Deadline Extended: 2012 Neighborhood Postcard Swap

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


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

Check out the 2011 Neighborhood Postcard Swap Here

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

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


Link to Learn More

Summer Heat Poses Danger to WLS Patients

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

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

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

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

Go to Newsletter

Seasonal Melons: Perfect in the WLS Diet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top cantaloupe slices with yogurt, and chopped mint.

More Ideas: LivingAfterWLS Kitchen

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

Link: June 5DPT Bulletin

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

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

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

Go to the bulletin Now


LivingAfterWLS Newsletter Archive

Journaling Makes a Difference

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

Buy Now

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

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

Ultimate Pocket Diet Journal

JELL-O and Yogurt -- Great Idea!!

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


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

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

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

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

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

LivingAfterWLS Coupon: JUNEFUN

LivingAfterWLS General Store: 

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

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

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

Shop Dietary Support

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

Shop Healthy Hair

Don't forget your coupon:

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

Summer Living-Having a Post-WLS Blast!

Hot off the press: LivingAfterWLS Weekly Digest

LivingAfterWLS Digest

Summer Living-Having a Post-WLS Blast!

Play Fair, Play Smart, Have Fun!  

May 30,  2012

Read digest in our Archive

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

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

Happy Summer - We are all in this together!

Link to Newsletter

Free Gift with Every Purchase

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

Shop LivingAfterWLS General Store

Weekly Digest: Lies & Myths of Goal Weight

LivingAfterWLS Digest

The Lies & Myth of Goal Weight

Avoid the Pitfalls Associated with a Single Goal 

May 16,  2016

Greetings!

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

---

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

Few patients will ever reach goal weight.

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

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

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

Continue reading the LivingAfterWLS Digest

Safely Slim - Get 2 Servings FREE!!

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





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

Plateau keeping you from goal? Easy Fixes

5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin - May 2012

Plateau keeping you from goal? Easy Fixes For Metabolism Slumps

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

Read Full Article

5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual - Inventory Update

Update on 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual

5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual

5 Day Pouch Bulletin: Bust a Plateau!

From the 5DPT Bulletin - May 2012

Greetings Neighbors!

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

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

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

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

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

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


See the full bulletin online

Tip #2: Linking Neighborhood & Facebook Accounts

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

Link to post in Neighborhood

May Tip 'o the Day - In the Neighborhood

Hello Neighbors!

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

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



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

Go to the Tip 'o the Day

Hair Loss After WLS? Fix it Now!

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

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

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

Shop Now

Easter Bunny Treat: Buy 10 - get 2 Free!

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

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

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

Buy Now - $17.95 

LivingAfterWLS General Store

 

Do you have WLS Broken Eggs?

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Beyond 5 Day Pouch Test

APRILFOOLS - Save $5 in LivingAfterWLS General Store

Happy April Fools 2012!!

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

--SAVE $5.00 off Order*

--Coupon Code: APRILFOOLS

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

Shop Now & enjoy your purchase this week!

Kaye

Shop Now!!

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

Books   Dietary Support  
 Hair Loss Recovery  5 Day Pouch Test 

*$39 Minimum Order