Tropical Oasis Liquid B-Complex Supplement-$23 for about 32 ounces
I was excited to try this vitamin b-complex supplement. I use Tropical Oasis' liquid calcium supplement, and I love it. It's tasty and provides a large amount of calcium in a small dose.
I wish I had similar praise for the B-Complex supplement. Unfortunately, the liquid vitamin B supplement is icky. It contains all B vitamins, so I hold each dose under my tongue for a minute to allow my body to absorb the B-12 before swallowing it. That may be why I think it tastes so terrible. Most liquid vitamins are only in your mouth for a moment, but when you're letting a dose sit in your mouth for a minute, the nasty flavors are more noticeable.
In talking with some fellow post-ops, I've discovered that all liquid B-complex supplements are gross. The consensus among my friends is that one of the B vitamins (everyone's assumption was that it's B1, or thiamine.) has a disgusting flavor that cannot be masked.
Most gastric-bypass patients don't need a B-complex supplement. Those who are diligent will get all needed vitamins and minerals by taking a specialized multivitamin, about 2,000 mg of calcium, iron and a weekly B-12 supplement (monthly if injected). However, there are increasing numbers of post-ops who have become deficient in thiamine. And supplements such as this one are an unfortunate necessity for those people.
The smartest thing any post-op can do is take all required vitamins daily to avoid ever getting deficient so yucky supplemetns are a requirement.
Hit or Miss? Miss this one, unless you truly are deficient in one of the B vitamins.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Something for almost nothing
I've already blogged about how the small turnout at the OH conference in Visalia was a boon for its attendees, but I didn't realize how much of a perk it was until returning home and unpacking.
As I unpacked all the samples and full-size products I received at the conference, I realized what I walked away with was worth a pretty penny. And I'm not the only one who went home with loads of stuff; just about every other participant did as well.
Here's what I received at the conference -- and each product's estimated sales price -- in giveaway prizes, as part of the registration packet and as snacks throughout the conference weekend:
Nectar Fuzzy Navel protein powder (2lb. canister) — $24.95
Profect Protein Beverage (five 2.7-oz vials)– $15
Tropical Oasis Liquid B-Complex Supplement — $23
PowerCrunch protein bars (4)— $8
AchievOne coffee-flavored protein drinks (4) - $8
Bariatric Advantage Vitamins (three days' worth)-$3
Herbalife Protein Bars (2) — $2.50
Herbalife Roasted Soynuts (1 packet)- 75 cents
Herbalife protein drink1 packet)- $1.50Herbalife protein shake (1 packet)- $2
Herbalife take control (2 days) - $2
Herbalife herbal concentrate (2 packets) — 50 cents
Water Sensations Liqui-Packs (1 box) -$4
Better Balance Pretzel Snacks (1 full serving) -$2
I'm not the queen of math, but by my quick survey, these products have a market value of about $95. This happens to be exactly how much a three-day pass to the conference cost those who registered early. Talk about breaking even. Not only does this help make attending the conference financially worthwhile, it also helps bariatric patients by allowing them sample a variety of products geared toward them without shelling out a wad of cash on an uncertainty.
Keep reading over the next few days as I post reviews of each of these products as I try them. I imagine some will be good, while others will leave much to be desired. But at least I can say I will have tried them.
As I unpacked all the samples and full-size products I received at the conference, I realized what I walked away with was worth a pretty penny. And I'm not the only one who went home with loads of stuff; just about every other participant did as well.
Here's what I received at the conference -- and each product's estimated sales price -- in giveaway prizes, as part of the registration packet and as snacks throughout the conference weekend:
Nectar Fuzzy Navel protein powder (2lb. canister) — $24.95
Profect Protein Beverage (five 2.7-oz vials)– $15
Tropical Oasis Liquid B-Complex Supplement — $23
PowerCrunch protein bars (4)— $8
AchievOne coffee-flavored protein drinks (4) - $8
Bariatric Advantage Vitamins (three days' worth)-$3
Herbalife Protein Bars (2) — $2.50
Herbalife Roasted Soynuts (1 packet)- 75 cents
Herbalife protein drink1 packet)- $1.50Herbalife protein shake (1 packet)- $2
Herbalife take control (2 days) - $2
Herbalife herbal concentrate (2 packets) — 50 cents
Water Sensations Liqui-Packs (1 box) -$4
Better Balance Pretzel Snacks (1 full serving) -$2
I'm not the queen of math, but by my quick survey, these products have a market value of about $95. This happens to be exactly how much a three-day pass to the conference cost those who registered early. Talk about breaking even. Not only does this help make attending the conference financially worthwhile, it also helps bariatric patients by allowing them sample a variety of products geared toward them without shelling out a wad of cash on an uncertainty.
Keep reading over the next few days as I post reviews of each of these products as I try them. I imagine some will be good, while others will leave much to be desired. But at least I can say I will have tried them.
Learning to think thin
Presented by Dr. Monica Ganz,director of events and support groups for OH
The difference between thinking as a thin person vs. a fat person is when you need to get somewhere, a thin person will give you street names when they deliver directions. An overweight person gives you eateries as landmarks.
Portion sizes
Eating off standard American dinner plates can lead you to feeling deprived. Using small plates and utensils teach us to relearn to eat – to eat smaller bites and smaller amounts. Monica used a timer to limit herself to one bite every three minutes to teach herself to take a full 30 minutes to eat her meals. She even used miniature pots and pans to cook her meals. Buy smaller leftover containers to portion out your meals.
Taking pictures
You may not want to look at them right away, but you need to have photos to document your pre-op size and your loss along the way. Many post-ops suffer from body dysmorphia, which means that they do not see themselves as the size they truly are. Pictures will help train yourself to see your true size.The amount of time body dysmorphia lasts depends on how long you were obese and how long it’s been since you’ve lost weight. Remember, it takes time for the mind to catch up to the body. And for some, it takes five years to get their brain in line with their appearance.
Taking measurements
Measurements are important because you will lose inches even when you’re not losing weight on the scale. And the record of your measurements will also help drive home the impact of your weight loss.
Drinking water
Be prepared to make sure you get enough fluid. Line up eight 8 oz. bottles in the fridge and make sure you drink all of them before going to bed each night. Or take two 1 liter bottles of water to work with you and drink them before going home. Do whatever it takes to ensure you reach your water goals.
Learn to stop eating
You need to convert to controlling your food instead of letting it control you. Change the way you think about eating. Eat to live; don’t live to eat. Learn to walk away from your plate when you’re satisfied. You don’t have to clean your plate.
Figure out what works for you
If vegetables or beans give you gas, take Beano. Gas is no fun after gastric bypass. Passing it is difficult; it’s best to help your body not make it. Carry Lactaid with you if you’re going to eat dairy products because many post-ops become lactose-intolerance. Keep other condiments with you such as Splenda, Molly McButter, low-carb dressings and even sugar-free mints so that you’re never caught unprepared.
Support
Support groups are so important because the success rate for post-ops is higher among those who attend such groups. It helps keep you accountable. Having trouble staying motivated? Start your own group. Nothing will motivate you more than having to set an example for others.
Fat clothes
Get rid of your clothes as you shrink out of them. You’ll never need them again. Accept that. If they are in your closet, regaining your weight will be an option in the back of your mind. That’s not an option.
Get a full-length mirror
Obese people only look from the neck up. Look at your entire body. Get in touch with how you look. You need to keep looking in the mirror to see yourself as you really look.
Surgery is a toolThis is not a magic pill. America is still looking for that. This is merely a tool, but it’s an amazing tool that will help you reach your ultimate goal.
Dare to dream
Set goals and achieve them and reward yourself for that. Each of us is capable of incredible things if we allow ourselves to do so. Give yourself permission to dream, believe your ability to achieve those dreams and allow yourself to accomplish them.
The difference between thinking as a thin person vs. a fat person is when you need to get somewhere, a thin person will give you street names when they deliver directions. An overweight person gives you eateries as landmarks.
Portion sizes
Eating off standard American dinner plates can lead you to feeling deprived. Using small plates and utensils teach us to relearn to eat – to eat smaller bites and smaller amounts. Monica used a timer to limit herself to one bite every three minutes to teach herself to take a full 30 minutes to eat her meals. She even used miniature pots and pans to cook her meals. Buy smaller leftover containers to portion out your meals.
Taking pictures
You may not want to look at them right away, but you need to have photos to document your pre-op size and your loss along the way. Many post-ops suffer from body dysmorphia, which means that they do not see themselves as the size they truly are. Pictures will help train yourself to see your true size.The amount of time body dysmorphia lasts depends on how long you were obese and how long it’s been since you’ve lost weight. Remember, it takes time for the mind to catch up to the body. And for some, it takes five years to get their brain in line with their appearance.
Taking measurements
Measurements are important because you will lose inches even when you’re not losing weight on the scale. And the record of your measurements will also help drive home the impact of your weight loss.
