well and I'm really enjoying the early morning walks. I certainly wouldn't be doing anything any later in the day with this heat.
Kiwi Barbara S

OH YEAH by the way last night I had shrimp for dinner and I was going to make the buttery lemon shrimp form the 5dpt book but I forgot to get the yogurt spread so instead I put them in a pan, sliced onions tossed them in, added fajita spices, cumin, roasted garlic and red pepper, paprika and let them cook OH MAN! Then a took a little refried beans put that down and put the shrimp on top YUMMIE!! My hubby was like man this is good! Not to mention I got my Mexican fix too!
--Josie


Ok - You have read through these great quotes. Go HERE to read the entire thread. And if you are as inspired as I am please join DonnaMarie and me next week (January 12, 2009) for the 5 Day Pouch Test! We can do this together!!

5 Day Pouch Test January 12, 2009

MTV True Life

Hey Neighbors!!!

Have you seen MTV's documentary (not reality TV) show called True Life? It is an authentic documentary show about real people living the real gig of life with all kinds of twists, spins, and complications. It's a show about YOU! You know, a real person living the real gig.

Learn more about True Life: Connect Here

Right now Gina, one of the shows rockin' producers is looking for YOU -- a real person living the real life after WLS.

You need to be aged 18-27 and you need to have undergone some kind of surgical weight loss surgery and you need to be able to answer, "I'm Uncomfortable with My New Body" and talk about how your massive weight loss with surgery has affected you.

Is this you?

You know I'm school-marm protective of our LivingAfterWLS Neighbors and I don't toss out spam or false calls to you. I've talked to Gina and done a little homework. She's the real deal. She is on the up-and-up and if you answer her she's going to be great to you. We (You, Me, & Gina) want to present an authentic picture of LivingAfterWLS to the world via MTV. Gina told me, "True Life" is a documentary series that's been on MTV for more than 10 years. It chronicles the stories of young people in all kinds of situations, from global and political issues like war and natural disaster to issues of personal struggle like mental illness and family matters. True Life is not a reality show. Our producers follow strict ethical guidelines and carefully avoid influencing our subjects' stories. It is also not a news show – there is no host, reporter, or narrator. We allow our subjects to tell their own stories in their own voices."

Wanna apply for true life? Let Gina know. Here's her email address; tell her Kaye sent you: newbody@mtvn.com

Or write to me at livingafterwls@gmail.com and I'll get you in touch with the right people.

Cheers!

Stevia - A New Sweetener

By Laurie Beebe

A plant by the name of Stevia has been getting a lot of attention recently. It seems promising as a new generation of no-calorie sweetener: Great news for people watching their waistline as well as people with diabetes who limit their intake of sugar. One company, Cargill, manufactures a product made from Stevia under the brand name, Truvia. Pepsi-Co is working with The Whole Earth Sweetener Company and they call their version PureVia. Here's the scoop:

Truvia and PureVia both contain Rebiana. This is a derivative of the leaves of the stevia plant. The companies that manufacture it (Cargill and Coca-Cola) report it "only consists of the best-tasting components of the stevia leaf". The sweet leaf of the stevia plant is dried, steeped in water, and further purified to provide a calorie-free sweet taste.

Truvia also contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol which acts as the carrier for the sweetener. It is a sugar alcohol with a digestive pathway that results in very little of it remaining in the large intestine (as happens with some other sugar alcohols), reducing the likelihood of gas or bloating.

Rebiana has been studied and found not to contribute calories, or to affect the blood sugar of people with type 2 diabetes. The coca-cola company claims it's product has no aftertaste, even though many products containing Stevia do have a lingering aftertaste for many people.

Coca Cola is ready to release some beverages containing Truvia, even while the compound is pending FDA approval. The Pepsi company will be following shortly, but are awaiting the final nod from the FDA, which was expected in November. The rebiana product itself is allowed in food products under the GRAS list (generally regarded as safe) under FDA law. The sweetness of rebiana keeps it less suitable for carbonated beverages, so look for it in teas and juices in your supermarket very soon.

