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WLS Center.com E-Newsletter
A FREE publication by
http://www.wlscenter.com
Issue # 16
Circulation: 6,758

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From the Desk of Barbara Thompson
Author of "Weight Loss Surgery; Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You"

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** In This Issue **

* Some Thoughts on "Image"
* Recipe: Layered Salsa
* Research Article: Leptin
* Spreading the Word in New Jersey and Virginia
* Book Excerpts: Body Image and Shopping for Clothes
* Success Story: Susie Meriwether
* Poetry Corner: As We Begin by Kellie Ricker

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Dear Subscriber,

Does anyone else love that Staples commercial on TV in which the father is wearing shorts and goofy white socks and rides around Staples in a shopping cart while in the background music plays "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?" He is celebrating that his children are going back to school soon. Every August the networks pull that out and every year it makes me laugh. I hate to see summer winding down, but I sure love that commercial!!

In this newsletter edition, I want to address the issues of external image and internal self-image. Every day I get email from people at various points in their weight loss journey. Two common issues I can sense in many of them is how they deal with their external appearance both pre-op and post-op, and how they are trying to conquer a negative self-image that has been with them most of their lives. If this edition of the newsletter can cause just one person to realize a better appreciation of the person they are, both externally and internally, my efforts will be a success.

I wish you well.

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** Some Thoughts on "Image" by Barbara Thompson **

I love big hair - the bigger the better. In fact, one of my most prized possessions is my hot rollers. That's my secret to big hair! When I travel, I even carry my hot rollers separately with me on the airplane. What if they were lost in my checked baggage? I have visions of arriving in the city where I am speaking, standing at the baggage carousel watching it go round and round as all of the passengers hoist off their suitcases (to the delight of the chiropractic community). My fellow passengers depart one by one. The carousel stops, empty, and I am left all alone. And the thought hits me. Ahhhhhh!!!! My hot rollers are gone!

For the rest of this article, Click Here

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** Recipes **

Layered Salsa

~ 1 brick light cream cheese softened
~ 1 cup of light sour cream
~ 1 cup of low fat mayo
~ 3/4 large jar of medium salsa (mild or hot if preferred)
~ 3 green onions diced
~ 1/2 sweet red pepper diced
~ 1/2 green pepper diced
~ 1 large tomato diced
~ 2 cups of grated low fat cheddar cheese

1) In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream & mayo until smooth.

2) In a shallow dish, spread the mixture over the bottom evenly and place in the refrigerator to set for about 1/2 hour.

3) After it is set, pour the salsa over top evenly.

4) After the salsa, spread the remaining ingredients one at a time over top, making sure the cheese is the last ingredient to go on, completely covering each layer as you go.

5) Refrigerate until ready to serve.

6) Serve with baked nacho chips or pita wedges.

ENJOY!!!

If you have a recipe that you would like to share in future issues of this newsletter, please send it to me at Barbara@wlscenter.com.

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** New Research Article **

Could Leptin Be the Cause of Yo-Yo Dieting???

Why is it that we diet and lose weight, but then gain it back plus additional weight? Could the answer be in the hormone Leptin?

With a 61% increase in the incidence of obesity in the United States during the 1990's, the medical community is desperate to find a cure for this serious condition. A clue may be in the hormone Leptin.

Leptin, first discovered in 1994, is produced by fat cells. It enters the blood stream where it sends signals to the hypothalamus part of the brain suppressing our appetite. Leptin also causes an increase in physical activity and a loss of fat. Sounds like the perfect formula for weight loss. However, researchers have found that after losing weight, the level of Leptin in dieters drops, leading to an increase in hunger along with a slower metabolism. And the pounds return leading to the yo-yo dieting cycle.

For more information on Leptin, Click Here

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** Spreading the Word in New Jersey and Virginia**

On Thursday September 5th, I will be speaking for the practice of Dr. Valeriu Andrei of the Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick, NJ. For details, click here. http://www.wlscenter.com/calendar/wc09052002.htm

And on Tuesday September 17th, I will be speaking for Dr. Eric DeMaria of the University of Virginia, Richmond, VA. For additional information, 

If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by!!! I would love to meet you.

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** Book Excerpt **

Body Image
We all have a sense of our bodies and how we relate to others and our environment. But when our bodies go through such a rapid and drastic change, we tend to lose a sense of ourselves and can actually undergo an identity crisis. Patients report that when they pass someone, they still give people a wide berth as if their bodies are still the same large size. They tend to go through a turnstile sideways even though it is no longer necessary. And catching their reflection in a glass can be very disconcerting. They don't recognize themselves. It is like they are walking around in someone else's body. It takes some getting used to.

Shopping For Clothes
Shopping for new clothes can be equally disturbing. We have been waiting for so long to fit into these new slim clothes and we don't know where to go to get them. We are accustomed to going to Lane Bryant or another "plus-size" store and picking out what fits and not really thinking about it. Now you can walk in and out of stores and be so frustrated trying to find just where you "fit in." In what department in what store do you shop? You have to decide what brands you now like, and what is "you." You have to establish a new identity. It can be fun trying on those clothes that you just can't believe fit you now. And it can be a bit scary. But you do find your way, and eventually shopping will be enjoyable as you find yourself sobbing with joy in the dressing room, when you slip on a size you haven't worn in years. You just need to give yourself time.

It is a great feeling when you walk into a regular size store, and realize that the saleslady knows, from the beginning, that you are shopping for yourself and not for some slim friend or relative. You actually belong in that store because you need slim clothes for yourself.

This is an excerpt from "Weight Loss Surgery; Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You" by Barbara Thompson. This is a book that is a "must have" for any patient going through this surgery. Click Here for order information

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*** Poetry Corner ***

Barbara,
I have written this short poem that just touches the tip of the iceberg for what we deal with. I hope you enjoy it and will put it on your website. Have a beautiful day and God bless.

Sincerely
Kellie Ricker

As We Begin

I live inside this outer shell, inside living a life of hell
Strangers words & ugly stares, makes me believe no one cares
In a world filled with pain & terror, what is reflected in my mirror?
Who is that? Where am I? Things are bad, I want to cry.
The answer is near, problem solved. Now watch me as I evolve.
From caterpillar to butterfly, now the world just dances by
No painful words or shameful tears, I've added to life better years.