Drinking water
Be prepared to make sure you get enough fluid. Line up eight 8 oz. bottles in the fridge and make sure you drink all of them before going to bed each night. Or take two 1 liter bottles of water to work with you and drink them before going home. Do whatever it takes to ensure you reach your water goals.
Learn to stop eating
You need to convert to controlling your food instead of letting it control you. Change the way you think about eating. Eat to live; don’t live to eat. Learn to walk away from your plate when you’re satisfied. You don’t have to clean your plate.
Figure out what works for you
If vegetables or beans give you gas, take Beano. Gas is no fun after gastric bypass. Passing it is difficult; it’s best to help your body not make it. Carry Lactaid with you if you’re going to eat dairy products because many post-ops become lactose-intolerance. Keep other condiments with you such as Splenda, Molly McButter, low-carb dressings and even sugar-free mints so that you’re never caught unprepared.
Support
Support groups are so important because the success rate for post-ops is higher among those who attend such groups. It helps keep you accountable. Having trouble staying motivated? Start your own group. Nothing will motivate you more than having to set an example for others.
Fat clothes
Get rid of your clothes as you shrink out of them. You’ll never need them again. Accept that. If they are in your closet, regaining your weight will be an option in the back of your mind. That’s not an option.
Get a full-length mirror
Obese people only look from the neck up. Look at your entire body. Get in touch with how you look. You need to keep looking in the mirror to see yourself as you really look.
Surgery is a toolThis is not a magic pill. America is still looking for that. This is merely a tool, but it’s an amazing tool that will help you reach your ultimate goal.
Dare to dream
Set goals and achieve them and reward yourself for that. Each of us is capable of incredible things if we allow ourselves to do so. Give yourself permission to dream, believe your ability to achieve those dreams and allow yourself to accomplish them.
Getting on the ball
Presented by Karen Donaldson of Excel Weight Loss Solutions
Karen Donaldson is a fitness and nutrition professional who lives in Idaho. She has presented numerous sessions this weekend on fitness, massage and aromatherapy. I had the opportunity today to sit in one of her fitness sessions using exercise balls.
Inflated exercise balls – also called Balance Balls – are commonly used in Pilates and yoga classes, but their usefulness doesn’t end there. I’ve exercised with them regularly for about five years, but mainly just to work my ab muscles. That’s the greatest thing about the balls – because they provide an unbalanced exercise surface, everything you do on them works out your core muscles. A word of warning, though: Sometimes you don’t realize how good of a workout you got until you try to get out of bed the next morning.
Today’s class was popular, with a few participants taking it for a second time. We started by getting a feel for the ball by doing hip rotations and figure-eights. This enabled everyone to get their balance and learn how they moved. Then we walked our feet our in front of us until our lower backs rested on the ball to do sit-ups. We laid across the ball to do push-ups. We laid on the ground and rested our legs on the ball to do pelvic raises. We even did leg raises and played catch using the ball – only we had to catch the ball with our legs.
The class was the fastest hour of my life. Everyone had a great time. The versatility of the ball meant that everyone – regardless of size or fitness level – was able to exercise with it. One man marveled that it was the first time in decades that he was able to do push-ups. Another woman was surprised that she could exercise her abs without having to lie on the floor and struggle with getting up. Others couldn’t believe how much fun it made exercise. As a testament to that, more time was spent laughing than talking, but we each broke a sweat and left feeling the effects of the exercises.
Karen Donaldson is a fitness and nutrition professional who lives in Idaho. She has presented numerous sessions this weekend on fitness, massage and aromatherapy. I had the opportunity today to sit in one of her fitness sessions using exercise balls.
Inflated exercise balls – also called Balance Balls – are commonly used in Pilates and yoga classes, but their usefulness doesn’t end there. I’ve exercised with them regularly for about five years, but mainly just to work my ab muscles. That’s the greatest thing about the balls – because they provide an unbalanced exercise surface, everything you do on them works out your core muscles. A word of warning, though: Sometimes you don’t realize how good of a workout you got until you try to get out of bed the next morning.
Today’s class was popular, with a few participants taking it for a second time. We started by getting a feel for the ball by doing hip rotations and figure-eights. This enabled everyone to get their balance and learn how they moved. Then we walked our feet our in front of us until our lower backs rested on the ball to do sit-ups. We laid across the ball to do push-ups. We laid on the ground and rested our legs on the ball to do pelvic raises. We even did leg raises and played catch using the ball – only we had to catch the ball with our legs.
The class was the fastest hour of my life. Everyone had a great time. The versatility of the ball meant that everyone – regardless of size or fitness level – was able to exercise with it. One man marveled that it was the first time in decades that he was able to do push-ups. Another woman was surprised that she could exercise her abs without having to lie on the floor and struggle with getting up. Others couldn’t believe how much fun it made exercise. As a testament to that, more time was spent laughing than talking, but we each broke a sweat and left feeling the effects of the exercises.
Emotional Eating
Presented by Dr. Monica Ganz, director of events and support groups for OH
I decided to sit in on today’s emotional eating workshop, because it’s heavy on audience participation and I thought it would be useful to see if any new information would be presented today. If you want to read about the full, prepared presentation, check out Saturday’s post.
This is more of a compilation of notes and tidbits extrapolated from today’s session.
The basic theme of the session is that everyone struggles with emotional eating in some form or another, but the key is how you handle it that determines whether it will derail your success.
Monica is big proponent of finding out your emotional eating triggers and using that knowledge to substitute other behaviors for eating. If you eat because you’re stressed out, find ways to relax yourself (bubble baths, aromatherapy, exercise, etc.). Monica uses a sound machine that lets her feel like she’s near the ocean to have alone time, because she believes we each need time for solace. One participant said she finds crafting (scrapbooking, needlecrafts, etc.) to be relaxing. An added bonus is that it keeps her hands busy, and that means she doesn’t graze or snack. Other ways participants mentioned they relax included drinking a cup of tea, doing crossword puzzles, online chatting, swimming and sunbathing and playing cards.
Another woman brought up a recent “A-ha Moment”: She’s 18 months post-op and has found herself grazing at night. One evening, she got involved cleaning her bedroom and found that it was 11 p.m. and she hadn’t eaten since dinner. It was at that point that she realized that she needed to keep herself busy in the evening to stave off her urge to snack. She said it’s frustrating to have these thinks pop up just when she thinks she has everything figured out, but Monica points out that this is a lifelong process. We’ll always learn new things about ourselves, our triggers and our needs.
For me, I’ve recently discovered that working at home has triggered me to graze at night. I’ve always been the type of person to eat at my desk, and I’m a workaholic – the two habits don’t mesh. What I didn’t realize is that when I started working from home in the evenings a few months ago, my couch became my desk. And when that happened, the urge to snack went from being something that only happened at the office to something that I had almost around the clock – because I no longer felt like I was leaving the office. Monica, who has worked from home for the last 20-plus years, said setting boundaries is the key. She’s had similar issues, which is why she has a dedicated workspace in her home and sets specific work hours so that she officially leaves the office each day. Not a bad idea.
The lone man in the group is considering surgery. He said he has a habit of unwinding in front of the computer and often eats while chatting or playing games. After asking him a few questions, Monica drew from him a big picture of his basic day. He works 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. He said he typically eats breakfast at 10 a.m., lunch at noon, a snack (like a full sandwich) at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and then grazes until 3 a.m. some nights.
Monica explained to him that by grouping some meals so close together and then having a huge gap between others leads him to severe highs and lows in his blood sugar. Planning his eating episodes to be equally spaced apart will enable him to keep his blood sugar level and also control his portions.
The subject then turned to cravings. One woman from the group talked about how sometimes her cravings for cake or sweets are so overpowering that she goes ahead and buys the cake, eats one bite and throws it away. She knows she’s spending hundreds of dollars on food that she tosses in the garbage, but it helps her stay on track. She also talked about occasionally getting something that she takes a bite of and then spits out without swallowing it. She enjoys the taste but doesn’t worry about the calories or after-effects of eating off-program foods.
I decided to sit in on today’s emotional eating workshop, because it’s heavy on audience participation and I thought it would be useful to see if any new information would be presented today. If you want to read about the full, prepared presentation, check out Saturday’s post.
This is more of a compilation of notes and tidbits extrapolated from today’s session.
The basic theme of the session is that everyone struggles with emotional eating in some form or another, but the key is how you handle it that determines whether it will derail your success.
Monica is big proponent of finding out your emotional eating triggers and using that knowledge to substitute other behaviors for eating. If you eat because you’re stressed out, find ways to relax yourself (bubble baths, aromatherapy, exercise, etc.). Monica uses a sound machine that lets her feel like she’s near the ocean to have alone time, because she believes we each need time for solace. One participant said she finds crafting (scrapbooking, needlecrafts, etc.) to be relaxing. An added bonus is that it keeps her hands busy, and that means she doesn’t graze or snack. Other ways participants mentioned they relax included drinking a cup of tea, doing crossword puzzles, online chatting, swimming and sunbathing and playing cards.