Laurie Beebe, The Diet Coach, is a registered dietitian certified in adult weight management. Coaching helps dramatically by allowing people to set their own goals and design their own action plans. Please visit Laurie's website, Shaping Your Future for diet tips, links to great books and websites, and a free monthly newsletter! Visit http://lifedietbalance.blogspot.com for more great diet tips that can lead you to a healthier diet and permanent weight loss!

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Hello 5 Day Pouch Testers!

Hello Neighbors!!!

It's the first official full-week of the New Year and that means it is RESOLUTION season!!! Are you with me? Resolved to take better care of your health and wellness this year by getting back on track with your weight loss surgery? I know there are many of you in the Neighborhood who are doing the 5 Day Pouch Test this week to do exactly that -- get back on track. Kristy is leading the team, take a look here: 5 Day Pouch Test January 5, 2009.

As part of your back on track plan I want to ask you to be kind to yourself. Be kind to yourself. This is a really important part of the 5 Day Pouch Test and LivingAfterWLS. Often people recovering from morbid obesity (myself included) put ourselves last on the priority list. Anything else feels selfish and we are giving people, right? Wrong. We cannot give fully of ourselves until we are healthy inside and out. I found this article by Dr. Iris Fanning on "Extreme Self Care" and I know this is an area in which I can improve. I hope you enjoy it as well. And remember, you are never alone in this journey. Come see is in the Neighborhood.

Extreme Self Care: Nourishing Your Soul to Reduce Stress - Burn Out & Fatique
By Dr. Iris Fanning

Extreme Self Care means making the decision to make choices that honor your soul in your everyday life.

One of my clients, Wendy (her name is changed) is a very successful designer. She was feeling overwhelmed, over-committed, unhappy, unhealthy and run over by her wealthy clients. When I had her pay attention to extreme self care, she replied: "Iris, that's too basic. It's like telling a designer she needs fabric."

Once Wendy really focused on Extreme Self Care she set more life affirming boundaries, focused on what was important to her, and placed herself on her "to do " list. Her life became enjoyable. Wendy has plenty of work, money and clients. She taught her clients to treat her with respect and let them know how soon her lovely creations could be completed. She also began her love life again as well as took time to walk, contemplate and have fun.

Sometimes the basics are just what we need to get back into balance. There's a huge difference between knowing what is nurturing for us and DOING those mind, body and soul things that bring us back into balance.
Being Your Best Self

Think of self care as love you give yourself to be your best self.

Let's look at the areas of self care:

* Stress Elimination

* Environment

* Family

* Love Relationships

* Health

* Emotional Balance

* Ingestion: Food, water, beverages, vitamins etc.

* Appearance

* Daily Rituals

* Spiritual Practices

* Work Life

Self Kindness is Bringing Your Best Self to Life

Extreme Self Care in Action

Now, it's your turn. Look at the ideas listed above. Choose 2-3 this week that speak to you. Let's say you choose: Stress Elimination; Emotional Balance and Appearance.

Now with each category, list 10 things that would be heavenly comforts to you if you implemented those practices.

Here's an example:

Emotional Balance:

1) Take a look at what I am focusing on; 2) If my thoughts are angry, sad, worry or fear...choose more uplifting thoughts to replace those thoughts.; 3) Call a friend and ask them to simply listen, support and be unconditionally constructive.; 4) Take a walk in nature at least 3 times this week; 5) Write out my feelings; 6) Take myself dancing; 7) Sit with my feelings. Acknowledge and honor what I feel. Simply be.; 8) Establish stronger boundaries so others don't "slime" me.; 9) Play with my children.; 10) Open myself to love, joy, hope and fun!

Your Turn

Set your intentions to make Extreme Self Care a Priority.

Now, do the steps listed above and relish in the sense of freedom, relaxation, happiness and love as you use loving kindness to bring out the best in yourself.

Copyright 2007, Iris Fanning. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way and give author name credit.

