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WLS Center.com E-Newsletter
A FREE publication by
http://www.wlscenter.com
Issue # 11
Circulation: 5,427
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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 **
*Question of the Month: Protein Sources
* Book Excerpt: Aftercare
* Nutrition Quiz:
* Recipe: Carmel apple
* Research Article: Beyond Change
* Dietary Supplements
* Success Story: Sherrie Meals
* Upcoming Speaking Events
* Poem: The Person Inside
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Dear Subscriber,
As most of you know, I live in Pittsburgh, PA. Normally we have
awful winters here, and I just hate cold weather. When I start
feeling the first bite of frost in October and November, I start
to long for sunny climates. I envy those of you who live in
Florida, Arizona, and Southern California as I plod along through
the cold months.
But then Spring starts to arrive. And I fall in love with
Pittsburgh all over again. There is such a freshness about Spring,
the idea of renewal and getting another chance that is so
inspiring. Were it not for the struggle that I went through to get
through Winter, I would not have such an appreciation of Spring,
of where I am right now.
To me, weight loss surgery is like Spring. I feel like I have
gotten another chance, and I appreciate it so much more because of
the physical pain and humiliation that I suffered along the way.
It makes this time when I am enjoying renewed health and beauty
that much sweeter.
Happy Spring everyone!!
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** Question of the Month **
We know that many of our subscribers are experts on the subject
of weight loss surgery because they are living it every day. We
want to tap into that expertise by asking a question-of-the-month
and posting some of the responses we get back in this newsletter.
By doing this, we hope to provide a better education about this
life-changing procedure.
Last month's question was about "Protein Sources."
Here are some of the responses that were sent in from our readers.
My suggestion for a good and easy protein source comes from
Laura, one of the nurse coordinators for my surgeon, Dr. Phil
Schauer at UPMC in Pittsburgh:
In one cup of Cool Whip Free, add 1 scoop of protein powder. I
use Dr. Atkins Vanilla Shake Mix. You may add a little milk if it
is too dry or thick. This is a very easy way to get down 12 grams
of protein, which is equivalent to about 2 ounces of meat. Two
ounces of meat may not sound like a lot, but when I was newly
post-op, eating 2 ounces of meat was a major undertaking.
For more great protein sources, go to http://www.wlscenter.com/MonthQuestion/protein.htm
>> The question for next month is on Exercise <<
I have such a problem exercising. I still have not learned to
enjoy it. I exercise, but only because I have worked too hard to
get where I am to not treat it with the respect it deserves. So I
exercise to maintain my weight and to continue to be healthy. But
I am in constant need of inspiration. If any of you have some
exercise tips to share such as what keeps you going, what you do
for exercise, how exercise has helped you, etc., please share them
with us.
Also, if you have an idea for a question of the month -
something you would like to see covered, please send your
suggestions to me at Barbara@wlscenter.com
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** Excerpt from the book**
Aftercare
It is very important to comply with your surgeon's follow-up
program, which is normally referred to as "aftercare."
Aftercare usually involves a visit with your surgeon at the
one-month, three-month, six-month and twelve-month anniversaries.
During the early visits you will inevitable have many questions
that deal with adjusting to your new eating habits. Some foods
will trouble you and you will be able to address this. Your
surgeon will also have the opportunity to ensure that you
completely understand what will help you to be totally successful
with this surgery, how to stay healthy, and how best to utilize
this wonderful tool. During many of these appointments, your blood
levels will probably be checked to determine any early
deficiencies. Check with your surgeon's staff to determine if you
should fast for any of these appointments.
The second year, visits are every six months to a year. During
these
visits your weight will be monitored and the staff can address
any problems that you might be having dealing with a now slightly
larger pouch and the ability to eat almost anything. After the
second year, an annual visit is required. Patients who are
successful, commit to these follow-up sessions.
Aftercare can ensure your success. Your surgeon can monitor
your health to be sure that you are staying on track.
This was an excerpt from "Weight Loss Surgery, Finding the
Thin Person Hiding Inside You," available at http://www.wlscenter.com
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** Nutrition Test **
How much do you know about nutrition? Take this test and check
your answers here
1. Calcium is important for the formation of bone material.
What is necessary in order for calcium to be absorbed?
2. Of the following foods, which has the least calcium:
A. Canned salmon, 1/2 can
B. Cottage cheese, 1/2 cup
C. Brazil nuts, 1/2 cup
D. Cooked kale, 1/2 cup
3. According to a study done by researchers at the University
of Arizona, women crave chocolate most when they have a deficiency
in what mineral?
A. Calcium
B. Zinc
C. Magnesium
D. Potassium
To take the rest of the test, Click
Here
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** Recipes **
Thanks to Susan Campero for this yummy simple recipe
Caramel Apple Mix
1 8 ounce tub of lite cool whip,
1 box of sugar free butterscotch pudding
Mix well and add 1 can of drained crushed pineapple to the
mixture.
Peel and cut a medium sized apple into chunks and mix....serve
cold.
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 **
Healthy Forever; Patient Compliance and Vitamin Supplements
By Barbara Thompson
"Beyond Change," Vol 3, March 2002, P.5.
"My surgery is over. I made it. Now when am I going to
wake up thin?" If you have had bariatric surgery, you have
probably had these thoughts at some point. It is an easy trap to
fall into, as you want to believe that weight loss surgery is
strictly the work of the surgeon. But the surgery is just one step
in a long journey to health that is directly affected by what you
as a patient do. You determine if you will lose 50%, 75% or 100%
of your excess weight. And you determine how healthy you might be
by how closely you comply with all of those nutritional warnings
given to you by your surgeon and the support staff.
For the rest of the article, Click
Here
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** Success Stories **
Sherrie Meals
As the first anniversary of my weight loss surgery approaches,
I find myself feeling very reflective. I think back to how
apprehensive I felt about what I consider to be one of the most
important decisions of my life. I also think about how I felt both
physically and emotionally with over 100 extra pounds. Sometimes,
those memories can make me feel very sad and even teary-eyed.
Before my surgery, I was exhausted all the time. After teaching
all day, a simple request from my teenage daughter to go to the
mall in the evening was more than I could bear. After all, my feet
hurt, my legs hurt and I was just too tired! I recall walking up
the stairs at school and finding it necessary to stop on the
landing halfway up to catch my breath. Now, I'm always ready to go
to the mall and for the first time my daughter and I can shop in
the same stores. I find myself running up those steps at school
without giving it a second thought! Prior to surgery, I've
experienced many of the same embarrassments that others have
shared such as having to ask for a seatbelt extender on an
airplane and not quite fitting in the booth at a restaurant.
This surgery has allowed me to gain control over my addiction
to food and live a more healthful life. I'm very thankful that I
heard about Dr. Schauer and weight loss surgery. It has turned out
to be one of the best decisions I've ever made!
Sherrie Meals
Lap RNY
12/04/00
I love good news. If you have good news, a success story to
share, or inspiration, please send it to me at Barbara@wlscenter.com
so that I can include it in future issues.
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** Poem **
Many thanks to Mary Myers for the following poem:
The Person Inside
I look in the mirror and don't like what I see. For there is
someone else living inside of me.
A stronger, healthier, fun-loving person--totally different
then the person starring back at me.
Why is this person hiding inside of me--let her come out and
set her free. Why has she been hiding for so many years--what's
she afraid of, is there something out there?
I pray every night that the person inside will show her face
and take my place. Come out, come out, whoever you are, come out,
come out and be who you are.
Mary
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