Another woman brought up a recent “A-ha Moment”: She’s 18 months post-op and has found herself grazing at night. One evening, she got involved cleaning her bedroom and found that it was 11 p.m. and she hadn’t eaten since dinner. It was at that point that she realized that she needed to keep herself busy in the evening to stave off her urge to snack. She said it’s frustrating to have these thinks pop up just when she thinks she has everything figured out, but Monica points out that this is a lifelong process. We’ll always learn new things about ourselves, our triggers and our needs.
For me, I’ve recently discovered that working at home has triggered me to graze at night. I’ve always been the type of person to eat at my desk, and I’m a workaholic – the two habits don’t mesh. What I didn’t realize is that when I started working from home in the evenings a few months ago, my couch became my desk. And when that happened, the urge to snack went from being something that only happened at the office to something that I had almost around the clock – because I no longer felt like I was leaving the office. Monica, who has worked from home for the last 20-plus years, said setting boundaries is the key. She’s had similar issues, which is why she has a dedicated workspace in her home and sets specific work hours so that she officially leaves the office each day. Not a bad idea.
The lone man in the group is considering surgery. He said he has a habit of unwinding in front of the computer and often eats while chatting or playing games. After asking him a few questions, Monica drew from him a big picture of his basic day. He works 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. He said he typically eats breakfast at 10 a.m., lunch at noon, a snack (like a full sandwich) at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and then grazes until 3 a.m. some nights.
Monica explained to him that by grouping some meals so close together and then having a huge gap between others leads him to severe highs and lows in his blood sugar. Planning his eating episodes to be equally spaced apart will enable him to keep his blood sugar level and also control his portions.
The subject then turned to cravings. One woman from the group talked about how sometimes her cravings for cake or sweets are so overpowering that she goes ahead and buys the cake, eats one bite and throws it away. She knows she’s spending hundreds of dollars on food that she tosses in the garbage, but it helps her stay on track. She also talked about occasionally getting something that she takes a bite of and then spits out without swallowing it. She enjoys the taste but doesn’t worry about the calories or after-effects of eating off-program foods.
Changing the Paradigm
Presented by Seth Margolies of Weigh2Win
Seth had surgery in 2003 and lost 188 pounds. From the beginning, he said, he understood that there was a high failure rate because people fall into old habits. For him, failure was not an option.
His belief is that unless you create a partnership, you will not have long-term success. You have to change the way you look at your lifestyle. Surgery alone will not keep you thin or in shape, but most surgical facilities don’t offer a fitness component so it falls to the post-op to become accountable for their own success.
Find ways to add activity to your life beyond your structured exercise time:
-Throw away the remote and get up to change the TV
-Get up and walk during commercials
-Take the stairs
-Walk the dog
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of cardio per day and two days a week of strength-training. Yet only 15% of the U.S. population follows this guideline. The health benefits of three 10-minute spurts is just as effective as one 30-minute session.Seth is a firm believer in strength training because it improves the overall appearance post-ops and can reduce the need for cosmetic surgery. Women who do an hour twice a week of resistance training have less abdominal fat. Strength-training also increases your metabolism and keeps it elevated for longer periods of time.
If you’re inactive after surgery, your ability to eat more food kicks in. And if you fall in that, then you’ll start gaining weight back and be right where you started.
“Surgery is not the end of your battle with obesity," he said. "It’s the beginning of you starting to deal with it. And if you’re lucky, you’ll go into remission.”
Exercise improves mental health.
A Duke study took two groups of clinically depressed patients, gave one batch antidepressants and the other exercised 30 minutes a day. At the end of the study, both groups had 60% of its participants no longer depressed.
Workout tips:
-Start slowly
-Slowly increase the time spent and the intensity
-Set realistic goals that are measurable
-Visualize what you’re going to do
Track your progress
-Wear comfortable clothes
Don’t forget to mix up your routine to curb boredom and also to help your body break through its natural instinct to plateau. Think about variety. Think outside of the box when it comes to exercise. It doesn’t have to be just about going to the gym or following a fitness tape. Some like going to the gym because it’s a social experience. Others hate it because they are embarrassed or overwhelmed. Most people hate exercise because it’s boring, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make a fitness program out of cleaning house, if you do it to music and don’t take breaks. You can walk to run your errands instead of driving.
Losing weight and maintaining weight loss is as simple as calories in vs. calories out. Each of us burns calories at a different rate. Seth says it takes him three hours of exercise to maintain his weight when eating 2,000 calories. Start looking at food in relation to the amount of time required to burn it off.
It’s important to find something you love doing and do that as your exercise. If you like bike riding, make that your routine. If you like skating, then make time to skate regularly. Take dance classes. If you’re having fun, you’re more apt to keep it up.
We’re never going to be perfect, but we each have to do the best that we can and accept that’s our version of success. Changing the paradigm is amount loving yourself enough to put yourself first. Love yourself enough to give your body a break when you need one. Eat nutritious foods, because the better the food is going in, the better your body will run. Love yourself to invest in high-quality food.
Support is important. Surround yourself with loving, supportive people. Don’t waste your time with those who are negative.
Seth had surgery in 2003 and lost 188 pounds. From the beginning, he said, he understood that there was a high failure rate because people fall into old habits. For him, failure was not an option.
His belief is that unless you create a partnership, you will not have long-term success. You have to change the way you look at your lifestyle. Surgery alone will not keep you thin or in shape, but most surgical facilities don’t offer a fitness component so it falls to the post-op to become accountable for their own success.
Find ways to add activity to your life beyond your structured exercise time:
-Throw away the remote and get up to change the TV
-Get up and walk during commercials
-Take the stairs
-Walk the dog
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of cardio per day and two days a week of strength-training. Yet only 15% of the U.S. population follows this guideline. The health benefits of three 10-minute spurts is just as effective as one 30-minute session.Seth is a firm believer in strength training because it improves the overall appearance post-ops and can reduce the need for cosmetic surgery. Women who do an hour twice a week of resistance training have less abdominal fat. Strength-training also increases your metabolism and keeps it elevated for longer periods of time.
If you’re inactive after surgery, your ability to eat more food kicks in. And if you fall in that, then you’ll start gaining weight back and be right where you started.
“Surgery is not the end of your battle with obesity," he said. "It’s the beginning of you starting to deal with it. And if you’re lucky, you’ll go into remission.”
Exercise improves mental health.
A Duke study took two groups of clinically depressed patients, gave one batch antidepressants and the other exercised 30 minutes a day. At the end of the study, both groups had 60% of its participants no longer depressed.
Workout tips:
-Start slowly
-Slowly increase the time spent and the intensity
-Set realistic goals that are measurable
-Visualize what you’re going to do
Track your progress
-Wear comfortable clothes
Don’t forget to mix up your routine to curb boredom and also to help your body break through its natural instinct to plateau. Think about variety. Think outside of the box when it comes to exercise. It doesn’t have to be just about going to the gym or following a fitness tape. Some like going to the gym because it’s a social experience. Others hate it because they are embarrassed or overwhelmed. Most people hate exercise because it’s boring, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make a fitness program out of cleaning house, if you do it to music and don’t take breaks. You can walk to run your errands instead of driving.
Losing weight and maintaining weight loss is as simple as calories in vs. calories out. Each of us burns calories at a different rate. Seth says it takes him three hours of exercise to maintain his weight when eating 2,000 calories. Start looking at food in relation to the amount of time required to burn it off.
It’s important to find something you love doing and do that as your exercise. If you like bike riding, make that your routine. If you like skating, then make time to skate regularly. Take dance classes. If you’re having fun, you’re more apt to keep it up.
We’re never going to be perfect, but we each have to do the best that we can and accept that’s our version of success. Changing the paradigm is amount loving yourself enough to put yourself first. Love yourself enough to give your body a break when you need one. Eat nutritious foods, because the better the food is going in, the better your body will run. Love yourself to invest in high-quality food.
Support is important. Surround yourself with loving, supportive people. Don’t waste your time with those who are negative.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Emotional Eating
Presented by Dr. Monica Ganz
Normal eating consists of eating when you’re hungry, eating until you’re satisfied, eating a wide variety of foods, not avoiding foods out of fear and being flexible and varied.
Emotional eating consists of eating in response to feelings instead of hunger, such as:
Stress
Anxiety
Loneliness
Boredom
Anger
Sadness
Depression
PMS
Rewarding yourself
Other ways to deal with emotions and food cravings:
Scrapbooking
Take a walk
Listen to music
Take a bath
Read
Shop
Call a friend
Drink water (dehydration causes hunger rather than thirst)
Avoid high-sugar, high-carb foods
Keep a journal of what you eat and when so you can figure out your triggers. This helps you to break the cycle of unconscious eating. Making a decision to eat also ensures you don’t feel guilty about what you eat.
Change is difficult, but it’s the only thing in life that is consistent. Adapting to change is necessary for success. Before surgery, we were eating ourselves into our graves. We have to change our behavior if we want to be successful. Monica says she still wants to eat everything in front of, but she chooses not to eat it. Surgery is a tool that enables her to stick with that commitment.