Please visit our website and sign up for your FREE weekly newsletter. Simply click to opt in or out. Visit: http://www.irisfanning.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Iris_Fanning http://EzineArticles.com/?Extreme-Self-Care:-Nourishing-Your-Soul-to-Reduce-Stress---Burn-Out-and-Fatique&id=597317

Checking Out the Blogs

One place where I want to improve in 2009 is keeping up with all the great bloggers out there. So many of you I've come to value as friends, mentors and just plain good people. And quite frankly, I feel like I deserve to be inspired once in a while. Blogging is tough work and anyone who is willing to put their words out there for darn near anybody to read deserves to be read by someone who cares about them. So here is a quick rundown on a few of my favorites:

Brand new on the block is Mrs. Murphy writing Pregnancy After Weight Loss Surgery. She is 5 weeks along and sharing her experience with pregnancy after surgery - a whole different thing as those of you who have done this know. Give her a read!

For some of the cutest clip-art on the web go visit Nancy's Clubhouse. Nancy, a personal friend of mine, is doing life just about better than anyone I know. And secretly I believe she is married to Santa Claus. Yes, she is one of us "gut-whacked" folks, but she is about a whole lot more than that. She's about LIVING! Thanks for the good work, Nancy.

Speaking of LIVING, go visit Sunshine's Heart. Here is a lady, not yet with a gastric procedure, who is following the rules, following her heart and following a path for better health because she does love life. Lots of good words coming from Sunshine.

For a well-rounded look at post-WLS life give Kristy over at Reflections of a Wife, Mom & Weightloss Surgery Patient! a read. You can just sense her generous spirit when you read her words. I always learn something new when I visit Kristy.

Now don't think I'm leaving out the guys. There are a couple of great dude-blogs I enjoy. First, visit Scott at Bald Is Beautiful: A journey of extreme proportions. I've always been a fan of the full head of hair, but this is one beautiful dude who could certainly make me change my mind. He keeps his work fresh with a variety of information, much of it quite irreverent. What is not to love?

And last, but never least, Jeff Cadwell's The Weigh We Were blog is a constant source of information and inspiration. Jeff is a certified life coach and he generously shares his vast knowledge, compassion and vision with the surgical weight loss community. You can count on him for consistency and accuracy in blogging. Thanks Jeff - you are doing great work.


These are just a few of my favorite reads. Thanks to all the great authors for making the Blogsphere a better place.

It's My Time in 2009: Goal Life

Hello Neighbors!

I hope you all sailed through the holidays and into the New Year safely and happily. I've heard from many of you that 2009 will be the year you get back on track with healthy living after weight loss surgery. ME TOO!!! I'm calling it "It's My Time in 2009!" Join me! I do not mean this in a selfish way, I simply mean that I want to put myself back on my priority list. And I intend to do this by committing daily to take care of myself, to live well physically, mentally and spiritually. The founder of EzineArticles (where my articles are syndicated) Christopher Knight posted on FaceBook today, "I don't do New Years Resolutions: Instead, I re-commit daily to what's most important to me. Every day is a good day to re-commit."

What a great reminder. Every day is a good day to re-commit.

I've written that down & posted it front and center on my first of the year clean bulletin board. Just this simple reminder will help me stay focused on my goals for 2009. I will also be getting help from Gary Ryan Blair - The Goals Guy and fellow Ezine Articles syndicated writer. He is motivational and simply smart about making a life plan and achieving it. When we have weight loss surgery most of us go into it with a "goal weight" in mind. It is a tangible way to measure our success or failure with this last-ditch dieting effort. It is also a great source of agony for many of us. Perhaps it was unrealistic, or we had complications that were unforeseen. The goal alludes us and we feel like failures.

It doesn't have to be this way. What if we consciously set "Goal Life" instead of "Goal Weight"? Instead of focusing on goal weight what if we actively envision the way our life will be as healthy weight people?

In the article below Gary writes, "Don't tiptoe toward your goal, walk confidently...before it waltz's off into the arms of neglect."

Goal Life. That's where I'm headed in 2009. Please join me.


Take Action On Your Goals
By Gary Ryan Blair

The odds that you'll succeed without taking action are about the same as winning the lottery without buying a ticket!

For those times when you feel trapped, stressed, or in a prison of your own making, take purposeful action. It's your Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free card!

