A Run for Life

In August of 2010 I had my son, and once this child entered my life I knew that every single decision I made about my health from that point on not only affected me, but Elijah as well.  I am a type 1 Diabetic and this alone makes all of my health decision even more serious that I ever thought it would be at this point in my life. I was watching other with Juvinile Diabetes who were also overweight, and not caring crumble right in front of me.  So I made the tough decision to have Bilopancratic Diverson with Dueondeal Switch. I was 250lbs and saw only more weight being added to that at a rapid pace.

Thanksgiving 2010 (255lbs)

Typically this surgery in particular is used for those patience that have more than 300lbs to loose. However, because of my Diabetes the surgeon wanted to make sure that I had low food intolerance once I got around to eating again. 

On June 2, 2011 I went in for the surgery, and had no idea how much my life would change over the next year. I went through several ups and downs emotionally and physically while I dealt with becoming a new person. Around February 2012 is when I decided it was time for me to add exercise to this weight loss journey. I was 170lbs and had stop losing weight for about a month. I decided on running. Running was my alone time, my let it all out time. I simply started with ½ mile run ½ mile walk, and let me say that walking any distance at 170lbs is WAY easier that at 250lbs.

Training for the Fifth Third 5k 

 Week by week I added mileage slowly along with getting advice from another mom who had run before she has her first child. Together Ashley and I decided that In May of 2011 we would run Fifth Third Riverbank run 5k together.  Now I think back about how scared I was to run 3.1 miles and I laugh, but then remind myself that 3.1 miles is HUGE. How many people can say that have run that distance? On May 12, 2012 I ran the 5k alone because Ashley ended up with a knee injury. This made the entire ordeal even more nerve wracking for me.  I was able to accomplish all of the goals I had set for myself for this specific run. I ran the entire run without stopping to walk at all and I finished in less than 30min, 29min58sec to be exact

After this run I guess you can say we became addicted.  Ashley and I made plans to run several 5ks and 10ks that summer but summer can and went and I ran some, but not as much as I could have or

My Husband (Josh) and I at the finish line
of the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 5k

should have. At the end of summer 2012 we decided that in order to get back on track we need to make a commitment to run in the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 25k (15.5 miles) in May 2013. Ashley was more than willing and signed up immediately. I on the other hand waited, and waited and then waited some more.  Finally December came around and with the help of Ashley and the encouragement of my husband Josh and 2 yr old son Elijah I registered for the 25k and the real training began. 

Ashley and I after our 25k finish!
We craved those medals SO BAD! 

 I had my tom-tom Nike Plus watch and some awesome running shoes and I was ready. Three short runs a week ranging from three to five miles a week and long runs on Saturdays starting at five miles and adding two miles almost every week until we hit a half marathon (13.1 miles). After months of running and running, and oh, more running May 11, 2013 came around. We ran all 15.5 miles in 3 hours 1 min and 26 sec. We held hands as we crossed the finish line. It was beyond amazing. The run was amazing that in October 2012 Ashley and I are running a full marathon (26.2 miles) to continue to feed our addiction. 

I was given a tool almost 2 years ago. While yes the number on the scale has gone down, I am holding very steady on the scale at 156lbs for the past year. My A1C is and awesome 5.6, all my labs come back perfect every single time, but most importantly I can play with my son. I can get on the floor with Elijah without my back hurting, with out my knees bothering me, without feeling any pain. I am also stronger. I am a stronger friend, I am a stronger wife, and I am strong mom. I love where I am with my health and my running. 

None of what I have said means that I do not have bad days, or eat things that I should not, but I am only human. I was only given a tool by having weight loss surgery. It is my responsibility ti take that tool and use it correctly to benefit my life and make it better for myself and my family. 

Supportive Family! 

As you all know support is so important and I really try to celebrate the people who try to understand our journey.  I wanted to share a special post we received a couple of weeks ago on the friendly site.

Michele wrote, “HI Everyone! I want to talk about my mother. My Mom is wonderful!
I had my surgery 3/18 and she has been by my side through the whole thing. She even joined all of the sites and Facebook pages and has been reading up on everything. When I tell her that protein is hard to get in she makes her best try to understand because she had read so much on it and because of this I am really able to talk about it. I love her so much and I want to thank her for all she does for me. While in the store she even reads labels and looks for protein in things.... I adore and appreciate her!
 Love you Mom !!! xoxo"

Michelle also wanted everyone to know that “Both of my parents have been very supportive. My dad was very proud of my decision.  I hope it that others have as supportive people around them as I do. Even my work family has been wonderful.”