Cross-addiction
A lot of post-ops who don’t learn to cope with their emotions will turn to alcohol, sex or other destructive behaviors to replace their food addiction.
Emotional eating issues from attendees:
“Last Supper Syndrome”: Gorging as a pre-op in preparation for surgery. -This is common among pre-ops who fear they are never going to be able to eat their favorite foods again. The important thing is to recognize that it’s normal and just try to make the healthiest choices possible.
Fast food is taboo-Stay away from fast food. That’s a behavior that got us to a point that we’re morbidly obese. Surgery requires an entire lifestyle change, and part of that change requires staying away from the triggers from our pre-op life.
Anger associated with food intolerance-“Nobody warned me that I couldn’t have pasta or tolerate meat.”-“Nobody told me I’d have to eat tofu, but it’s all I can tolerate.”-It’ll take a period of mourning, but eventually you will accept your limitations
Interest from the opposite sex
“I’m the same person I was before but now that I’ve lost weight, everyone has a brother for me to meet. I’d rather just not date.”-You’ll start meeting people who didn’t know you when you were obese, and you’ll start off on different footing with them. Monica said she also doesn’t waste any time with people who didn’t have time for her when she was overweight.-Everyone has emotional baggage, but it’s up to us as individuals to decide whether we hang onto it.
Desire for food hasn’t gone away“I just wish I didn’t still want the food.”-Surgery is a tool that helps us walk away from the table without overeating.
Normal eating consists of eating when you’re hungry, eating until you’re satisfied, eating a wide variety of foods, not avoiding foods out of fear and being flexible and varied.
Emotional eating consists of eating in response to feelings instead of hunger, such as:
Stress
Anxiety
Loneliness
Boredom
Anger
Sadness
Depression
PMS
Rewarding yourself
Other ways to deal with emotions and food cravings:
Scrapbooking
Take a walk
Listen to music
Take a bath
Read
Shop
Call a friend
Drink water (dehydration causes hunger rather than thirst)
Avoid high-sugar, high-carb foods
Keep a journal of what you eat and when so you can figure out your triggers. This helps you to break the cycle of unconscious eating. Making a decision to eat also ensures you don’t feel guilty about what you eat.
Change is difficult, but it’s the only thing in life that is consistent. Adapting to change is necessary for success. Before surgery, we were eating ourselves into our graves. We have to change our behavior if we want to be successful. Monica says she still wants to eat everything in front of, but she chooses not to eat it. Surgery is a tool that enables her to stick with that commitment.
Cross-addiction
A lot of post-ops who don’t learn to cope with their emotions will turn to alcohol, sex or other destructive behaviors to replace their food addiction.
Emotional eating issues from attendees:
“Last Supper Syndrome”: Gorging as a pre-op in preparation for surgery. -This is common among pre-ops who fear they are never going to be able to eat their favorite foods again. The important thing is to recognize that it’s normal and just try to make the healthiest choices possible.
Fast food is taboo-Stay away from fast food. That’s a behavior that got us to a point that we’re morbidly obese. Surgery requires an entire lifestyle change, and part of that change requires staying away from the triggers from our pre-op life.
Anger associated with food intolerance-“Nobody warned me that I couldn’t have pasta or tolerate meat.”-“Nobody told me I’d have to eat tofu, but it’s all I can tolerate.”-It’ll take a period of mourning, but eventually you will accept your limitations
Interest from the opposite sex
“I’m the same person I was before but now that I’ve lost weight, everyone has a brother for me to meet. I’d rather just not date.”-You’ll start meeting people who didn’t know you when you were obese, and you’ll start off on different footing with them. Monica said she also doesn’t waste any time with people who didn’t have time for her when she was overweight.-Everyone has emotional baggage, but it’s up to us as individuals to decide whether we hang onto it.
Desire for food hasn’t gone away“I just wish I didn’t still want the food.”-Surgery is a tool that helps us walk away from the table without overeating.
Low-key lunch
One of my favorite things about the lunches offered at OH events is the fact that they are always bariatric friendly. Today's lunch was tuna salad, chicken salad, green salad, mixed fruit and fat-free Jell-O pudding snacks for dessert.
During lunch, I had the opportunity to meet Dean and Lori Banks, who are also from Tracy. Lori had RNY gastric bypass at Kaiser's Fremont facility three months ago. Since then, she's lost 47 pounds. She hasn't had any complications, and said she's pleased with her results so far. It was quite exciting to run into somebody from home who is on the same path as me.
During lunch, I had the opportunity to meet Dean and Lori Banks, who are also from Tracy. Lori had RNY gastric bypass at Kaiser's Fremont facility three months ago. Since then, she's lost 47 pounds. She hasn't had any complications, and said she's pleased with her results so far. It was quite exciting to run into somebody from home who is on the same path as me.
How our weight loss affects our children
Presented by Dr. Monica Ganz and Nicki Ganz
Nicki was 17 when Monica had RNY gastric-bypass surgery in 2002. Since then, Monica has lost well over 300 pounds.But it wasn’t until a holiday trip a few years ago that Monica realized how her drastic weight loss affected her daughter.
“She walked into the house and hugged my sister, and she hugged her for a long time,” she remembered. “When she was done, she said, ‘Now that’s a mommy hug; I don’t get those anymore.”
Monica says she went to the bathroom and cried and then realized that she had been morbidly obese her daughter’s entire life. And Nicki had to adjust to losing the mother she always knew.
“It took me a really long time be OK with mom sharing clothes with me,” Nicki says.
Monica jumps in saying, “It was so exhilarating to be able to wear my daughter’s clothes that it never occurred to me how it would affect her. It took my husband to say, ‘That’s Nicki’s; you may not wear that,’ for me to realize what I was doing.”
Nicki admits that she still doesn’t like sharing clothes with her mother, especially if she thinks they look better on her mom.“
She’s always bigger than me in my eyes,” Nicki says. “Having her buy clothes the same size as me can be devastating.”
Other changes
Mealtime has also changed for Monica’s family. Though she still cooks for the family, she doesn’t eat everything she makes. She also will often need to leave the dinner table to avoid overeating.
“It’s rare that we have a full-length dinner with the whole family anymore,” Nicki said. “It’s usually just me and my dad left at the table.”
Monica says you have to be careful about the speed in which you make changes for the children. You can’t abruptly limit everyone’s portions just because you’re eating differently. Food changes need to be gradual, especially if the children are older. Younger children are more resilient and accepting of change. You can’t take an older child who you’ve let snack on chips and junk food without oversight and then take it all away from them and expect them not to resist the change.
The whole point, Monica says, is that this process doesn’t only involve us. Many of us think it’s all about us, because surgery is the first thing we’ve done for ourselves. But it involves and affects our children, spouses, siblings, parents and friends.
“Find out what works for your family and stick with it,” Monica said.
She also cautions against over-informing children. Only give them the information they need; otherwise, you may scare them.
“Older children have a harder time with the transition,” Monica said. “When they are in their teens and 20s, you’ll face jealousy and other emotions. It’s very scary from their perspective. The image they’ve always had of their mom doesn’t match what they now see.”
Nicki mentions her trouble with picking her mom out in stores anymore.
“Before, I just looked for the biggest person around, and that was usually Mom,” she said. “Now, I have a hard time finding her.”
Many pre-ops fear lost relationships, which Monica addressed by saying, “You have to remember why you’re doing this.”
Keeping the line of communication open is very important. Don’t just talk about your weight loss, Monica said. Make sure you talk about other stuff.
Nicki also talks about the difficulty adjusting to her mom’s increased activity.
“I wish she’d come back to the family,” she said. “She used to always be at home or around if I needed her. Now, she’s always on the phone or working or away from home. I feel like this new passion has now come first, almost.”
Nicki was 17 when Monica had RNY gastric-bypass surgery in 2002. Since then, Monica has lost well over 300 pounds.But it wasn’t until a holiday trip a few years ago that Monica realized how her drastic weight loss affected her daughter.
“She walked into the house and hugged my sister, and she hugged her for a long time,” she remembered. “When she was done, she said, ‘Now that’s a mommy hug; I don’t get those anymore.”
Monica says she went to the bathroom and cried and then realized that she had been morbidly obese her daughter’s entire life. And Nicki had to adjust to losing the mother she always knew.
“It took me a really long time be OK with mom sharing clothes with me,” Nicki says.
Monica jumps in saying, “It was so exhilarating to be able to wear my daughter’s clothes that it never occurred to me how it would affect her. It took my husband to say, ‘That’s Nicki’s; you may not wear that,’ for me to realize what I was doing.”
Nicki admits that she still doesn’t like sharing clothes with her mother, especially if she thinks they look better on her mom.“
She’s always bigger than me in my eyes,” Nicki says. “Having her buy clothes the same size as me can be devastating.”
Other changes
Mealtime has also changed for Monica’s family. Though she still cooks for the family, she doesn’t eat everything she makes. She also will often need to leave the dinner table to avoid overeating.