In real estate, it's location, location, location. In goal-setting its action, action, action! You can't just stick out your thumb and hitchhike your way to success. You've got to roll up your sleeves and do the work that needs to be done. The acid test of goal setting is purposeful action.

Be seduced by the attractiveness of your goal. Inaction leads to impotence. Taking purposeful action immunizes you from “Goal Parkinson's,” a long, slow goodbye to your dreams.

A quality life is accomplished when thoughtful attention, goal setting, and purposeful action click into position.

Whether your dream is to be or not to be is largely dependent upon your actions! The cure for the ills of procrastination is a heavy prescription of action, until the day arrives when your dreams and their achievement are one in the same. Until you cannot tell them apart! And when that day arrives, dream bigger dreams and take more action.

A good plan will almost always get you in the door, but it is action that seals the deal. So you want a guarantee? Well here it is: Without purposeful action, the only guarantee is failure and mediocrity!

Don't tiptoe toward your goal, walk confidently...before it waltz's off into the arms of neglect.

Dreams become reality through one simple mode of transportation: purposeful action. The
continuation of bad habits, such as procrastination, is like having an addiction to weapons of mass destruction.

It is tragically un-hip to procrastinate. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people never display their true potential; it never has an opening night… never makes a debut. The bulk of potential resides deep within each individual just waiting to come out. And it stays there because people are afraid.

The mechanics of achieving a goal make it easy for people to relate to the necessity of action. But when action is not purposeful, it can be an Achilles heel.

When we operate without planning, we remain forever scattered and confused. You're always busy, but not much gets accomplished. Without a deeper appreciation and application of planning, the most you can expect is marginal improvement.

Intimidate your fears through purposeful goal-directed activity. Since when is being the underdog any reason for not pursuing your dreams?

Remember—it's not the size of the dog in the fight… it's the size of the fight in the dog!

Don't just pursue your goal… inhabit it! Wear it, act it, live it, taste it! Get committed—take action. Life is not a scratch-and-sniff test!

When you set a goal, there's distance between your current reality and desired reality.
Procrastination increases the distance and minimizes the chances of achievement.

Procrastination is the mother of regret. It postpones the future, aborts liftoff at the last minute. Unless you take action to achieve your goals, life becomes a constant series of postponements, cancellations, and missed opportunities.

You will never attain your goals simply by thinking and talking about them. You must take action!

Everything Counts!

Gary Ryan Blair is President of The http://www.GoalsGuy.com A visionary and gifted conceptual thinker, Gary is highly regarded as a speaker, consultant, strategic planner, and coach to leading companies throughout the globe.

He helps business owners, corporate executives and sales professionals manage their time, set their priorities, and stay focused so they can achieve their goals, grow their business, and sustain a lasting competitive advantage. Visit http://www.personalstrategicplan.com to get more information.

Article Source: Take Action on Your Goals

A few more words about Oprah

On December 18 I wrote about Oprah and her very public battle with weight maintenance. Since then I’ve had the benefit of reading January 2009 O Magazine to glean more of the story than was captured by TV Guide. On page 190 in her regular column, “what I know for sure” Oprah reveals herself to be not so different from the rest of us. She writes,

“My personal philosophy and the philosophy of this magazine is all about living well, filling your own cup so you always have bounty to share with others. And the price I’ve paid for losing sight of that is more weight. No balance. Less joy. Everything I know for sure about maintaining a sense of balance and well being, I allowed to be pushed aside to make room for whatever was masquerading as a priority. I took myself off my to-do list; whatever time was left over is what I gave myself.”

If you are nodding your head yes saying to yourself, “I understand” you are not alone. If someone like Oprah with gobs of money and a highly devoted team engaged in working for her purpose can, as she says “fall off the wagon” by way of self-neglect, then how can we ordinary folks expect to walk the fine path of balanced living at all times?

With typical Oprah resiliency she has faced the public and shared her pain of weight gain, thyroid imbalance and simple self-neglect. As public as my life is in the WLS community I still don’t know if I have the same courage as Oprah to live life in full view. I applaud her.