Medicare Approval for Bariatric Patients

Anonymous has very valid points to her story and I want to remind everyone that if your insurance provider is Medicare, please visits their website for approved Bariatric Surgery Programs.  Just because a hospital takes Medicare does not mean they have been approved for their bariatric program.  Always check your http://www.medicare.gov/ -Jocelyn

Anonymous wrote,”To save other people the time and hassle I went through [from mid Sept. in 2012 until now]: If you are on Medicare, including any of the Medicare advantage plans out there, you can ONLY have your surgery at a hospital that has the 'Center of Excellence' designation. Even if you're initially told otherwise by your insurance company. I went to a major University hospital well known internationally and got the initial ok to proceed with my consults and testing but by the time my surgery was scheduled, I was told I can't have my surgery there. So I'm hoping that maybe I can prevent others from going through the testing process but then not being able to have the surgery [this hospital does take my insurance for everything else but didn't know about this...”

Advice from a Bariatric Patient that Struggles with Bipolar Disorder.

Anonymous wrote, “Hi, I want to be able to let pre-op patients and others who might have some issues that I have dealt with since my surgery. I have had a long history of Bipolar Disorder. I have been very stable for 10 years prior to my surgery. Within 1 1/2 years my stability was destroyed. Prior to the 10 years that I was stable I had had lot of hospitalization but for the 10 I was stable,  I had none. Since the RNY I have been in at least 15 times. And I am still not well. The main point that I am trying to say is

1) Think seriously about your mental health.

2) If/when you crash will you have a GOOD AND I REALLY MEAN GOOD! and adequate support system?

 3) Do you take meds for your disorder? they may NOT work like they did pre-op!! Remember NO EXTENDED RELEASE MEDS!!!

This is true of any med, reg or psych!!, Do you and your provider realize this can be a hard issue to resolve?

I still think I would do this again.. But if I had known how bad it was going to be I would have had a better safety plan.  I still hope someday my life will level out, but it has been very traumatic to say the least.  -Anonymous

Leslee's Bio: 

Being an only child of a single mother growing up the 60's, I often times found myself alone and lonely. My mother wasn't great at discussing difficult questions, such as "do I have a father". Her response generally came in some form of food, like Twinkies or Suzy Q's. As a entered elementary school as a chubby 5 year old, I was often teased by other students. When on the rare occasion I was invited to a classmates home, the parents grilled me about my home life and soon began making rude comments about my mother and making fun of me for not having a father. I generally was never invited back to those homes. Even teachers questioned the absence of my father's name on school records. These all brought difficult questions to my mother who would just address them with food for me and herself. I soon learned that food was the answer to my questions, and I stopped asking them. I also soon realized that food also replaced siblings and friends. 

As the years went by, my weight increased and the taunting and bullying got worse. I was even held at knife point in 4th grade by a boy who told me h needed to cut out my blubber. I never knew of any other life besides this, I thought it was normal but I always wondered why the other girls were so thin and pretty. No one ever thought I was thin or pretty. I knew that I could always go to food to be comforted and I did that over and over again. Habits were now formed and engrained as much as my DNA.

 As school years proceeded, I never went on a date, a school dance or the high school prom. The attention I did get from boys were for 1 thing only and it was always hush hush. My mother remained very manipulative and never let me leave the house except for school and told me I wasn't smart enough for college. She told me I will never meet a man who respected me and that all men are losers.. She basically brainwashed me into wanting to stay with her the rest of her life.

 As I got a little older, she became dependent on me. I knew in the deepest part of my soul that I was meant for a better life that what my mother had and what she was planning for me. She became my "reverse role model". I graduated highschool close to 200 lbs. While working part time at a grocery store, I met a wonderful man who would become my husband. My mother continually based the relationship and insisted we always eat dinner with her. When we weren't eating with her, we ate out. 

My weight continued to increase. By the time I was 19, I was already on blood pressure medication. I was able to secure a full time position at a bank where I worked my way up over the course of 11 yrs. During that time, I enlisted many diets and exercise programs. They all worked while I was on them, then once I went off, I gained the weight back and then some. During that time I also married. My wedding dress was a size 24. My first child came 2 years later along with additional weight gain. At 240 lbs and a 2 yr old child, I went on Jenny Craig. I was extremely successful and got down to size 4. I loved their approach with balanced nutrition, weekly exercise goals and weekly consults. I fell in love with weight lifting during this time as well!

 Within weeks of reaching my goal, I became pregnant and gained 100 lbs. After the pregnancy, I had high cholesterol and uncontrolled BP on meds. I did little to control my weight over the next couple of years. The weight fluctuated, I toyed with Phen Phen, Meridia and the other medication that gives you diarrhea when you eat fat. Then when I least expected it, I became pregnant with my 3rd son. I was scared this time. I was high risk for developing eclampsia. I watched my weight during this pregnancy and only gained about 18 lbs and delivered a healthy baby (my 2nd c-section). During the next few years, my career was skyrocketing. I had taken college courses to advance my career and I was working very hard and taking care of my family. Soon I felt exhausted, had little motivation for pleasure, was embarrassed to attend my boys school and sporting events. I sat on the couch and asked my kids to get my food and drinks for me. I didn't even get my own butt off the couch! On my yearly checkup when I turned 44, I asked my doctor if I was healthy - he looked at me with a blank stare. His response, "Your 245 lbs, on 2 BP meds with uncontrolled blood pressure, high cholesterol meds, borderline diabetes, severe sleep apnea, a resting heart rate of close to 100, and severe anxiety... I'd say the clock is ticking as to when you will have a heart attack or a stroke". He handed me my Rx's and walked out the door without saying another thing. I think I stopped breathing for at least 30 seconds while I let that sink in.