“It’s rare that we have a full-length dinner with the whole family anymore,” Nicki said. “It’s usually just me and my dad left at the table.”
Monica says you have to be careful about the speed in which you make changes for the children. You can’t abruptly limit everyone’s portions just because you’re eating differently. Food changes need to be gradual, especially if the children are older. Younger children are more resilient and accepting of change. You can’t take an older child who you’ve let snack on chips and junk food without oversight and then take it all away from them and expect them not to resist the change.
The whole point, Monica says, is that this process doesn’t only involve us. Many of us think it’s all about us, because surgery is the first thing we’ve done for ourselves. But it involves and affects our children, spouses, siblings, parents and friends.
“Find out what works for your family and stick with it,” Monica said.
She also cautions against over-informing children. Only give them the information they need; otherwise, you may scare them.
“Older children have a harder time with the transition,” Monica said. “When they are in their teens and 20s, you’ll face jealousy and other emotions. It’s very scary from their perspective. The image they’ve always had of their mom doesn’t match what they now see.”
Nicki mentions her trouble with picking her mom out in stores anymore.
“Before, I just looked for the biggest person around, and that was usually Mom,” she said. “Now, I have a hard time finding her.”
Many pre-ops fear lost relationships, which Monica addressed by saying, “You have to remember why you’re doing this.”
Keeping the line of communication open is very important. Don’t just talk about your weight loss, Monica said. Make sure you talk about other stuff.
Nicki also talks about the difficulty adjusting to her mom’s increased activity.
“I wish she’d come back to the family,” she said. “She used to always be at home or around if I needed her. Now, she’s always on the phone or working or away from home. I feel like this new passion has now come first, almost.”
One Year+ Post-op: Now what?
Presented by Dr. Monica Ganz, director of events and support groups for OH
Losing weight after the weight loss stops
When you first have surgery, your pouch is about the size of your thumb – mainly because of swelling and irritation from the procedure. The pouch takes a year to 18 months to heal, and healing allows increased food intake.
Another cause of post-op weight gain is that some people start to be less diligent with exercise after a year. It’s typical to consume more a year after surgery. You have more foods available to you, because you’ve spent the first year experimenting with new foods and now know what you can and can’t tolerate. Some people think they are hungrier, which is unlikely if there is decreased activity. Also, many post-ops never experienced true hunger before surgery because they were eating all the time. Monica says they were never truly hungry yet never truly satisfied either. Eating more nutrient-dense foods also leads to eating more calories.
Statistically, 50% of WLS patients will gain back more than 50% of the excess weight lost by five years. Twenty percent will gain back 20% of their weight loss immediately upon reaching their goal weight.
Calories in minus calories out equal a change in weight: When you take in the same number of calories you expend, your weight stays the same; when you eat more calories than you expend, you gain weight; and if you eat fewer calories than you expend, you lose weight.
Inadequate Weight Loss
Calorie intake too high/hunger: Are you planning your meals and spacing them apart appropriately? Are you making good food choices? The surgery doesn’t fail the patient; the patient fails the surgery.
Metabolism too low/hypoglycemia: Are you eating frequently enough? Are you making sure you eat protein-rich foods? You should have six planned eating events per day. That includes meals and protein supplements. Micronutrient deficiencies can also affect metabolism. Skin can be very sensitive to tape two years after surgery because of micronutrient deficiencies.
Why do we stop losing?
Again, it’s about calories in vs. calories out. Each of us has set weight that our body prefers. Not everyone is meant to be a size 4 after surgery. It can be done, but some post-ops find that the sacrifices required to keep body weight that low isn’t worth it in the long run.Eliminate excess or empty calories. Look for ways to cut out unnecessary fat and calories without compromising your nutrition. That means, cut out simple carbohydrates not protein. Don’t go crazy counting calories; realize that you need to improve your lifestyle, you are not on a diet. Pay attention to the glycemic index and pick foods that score lower.
All calories are NOT created equal
Energy density, water content, fiber content, absorption, processing and storage all contribute to the effects of calories on the body.Fruits and veggies are high in fiber and water and low in calories. Crackers, cheese and fatty meats contain a lot of calories relative to how heavy they are.
Foods that have a high water and/or fiber content add bulk to your meals, so you’ll feel satisfied without eating more calories. For example, a quarter-cup of raisins has the same calories as 1.75 cups of grapes, but the grapes will be more filling. 100 calories: 23 M&Ms, quarter-cup of raisins, 5 oz. Jell-O or 2.25 cups of strawberries. Obviously, the strawberries are the best option as a filling food. McDonalds large fries is 540 calories, which is equal to 22 cups of raw broccoli, 135 baby carrots, 17.5 oz. chicken breast or 4.5 whole sweet potatoes.
Soft carbohydrate syndrome
Soft carbs are the arch enemy of WLS patients and are the cause of weight gain or plateau in the majority of patients. If you can crush it, and it crumbles, stay away from it. That’s a sure sign of simple carbohydrates, which travel through the pouch easily and offer very little nutritional value or satisfaction.
Losing weight after the weight loss stops
When you first have surgery, your pouch is about the size of your thumb – mainly because of swelling and irritation from the procedure. The pouch takes a year to 18 months to heal, and healing allows increased food intake.
Another cause of post-op weight gain is that some people start to be less diligent with exercise after a year. It’s typical to consume more a year after surgery. You have more foods available to you, because you’ve spent the first year experimenting with new foods and now know what you can and can’t tolerate. Some people think they are hungrier, which is unlikely if there is decreased activity. Also, many post-ops never experienced true hunger before surgery because they were eating all the time. Monica says they were never truly hungry yet never truly satisfied either. Eating more nutrient-dense foods also leads to eating more calories.
Statistically, 50% of WLS patients will gain back more than 50% of the excess weight lost by five years. Twenty percent will gain back 20% of their weight loss immediately upon reaching their goal weight.
Calories in minus calories out equal a change in weight: When you take in the same number of calories you expend, your weight stays the same; when you eat more calories than you expend, you gain weight; and if you eat fewer calories than you expend, you lose weight.
Inadequate Weight Loss
Calorie intake too high/hunger: Are you planning your meals and spacing them apart appropriately? Are you making good food choices? The surgery doesn’t fail the patient; the patient fails the surgery.
Metabolism too low/hypoglycemia: Are you eating frequently enough? Are you making sure you eat protein-rich foods? You should have six planned eating events per day. That includes meals and protein supplements. Micronutrient deficiencies can also affect metabolism. Skin can be very sensitive to tape two years after surgery because of micronutrient deficiencies.
Why do we stop losing?
Again, it’s about calories in vs. calories out. Each of us has set weight that our body prefers. Not everyone is meant to be a size 4 after surgery. It can be done, but some post-ops find that the sacrifices required to keep body weight that low isn’t worth it in the long run.Eliminate excess or empty calories. Look for ways to cut out unnecessary fat and calories without compromising your nutrition. That means, cut out simple carbohydrates not protein. Don’t go crazy counting calories; realize that you need to improve your lifestyle, you are not on a diet. Pay attention to the glycemic index and pick foods that score lower.
All calories are NOT created equal
Energy density, water content, fiber content, absorption, processing and storage all contribute to the effects of calories on the body.Fruits and veggies are high in fiber and water and low in calories. Crackers, cheese and fatty meats contain a lot of calories relative to how heavy they are.
Foods that have a high water and/or fiber content add bulk to your meals, so you’ll feel satisfied without eating more calories. For example, a quarter-cup of raisins has the same calories as 1.75 cups of grapes, but the grapes will be more filling. 100 calories: 23 M&Ms, quarter-cup of raisins, 5 oz. Jell-O or 2.25 cups of strawberries. Obviously, the strawberries are the best option as a filling food. McDonalds large fries is 540 calories, which is equal to 22 cups of raw broccoli, 135 baby carrots, 17.5 oz. chicken breast or 4.5 whole sweet potatoes.
Soft carbohydrate syndrome
Soft carbs are the arch enemy of WLS patients and are the cause of weight gain or plateau in the majority of patients. If you can crush it, and it crumbles, stay away from it. That’s a sure sign of simple carbohydrates, which travel through the pouch easily and offer very little nutritional value or satisfaction.
Vendor fair
There are about a handful of vendors at today's session, peddling everything from fitness videos and equipment to nutritional supplements and vitamins.
I'll be spending a few minutes with the vendors -- many of whom are leading workshops this weekend -- today and tomorrow to get a little more information on the products they represent and what has led them to make a career out of serving the obese and morbidly obese population.
Bariatric Advantage
Seth Felix is the Bariatric Advantage sales rep attending this weekend’s event. The son of a bariatric surgeon, Seth says he grew up with knowledge and interest in both bariatrics and obesity-related issues. He’s been with Bariatric Advantage for a little less than a year, but is an avid proponent of the products and confesses to snacking on some of the food items at work.
I used Bariatric Advantage vitamins – all of which are chewable – from three months before surgery to about a year afterward. I only switched brands because I was tired of the flavors. I’m happy to see the company debuting new flavors of vitamins and branching out beyond just vitamin and mineral supplements.