Her plan for 2009 is basic. She says, “My focus this year will be on how to achieve optimum health, deepen my spiritual connection – and have some fun.” I think that about says it all.

Be sure and visit us in the Neighborhood for an insightful look at this fascinating topic. Oprah’s Ups and Downs

LivingAfterWLS New Office

The opportunity presented itself at 4:15 pm Friday December 26 and as of a few moments ago the dirty work is done!

I've moved out!!!

No, silly Neighbors, not moved out from my beloved Jim, I've moved LivingAfterWLS to a bona fide office!!! Hip Hip Hurray!!! Since the beginning of LivingAfterWLS I have worked from our home. As things have grown LAWLS took on a parasitic life of it's own invading and commandeering four rooms of our home and a major section of garage where the book inventory is stored. Those of you who work from home know how this can happen (I hope I'm not the only one that has been over run by a home business!) For me, I started resenting LAWLS. It was everywhere. In addition, a separation of work and home ceased to exist. There were no boundaries. I have been really frustrated the last few months, to say the least. And when a person starts to resent the very thing love doing it is time for a change.

So we learned of a vacancy in a very nice office building, just 9 miles from home (that's a very short commute in Wyoming -- action-smiley-065.gif Vivian). We wrote the check immediately and yesterday Jim, Barker "Big Stud" and me made three trips moving equipment, my research library and all the accoutrements of a working office! Today I finished organizing and tidying up and I'm set to put in a full day tomorrow. I still need to get a couple of comfy chairs and a filing cabinet - then I'm all set.

Now don't worry, I'll still lug a laptop home and keep an eye on things from home - which will soon look like a home again! My greatest desire with this change is that I will be better organized, implement some stricter time management strategies and continue to improve the business of LivingAfterWLS!

Cheers!!!

The Advantages of Losing Weight

I picked up a magazine "Diet 2009" published by Better Homes and Gardens a few days ago to read-up and ready myself for the New Year, New Resolve, New Hope. On page 56 there is a short article and checklist to identify good reasons for weight loss (or -my addition- healthy weight management.) The list is the work of one of my favorite experts, Judith Beck.She is the director of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research. According to this article the "Advantages List" provides powerful motivation for a dieter to stay on track and avoid temptation." Her sample Advantages List appears below. Check the items that are most important to you or add your own, then write them on a note card to review often.


ADVANTAGES LIST by Judith Beck

I want to lose weight because:
__ I'll look better
__ I'll be more attractive to others
__ I'll be able to wear a smaller size
__ I'll be able to wear more stylish clothes
__ I'll be happier when I look in the mirror
__ I'll get joy out of shopping for clothes
__ I won't feel so self-conscious
__ I'll get more compliments
__ I'll be in better health
__ I'll be able to exercise without discomfort or embarrassment
__ I'll live longer
__ I'll feel better physically
__ I'll have more energy
__ I'll be more physically fit
__ I'll enjoy sexual intimacy more
__ I'll like myself more
__ I'll feel more in control
__ I'll feel as if I've accomplished something important
__ I'll have more confidence
__ I'll increase my self-esteem
__ I'll be less self-critical
__ I'll feel more outgoing
__ I won't have to listen to comments about what I eat
__ I won't mind eating in front of others
__ I won't have anyone bugging me about my weight


I think this is a great list and together we can add more to create a collective Neighborhood Advantages List. So please add your Advantage here.... I am ready to be inspired. Go to the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood

The Red Dress: Melinda's Christmas Story

Our own Melinda "Melsreturn" who lends inspiration and support to the Neighborhood and the greater weight loss surgery community is the featured author in the December 2008 issue of Obesity Help's WLS Lifestyle magazine!!!! Her story, "The Dress of Christmas YET TO COME" is a poignant journey through obesity recovery to the picture you see above. It is inspiring and truthful and beautiful.

MEL! I am so proud of you I'm just bursting!!!
Your contribution to the WLS community is profound.
I'm sure this is not the last we will see of your words.