Seth told me the company will introduce two new flavors of its already-popular 400mg calcium supplement lozenge. BA already has mint, cinnamon – the top seller – and chocolate. Within the next two months, lemon and sour cherry will also be for sale. Seth excitedly tells me that they taste like Sweet Tarts and will offer a nice change for those who are tired of the original flavors.
BA’s No. 1 selling product, according to Seth, is the orange-flavored multivitamin for gastric-bypass patients. Like me, this is the BA product most bariatric patients start with, because all surgeons recommend a good multivitamin.
Bariatric Advantage also offers a multivitamin for LapBand patients that is called VitaBand. Because Bandsters don’t have to worry about malabsorption, their vitamin and mineral needs are different than bypass patients. Seth says the main difference is that VitaBand has iron included, and it’s the only BA vitamin that comes in watermelon flavor.“
We’re starting to get a lot of complaints from people who want our other multivitamin to be offered in watermelon as well,” he said.
Seth also spent a little time telling me about the company’s new products, such as their food supplements. BA is now offering food items for early post-ops, such as protein supplements and cereal. Packaged for easy travel, the products come in smaller, bariatric-friendly portions. He says the chocolate cereal reminds him of Cocoa Crispies. The cereal comes in chocolate, vanilla and banana – which can be exciting for post-ops sick of just chocolate and vanilla.
Another new product is the Promend AGB, which Seth says can work for bariatric patients but is actually geared toward post-ops who have cosmetic surgery. It’s a drink powder that provides 10g of protein and various herbal supplements to promote healing after cosmetic surgery.“And it tastes just like lemonade,” he said.
Excel Weight Loss Solutions
Karen Donaldson of Pocatello, Idaho, has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. As the founder of Excel Weight Loss Solutions, she works with people on nutrition, exercise and weight management.Karen started in the fitness industry focused on the disabled and those of limited mobility, which led to her eventual exposure to the obese and morbidly obese population.
“I’ve never been interested in working with jocks,” Karen said. “Those people will work out no matter what. I’d rather serve the rest of the population. It’s about real life.”
Dr. Monica Ganz, director of events and support groups for ObesityHelp, is a strong supporter of Karen and her program. Monica invited Karen to attend an OH event about 2.5 years ago because she was impressed by the workout video she produced.
“The nice thing about it is that anybody can do it – regardless of their fitness level,” Monica said. “And the videos feature normal-size and overweight models, which is important to me.
That fact has not been lost on Karen.
“Nobody is motivated by seeing somebody prance around in a thong leotard,” Karen said. “But if you look at someone who looks normal or is close to your size, then you believe you can do it; and you’re much more motivated.”
The other reason Monica is a big fan of Karen’s is that her exercise programs use resistance bands and exercise balls.
“This is something that everyone can do,” Monica said. “When I had surgery, it never occurred to me that I could exercise while sitting down. At that time, I couldn’t even walk.”
Also, as someone who travels more than 100 days each year, Monica favors the portability of the resistance bands. They don’t take up much space in the suitcase and are easy to do in hotel rooms.
“This keeps me on track,” she said. “I would never use the hotel gym, but I can use these in the privacy of my own room on my own time.”
Karen, who is presenting workshops this weekend on insulin resistance and strength training and on using exercise balls, also has her own line of aromatherapy products.Monica favors the aromatherapy locket with a piece of felt anointed with Appetite Balance, which helps curb cravings.
I'll be spending a few minutes with the vendors -- many of whom are leading workshops this weekend -- today and tomorrow to get a little more information on the products they represent and what has led them to make a career out of serving the obese and morbidly obese population.
Bariatric Advantage
Seth Felix is the Bariatric Advantage sales rep attending this weekend’s event. The son of a bariatric surgeon, Seth says he grew up with knowledge and interest in both bariatrics and obesity-related issues. He’s been with Bariatric Advantage for a little less than a year, but is an avid proponent of the products and confesses to snacking on some of the food items at work.
I used Bariatric Advantage vitamins – all of which are chewable – from three months before surgery to about a year afterward. I only switched brands because I was tired of the flavors. I’m happy to see the company debuting new flavors of vitamins and branching out beyond just vitamin and mineral supplements.
Seth told me the company will introduce two new flavors of its already-popular 400mg calcium supplement lozenge. BA already has mint, cinnamon – the top seller – and chocolate. Within the next two months, lemon and sour cherry will also be for sale. Seth excitedly tells me that they taste like Sweet Tarts and will offer a nice change for those who are tired of the original flavors.
BA’s No. 1 selling product, according to Seth, is the orange-flavored multivitamin for gastric-bypass patients. Like me, this is the BA product most bariatric patients start with, because all surgeons recommend a good multivitamin.
Bariatric Advantage also offers a multivitamin for LapBand patients that is called VitaBand. Because Bandsters don’t have to worry about malabsorption, their vitamin and mineral needs are different than bypass patients. Seth says the main difference is that VitaBand has iron included, and it’s the only BA vitamin that comes in watermelon flavor.“
We’re starting to get a lot of complaints from people who want our other multivitamin to be offered in watermelon as well,” he said.
Seth also spent a little time telling me about the company’s new products, such as their food supplements. BA is now offering food items for early post-ops, such as protein supplements and cereal. Packaged for easy travel, the products come in smaller, bariatric-friendly portions. He says the chocolate cereal reminds him of Cocoa Crispies. The cereal comes in chocolate, vanilla and banana – which can be exciting for post-ops sick of just chocolate and vanilla.
Another new product is the Promend AGB, which Seth says can work for bariatric patients but is actually geared toward post-ops who have cosmetic surgery. It’s a drink powder that provides 10g of protein and various herbal supplements to promote healing after cosmetic surgery.“And it tastes just like lemonade,” he said.
Excel Weight Loss Solutions
Karen Donaldson of Pocatello, Idaho, has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. As the founder of Excel Weight Loss Solutions, she works with people on nutrition, exercise and weight management.Karen started in the fitness industry focused on the disabled and those of limited mobility, which led to her eventual exposure to the obese and morbidly obese population.
“I’ve never been interested in working with jocks,” Karen said. “Those people will work out no matter what. I’d rather serve the rest of the population. It’s about real life.”
Dr. Monica Ganz, director of events and support groups for ObesityHelp, is a strong supporter of Karen and her program. Monica invited Karen to attend an OH event about 2.5 years ago because she was impressed by the workout video she produced.
“The nice thing about it is that anybody can do it – regardless of their fitness level,” Monica said. “And the videos feature normal-size and overweight models, which is important to me.
That fact has not been lost on Karen.
“Nobody is motivated by seeing somebody prance around in a thong leotard,” Karen said. “But if you look at someone who looks normal or is close to your size, then you believe you can do it; and you’re much more motivated.”
The other reason Monica is a big fan of Karen’s is that her exercise programs use resistance bands and exercise balls.
“This is something that everyone can do,” Monica said. “When I had surgery, it never occurred to me that I could exercise while sitting down. At that time, I couldn’t even walk.”
Also, as someone who travels more than 100 days each year, Monica favors the portability of the resistance bands. They don’t take up much space in the suitcase and are easy to do in hotel rooms.
“This keeps me on track,” she said. “I would never use the hotel gym, but I can use these in the privacy of my own room on my own time.”
Karen, who is presenting workshops this weekend on insulin resistance and strength training and on using exercise balls, also has her own line of aromatherapy products.Monica favors the aromatherapy locket with a piece of felt anointed with Appetite Balance, which helps curb cravings.
OH Visalia Conference -- Day 2
I have a few minutes between getting ready and eating breakfast to jot down a few thoughts before heading out to today's session.
I learned something interesting about ObesityHelp during dinner last night. OH does not pay its speakers a dime, which explains why its conferences are so affordable. After all, how many 2.5-day conferences have you attended that only cost about $100? Dr. Monica Ganz, the organization's director of events and support groups, says it's important to her that every penny from events goes toward making the events rewarding for attendees -- not to line the pockets of speakers.
That also explains why some sessions can be a crap shoot. When I was at the Fairfield conference in June, I overheard some attendees complain that certain speakers delivered nothing more than an infomercial for their services or products. I would say that's a gross exaggeration, but I did notice bits of self-promotion here and there during sessions. Knowing that the speakers were not paid in any way explains that, however. You can't expect them to travel to a conference unpaid without hope of some sort of remuneration or exposure to their target market.
As I'm blogging from the sessions today, I'll try my best to make it clear who offers products or services for sale so readers can make the most informed decisions regarding whether to believe the opinions of the speakers.
Oh, and keep reading throughout the weekend for my review of the numerous samples given out throughout the conference. For example, attendees last night received full-size samples of AchievOne coffee-flavored protein drinks, Power Crunch protein bars, and various other bariatric-friendly snacks.