THANK YOU & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Mel shared her story with us here:
The Red Dress: A Christmas Reflection

Visit her website here:
Recovering Fatty

Read her blog here:
Recovering Fatty Blog

And let her know how proud of you are here on this thread.

Way to go Melinda!!!!

Happy Holidays from LivingAfterWLS

Dear Neighbors:

As we find ourselves in the heart of another holiday season I wish you joy, health and wellness as you are LivingAfterWLS. Thank you for your dedication to making this your best life after surgical weight loss. Words may never be enough to say how much I am inspired by each of you, each and every day. Your inspiration propels me forward with the LivingAfterWLS project because I understand I am not alone. Thank you for being part of this safe haven circle of friends.

I look forward to sharing the journey with you in 2009 and offering the best of LivingAfterWLS to you as, together, we thrive in this very curious weight loss surgery way of life. May your holidays sparkle and shine with the joy of the season.

All the best to you and your family,

Kaye Bailey

Oprah’s Ups and Downs

Over the last few days in the Neighborhood I've read several posts about self-loathing, shame, disappointment, disgrace and simple sadness from our Neighbors. All this related to weight gain, weight loss, weight gain, and Heaven forbid: opting to help control our weight with surgical intervention. How in the world is it possible we invest so much of our personal worth in the size of our bodies? The TV Guide (Dec. 22-Jan.4) came in the mail today and I normally don't even look at it. But a headline caught my eye: "Oprah Confesses: I Weigh 200 Pounds!" My first thought, "Why is this a confession? I've seen her recent shows and I see that she is on the upswing of the scale. So what? She's Oprah." My next thought, "SHE's OPRAH! The most successful woman EVER." What in the world does the size of her skirt or the number on the scale matter to anyone? She's Oprah.

On Page 16 of the TV Guide there is a pictorial, beginning with her 1987 Emmy win, that details not her humanitarian, professional, personal, or public accomplishments. Nope. It chronicles her ups and downs with body weight. This is Oprah: the most powerful woman in the worldwide media. The most generous humanitarian who herself rose from the adverse odds of poverty to the generosity of unprecedented compassion. And we care if she is in her 1987 size 10 Calvin Klein jeans or pushing 200 pounds today? This is Oprah.

Her magazine "O", headlines her recent weight gain in the January 2009 issue. The headline reads, "How did I let this happen again?" It features twin Oprah's: one athletic and thin, one voluptuous and curvy.

It sickens me that Oprah has to go public and explain her struggle with weight control. It sickens me that this overshadows her more important work. It sickens me that I'm curious enough about this that I want to know, "Please Oprah, why did you let this happen again?"

Could it be, dear Oprah, that you are human?

You, my Neighbors, are not so unlike Oprah. The TV Guide reports that when she accepted her 5^th and 6^th Emmy's in 1992 weighing her heaviest she said, "Everyone was cheering. I wanted to cry. I felt so much like a loser. I was the fattest woman in the room." This is Oprah, winning Emmy's, feeling like a loser.

I am very proud of the 5 Day Pouch Test and how it has helped literally thousands of people reconnect with their pouch. I am proud of those who are doing their very best with weight loss surgery and weight control. But I am highly sympathetic to those, like myself, who will struggle today, tomorrow, and every day of our lives with weight control.

If there were one gift I would give to others, or to Oprah, or to myself, it would be the disassociation of weight and worth.

Bless Oprah for being so honest about her struggle with weight control. Bless Oprah for making her life about more than fat or thin: so much more.

And my dear Neighbors: Bless you too. None of us live our size in the public eye like Oprah does, but we are all equals when it comes to feeling vulnerable, shame, self-loathing, disappointment and perhaps disgust. I suspect that for you, for me, and for Oprah, at the end of the day what truly matters is how we treat our fellow person, about the truth we feel in our heart, about doing our best to keep on doing when, really, nothing in this life and in this living is ever easy.

Oprah is going to talk about her weight battle on her January 5^th, 2009 talk show. I'll be tuned in and giving a big bunch of love back to someone who has been so publicly brave in sharing her own personal and lifelong struggle. Because I understand there is a little "Oprah" in all of us.