I learned something interesting about ObesityHelp during dinner last night. OH does not pay its speakers a dime, which explains why its conferences are so affordable. After all, how many 2.5-day conferences have you attended that only cost about $100? Dr. Monica Ganz, the organization's director of events and support groups, says it's important to her that every penny from events goes toward making the events rewarding for attendees -- not to line the pockets of speakers.
That also explains why some sessions can be a crap shoot. When I was at the Fairfield conference in June, I overheard some attendees complain that certain speakers delivered nothing more than an infomercial for their services or products. I would say that's a gross exaggeration, but I did notice bits of self-promotion here and there during sessions. Knowing that the speakers were not paid in any way explains that, however. You can't expect them to travel to a conference unpaid without hope of some sort of remuneration or exposure to their target market.
As I'm blogging from the sessions today, I'll try my best to make it clear who offers products or services for sale so readers can make the most informed decisions regarding whether to believe the opinions of the speakers.
Oh, and keep reading throughout the weekend for my review of the numerous samples given out throughout the conference. For example, attendees last night received full-size samples of AchievOne coffee-flavored protein drinks, Power Crunch protein bars, and various other bariatric-friendly snacks.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Changing places
Because of hacking issues associated with Movable Type (the program used for this blog), the Tracy Press will stop hosting blogs. Instead, the Press will link to external blogs.
The good news is that anyone within the Tracy Press circulation area may now ask to have their blog linked from our Web site (E-mail tluiz@tracypress.com to make such a request).
The bad news is that my blog address will change this week. As far as I know, the plan is to keep all previously posted entries up as read-only files until I'm able to move all postings over to the new site. However, I'm not sure how long it'll take me to complete my transition. In the interest of serving readers best, I'll start uploading my oldest entries to the new site first. I won't publish new material until the transition is complete.
Click here to view and bookmark my new blog site. I'm hope that using Blogger will make this column more user-friendly to visitors. Please let me know what you think.
The good news is that anyone within the Tracy Press circulation area may now ask to have their blog linked from our Web site (E-mail tluiz@tracypress.com to make such a request).
The bad news is that my blog address will change this week. As far as I know, the plan is to keep all previously posted entries up as read-only files until I'm able to move all postings over to the new site. However, I'm not sure how long it'll take me to complete my transition. In the interest of serving readers best, I'll start uploading my oldest entries to the new site first. I won't publish new material until the transition is complete.
Click here to view and bookmark my new blog site. I'm hope that using Blogger will make this column more user-friendly to visitors. Please let me know what you think.
Movie Night -- "Super Size Me"
Tonight's session ends with a screening of "Super Size Me," the now famous documentary by Morgan Spurlock. Spurlock spent 30 days eating nothing but McDonalds food. During that time, he gained about 30 pounds and suffered serious health problems.
This is the third time I've seen the movie. The first time was a year before my gastric-bypass surgery, and it was then that I swore off McDonalds. I had it at home to watch the day I was released from the hospital. It helped strengthen my resolve as my mother and husband sat on either side of me eating Jack in the Box for dinner.
It's a film I highly recommend watching, if for no other reason than to understand why this country has more than 60% of its population who are considered obese.
This is the third time I've seen the movie. The first time was a year before my gastric-bypass surgery, and it was then that I swore off McDonalds. I had it at home to watch the day I was released from the hospital. It helped strengthen my resolve as my mother and husband sat on either side of me eating Jack in the Box for dinner.
It's a film I highly recommend watching, if for no other reason than to understand why this country has more than 60% of its population who are considered obese.
Importance of Vitamins and Minerals after Gastric Bypass Surgery
Led by Dr. Monica Ganz
People who’ve had malabsorptive procedures (Roux En Y and duodenal switch) are in danger of vitamin and mineral deficiencies because certain vitamins and minerals cannot be absorbed by the new digestive tract through ingestion.
Vitamins are essential for the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. B-12, for example, is a vitamin that can’t be replenished once a person has become truly deficient in it.
Minerals don’t furnish energy but are vital in many other physiologic functions. The body stores and reuses minerals so deficiencies aren’t easily detected.
Many post-ops become deficient in iron and calcium.
Iron
Iron deficiency occurs because the pouch empties too quickly for iron to be absorbed and because RNY and DDS patients have their duodenum – where 50% of iron absorption takes place – bypassed. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, feeling cold, pica (compulsive eating of non-food items), tongue fissuring and pagophagia (compulsive eating of ice).
Supplements should be in the form of 18mg of ferrous fumerate or amino-iron, which is most absorbable. Taking iron with vitamin C (such as diluted orange juice or even a chewable vitamin C) to help its absorption. Food sources of iron include liver, oysters, shellfish, organ meats, lean meats, poultry and fish (best meat sources), dried beans and vegetables (best plant sources), egg yolk, dried fruits, dark molasses, whole grains and enriched breads and cereals.
Calcium
Calcium deficiency occurs because post-ops can’t eat enough of calcium-rich foods, and the mineral is absorbed in the duodenum. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include fragile bones and hypertension.Supplements should include 1200mg of calcium citrate (plus vitamin D) per day, four servings of dairy products per day. For each missed serving of dairy products, supplement with an additional 500mg of calcium citrate. This is why many post-ops are encouraged to take up to 2400mg per day.Another problem is that calcium deficiency is hard to detect because the body will leach the necessary calcium from the bones. Dexa bone-density tests are the best way to find out whether a post-op’s body is leaching calcium from the bones. Some people also notice teeth problems, such as a loss of enamel.
Vitamins most commonly found deficient in post-ops are vitamin B1 (Thiamin), vitamin B-12 and folic acid.
Thiamin
Thiamin is necessary for the breakdown of glucose for energy, nerve function, good digestion, normal appetite and good mental outlook. Deficiency is rare in the U.S., except in alcoholics. Symptoms include beri beri, fatigue, poor appetite, constipation, depression, etc. Supplementation is as easy as taking a chewable multivitamin (Bariatric Advantage, Optisource, etc.).
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 aids in the formation of mature red blood cells, synthesis of DNA, stimulates appetite, promotes growth and releases energy. Food sources include liver, kidney, dairy products, fish, clams, oysters, salmon and sardines.Gastric bypass post-ops MUST supplement with B-12 because the pouch doesn’t supply the intrinsic factor required for absorption. Signs of deficiency include pernicious anemia, tiredness and neurological disorders.Supplements can be by mouth, injection or nasal spray. Monthly injections are the safest best.
Folic acid
Folic acid is necessary for formation of red blood cells. Deficiency happens because of poor dietary intake, low iron and alcoholism. Symptoms of deficiency include rapid heartbeat, fatigue, anorexia, pale skin, paranoia, or sore, inflamed tongue. Food sources include soy, leafy greens, organ meats, mushrooms, oatmeal, red beans and wheat. Supplementation is usually as easy as taking a good multivitamin.
People who’ve had malabsorptive procedures (Roux En Y and duodenal switch) are in danger of vitamin and mineral deficiencies because certain vitamins and minerals cannot be absorbed by the new digestive tract through ingestion.
Vitamins are essential for the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. B-12, for example, is a vitamin that can’t be replenished once a person has become truly deficient in it.
Minerals don’t furnish energy but are vital in many other physiologic functions. The body stores and reuses minerals so deficiencies aren’t easily detected.
Many post-ops become deficient in iron and calcium.
Iron
Iron deficiency occurs because the pouch empties too quickly for iron to be absorbed and because RNY and DDS patients have their duodenum – where 50% of iron absorption takes place – bypassed. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, feeling cold, pica (compulsive eating of non-food items), tongue fissuring and pagophagia (compulsive eating of ice).
Supplements should be in the form of 18mg of ferrous fumerate or amino-iron, which is most absorbable. Taking iron with vitamin C (such as diluted orange juice or even a chewable vitamin C) to help its absorption. Food sources of iron include liver, oysters, shellfish, organ meats, lean meats, poultry and fish (best meat sources), dried beans and vegetables (best plant sources), egg yolk, dried fruits, dark molasses, whole grains and enriched breads and cereals.
Calcium
Calcium deficiency occurs because post-ops can’t eat enough of calcium-rich foods, and the mineral is absorbed in the duodenum. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include fragile bones and hypertension.Supplements should include 1200mg of calcium citrate (plus vitamin D) per day, four servings of dairy products per day. For each missed serving of dairy products, supplement with an additional 500mg of calcium citrate. This is why many post-ops are encouraged to take up to 2400mg per day.Another problem is that calcium deficiency is hard to detect because the body will leach the necessary calcium from the bones. Dexa bone-density tests are the best way to find out whether a post-op’s body is leaching calcium from the bones. Some people also notice teeth problems, such as a loss of enamel.
Vitamins most commonly found deficient in post-ops are vitamin B1 (Thiamin), vitamin B-12 and folic acid.
Thiamin
Thiamin is necessary for the breakdown of glucose for energy, nerve function, good digestion, normal appetite and good mental outlook. Deficiency is rare in the U.S., except in alcoholics. Symptoms include beri beri, fatigue, poor appetite, constipation, depression, etc. Supplementation is as easy as taking a chewable multivitamin (Bariatric Advantage, Optisource, etc.).
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 aids in the formation of mature red blood cells, synthesis of DNA, stimulates appetite, promotes growth and releases energy. Food sources include liver, kidney, dairy products, fish, clams, oysters, salmon and sardines.Gastric bypass post-ops MUST supplement with B-12 because the pouch doesn’t supply the intrinsic factor required for absorption. Signs of deficiency include pernicious anemia, tiredness and neurological disorders.Supplements can be by mouth, injection or nasal spray. Monthly injections are the safest best.
Folic acid
Folic acid is necessary for formation of red blood cells. Deficiency happens because of poor dietary intake, low iron and alcoholism. Symptoms of deficiency include rapid heartbeat, fatigue, anorexia, pale skin, paranoia, or sore, inflamed tongue. Food sources include soy, leafy greens, organ meats, mushrooms, oatmeal, red beans and wheat. Supplementation is usually as easy as taking a good multivitamin.
Dining among peers
We just got back from dinner. There are about 10 people at tonight’s session, which makes for a close, intimate experience. I’ve gotten the chance to truly get to know each woman here. Two women have come from out of state for the conference – one from as far as Minnesota. The rest are from up and down the state.Our introductory session was just that, an introduction to the weekend’s activities. We’ve had numerous opportunities to ask whatever we want and get in-depth answers from Dr. Monica Ganz, director of events and support groups for ObesityHelp.The best thing, though, for me has been the experience of eating with other bariatric post-ops. In my daily life, I tend to eat with non-ops and can forget myself when eating. Sitting around a dinner table with post-ops was amazing, because we had a lot of similar habits. Many of us ordered soup for dinner. There were lots of offers to share food. And everyone ate at a similar speed. I didn’t have to worry about being the slow poke who held everyone up or having anybody comment on how much I ate (or didn’t, for that matter).
In Central CA for OH Conference
I've arrived safe and sound for the ObesityHelp Regional Conference in Visalia.
The conference begins today and lasts through Sunday. According to the OH Web site, 70 tickets are still available for the weekend. Visalia is only about 2.5 hours from Tracy if you take I-5 down and cut through Los Banos. However, there is some construction along Highway 152 in Los Banos. If you decide to drive that way, pack plenty of patience.
I'm staying in Tulare, at the Charter Inn & Suites. About 15 minutes from the Presidian Hotel where the conference is held, the hotel I'm at offers me a nice break from all the excitement that is often found at convention sites. And I happen to really like the staff here.
Today's session begins at 3 p.m. with registration and a vendor fair until 4 p.m.
Dr. Monica Ganz will host a Q&A session from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monica is a social psychologist who had gastric-bypass surgery in 2002. She has since lost more than 320 pounds and now works for ObesityHelp. Monica is someone whom I greatly admire. Her warmth and compassion are effusive in her discussions, yet she never sugar coats the situation either. Her honesty is appreciated and accepted because it's always tempered with the compassion that comes from someone who has been morbidly obese and changed her life.
Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m., during which time I'll try to find some place yummy to eat and also take some time to update my blog.
After dinner, the evening sessions will begin and last until 9 p.m.
Check back later today for more updates.
The conference begins today and lasts through Sunday. According to the OH Web site, 70 tickets are still available for the weekend. Visalia is only about 2.5 hours from Tracy if you take I-5 down and cut through Los Banos. However, there is some construction along Highway 152 in Los Banos. If you decide to drive that way, pack plenty of patience.
I'm staying in Tulare, at the Charter Inn & Suites. About 15 minutes from the Presidian Hotel where the conference is held, the hotel I'm at offers me a nice break from all the excitement that is often found at convention sites. And I happen to really like the staff here.
Today's session begins at 3 p.m. with registration and a vendor fair until 4 p.m.
Dr. Monica Ganz will host a Q&A session from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monica is a social psychologist who had gastric-bypass surgery in 2002. She has since lost more than 320 pounds and now works for ObesityHelp. Monica is someone whom I greatly admire. Her warmth and compassion are effusive in her discussions, yet she never sugar coats the situation either. Her honesty is appreciated and accepted because it's always tempered with the compassion that comes from someone who has been morbidly obese and changed her life.
Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m., during which time I'll try to find some place yummy to eat and also take some time to update my blog.
After dinner, the evening sessions will begin and last until 9 p.m.
Check back later today for more updates.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Perks of the flu
There's a line in "The Devil Wears Prada" where a characters says, "I'm just a stomach flu away from my goal weight." In my former life as a morbidly obese person, I would never have understood how true that could be.
But as a "normal-size" person, I smirk at the truth of such a comment. I'm just getting over my first nasty illness since having gastric-bypass surgery almost 18 months ago. After taking a week off work and spending almost two weeks subsisting just on liquids, I'm finally on the road to recovery from what had to be the most aggressive stomach virus known to man -- or at least to me.
The week before I came down with this bug, I weighed myself at home and found I was holding steady at 158 pounds as I had for the last few months. When I went to the doctor for my stomach ailment, I weighed 158 on his office scale. I thought that was odd. After all, doctor's office scales tend to weigh on the heavy side because they get jostled so much. But I figured the scale must have been recently calibrated. But after five days of struggling to get in 300 calories a day, I noticed my clothes were getting baggy. I hopped on the scale one morning and was surprised to see it register at 150. I didn't think much of it, figuring I'd put at least some of the weight back on when I started eating solid food again.
But here I am, a week into eating solids, and not only have I not put the weight back on, but I've managed to drop another couple of pounds. And believe me, at this size, 12 pounds is really noticeable. My size 10 pants are loose, and I've gotten tons of recent remarks about looking thinner. And to think, I have the stomach flu to thank for it all.
But as a "normal-size" person, I smirk at the truth of such a comment. I'm just getting over my first nasty illness since having gastric-bypass surgery almost 18 months ago. After taking a week off work and spending almost two weeks subsisting just on liquids, I'm finally on the road to recovery from what had to be the most aggressive stomach virus known to man -- or at least to me.
The week before I came down with this bug, I weighed myself at home and found I was holding steady at 158 pounds as I had for the last few months. When I went to the doctor for my stomach ailment, I weighed 158 on his office scale. I thought that was odd. After all, doctor's office scales tend to weigh on the heavy side because they get jostled so much. But I figured the scale must have been recently calibrated. But after five days of struggling to get in 300 calories a day, I noticed my clothes were getting baggy. I hopped on the scale one morning and was surprised to see it register at 150. I didn't think much of it, figuring I'd put at least some of the weight back on when I started eating solid food again.
But here I am, a week into eating solids, and not only have I not put the weight back on, but I've managed to drop another couple of pounds. And believe me, at this size, 12 pounds is really noticeable. My size 10 pants are loose, and I've gotten tons of recent remarks about looking thinner. And to think, I have the stomach flu to thank for it all.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
OH Conference in Visalia, CA
Obesity Help will have its last Northern Californai regional conference from Aug. 11 through 13 in Visalia.
I'm looking forward to attending and blogging from the event as I did at the Fairfield conference in June. The Visalia event promises to be even bigger and better. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking the above link.
I hope to see you there.
I'm looking forward to attending and blogging from the event as I did at the Fairfield conference in June. The Visalia event promises to be even bigger and better. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking the above link.
I hope to see you there.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Risks of dying from obesity higher than that of bariatric surgery
Researchers from the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, Conn., report that the risk of dying from morbid obesity is 50 to 85 percent higher than the risk of dying from bariatric surgery.Scientists announced the study findings at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery in San Francisco this past week.
“Morbid obesity is a killer disease that requires intervention,” said Dr. Randolph B. Reinhold, lead author and chairman of Saint Raphael’s surgery department, in a prepared statement. “This study puts into perspective that for some people, the risk of not having surgery is higher than having surgery.”
According to a press release from the society, the study evaluated 1,185 morbidly obese patients from 1997 to 2004. Of those people, 908 had bariatric surgery and 112 did not. The remainder were not available for the study. Over the course of the study, 2.9 percent of the surgery recipients died compared to 14.3 of those who did not have surgery.
“Bariatric surgery has been proven to be effective in achieving sustainable weight loss in people with morbid obesity and reducing or eliminating obesity-related diseases,” Reinhold said.
“Morbid obesity is a killer disease that requires intervention,” said Dr. Randolph B. Reinhold, lead author and chairman of Saint Raphael’s surgery department, in a prepared statement. “This study puts into perspective that for some people, the risk of not having surgery is higher than having surgery.”
According to a press release from the society, the study evaluated 1,185 morbidly obese patients from 1997 to 2004. Of those people, 908 had bariatric surgery and 112 did not. The remainder were not available for the study. Over the course of the study, 2.9 percent of the surgery recipients died compared to 14.3 of those who did not have surgery.
“Bariatric surgery has been proven to be effective in achieving sustainable weight loss in people with morbid obesity and reducing or eliminating obesity-related diseases,” Reinhold said.
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