 I went home numb and sat on the couch with photographs of my family in my hands and wept. I felt I let them all down. My mother was right after all, I wasn't good enough. Then something out of no where - lifted my spirit and told me I am good enough, I deserve health and wellness. I wanted to be the best mother and role model I could be for my children. I wanted to be a better wife and lover to my husband. I wanted to LOVE myself. That empty feeling I had inside was the lack of love I had for myself. I never learned that growing up. I often times walked around numb. I'm not even sure I knew how to love my children or my husband. I went through the motions of life without ever living it. The crossroads were in front of me, I had to make a permanent decision. I knew I had to have Weight Loss Surgery.

 I contacted our local center of excellence the next day and went to an informational session the very next week. After many consults and research on my own, my doctor and I selected the Lap-Band. Mostly for it's flexibility and that it could be as permanent as I wanted it to be. My surgery was approx 6 month later on 3/24/2009. My head was in the right place - I was motivated. I began walking just a few days after surgery and joined the gym a few months later. I started taking all type of cardio classes. I began feeling more confident but hated the jiggly-ness of my fat! I joined a small group conditioning class which incorporated weight training and cardio - after 6 weeks I saw different results - my fat was disappearing and my muscles felt more tone. I was lifting heavier weights. I joined the group for another 6 weeks, then I really was looking great. After that, I hired an elite olympic personal trainer who I told I simply want to get as strong as possible while continuing to lose weight. he put me through russian and german strength training routines, high reps, high volume, you name it. It was different all the time. He focused on form and always ensured I knew what muscle group I was working. It was then that I knew I traded my food addiction for the weight training. The emotional effects were the same - pure euphoria. Just 9 months post op, a family friend of mine who is a Body Builder saw me for the first time in a couple years suggested that I start training for competition based on my muscle mass and body shape. Thats all it took - I was ready for my next goal - Hit the Stage!!!

 I hired a professional female body builder to get me ready for the (natural) stage in just under a year. During this year, I learned so much about myself and my body, it just amazed me each and every day. It took sacrifice, dedication, perseverance and balls! Many people now, instead of cheering my success began criticizing it. I was now too thin, I didn't eat nuf, I didn't drink alcohol. I was becoming who I was meant to be. The criticisms became my fuel, the voices from the past became my motivation. I became unstoppable. My mother nearly stopped talking to me.

I stepped on stage Oct 2010, at age 46 just 18 months post op looking better than i ever did and now on NO MEDICATIONS!

 I placed dead last! 

Devastation? 

Helll No ! I can only get better from here - I hit the ground running for the following year! Shortly after my Oct 2010 competition, I was contacted by Allergan to be one of their new Spokesmodels for the latest Lap-Band advertising campaign! After a week in LA being treated like a supermodel, I came home to be notified by the the hospital where I had my surgery, that they wanted to do a 30 min segment on my success. I was so humbled that people wanted me - they wanted to hear my story - see my results! 

Over the course of the next several months, I trained for 4 more competitions. This time I entered in Figure and Physique instead of Body Building. I consistently placed 6th out of 18-24 women of all ages!! I was quite pleased with this placement but still not completely satisfied. I took the following year off to re-examine my reasons for competing and impact of being judged by random strangers had my emotional well-being as well as the emotional strain of losing a significant amount of weight for the stage, then having to put some back on afterwards. In 2012, I did more learning about myself than training.

I leaned that I finally loved myself and that I was now living life instead of going thru the motions. I feel in love with my husband all over again - his support never waivered, regardless of my goals, he was my #1 supporter. I knew what it was like to love my children with my whole heart and soul. I watched one of children see me as a role model and became a state champion power-lifter at age 16. There's no better gift than that! My spirit has awakened as I am giving back to the WLS community. My desire for learning has not given up - in 2013, I have received my Bariatric Life Coaching certification thru BSCI and also my Personal Training and Sports Nutrition Certification. I am planning on multiple PT certifications as I believe you can never have enough education. I also believe that hands on real life experience compliments any certification and I am proud to say, I've been trained by the best and surround myself with Industry Leaders.

 I am one of the few who can literally say, Been There Done That ... now what can I do for you?

Leslee Gero Cook

www.BariFit.com

Sugar Free Recipe from our Friendly Pastry Chef

Valentina Zitola  valentina.kisses27@gmail.com

Friend or Foe?

By our Friendly Therapist Intern Diana Vogel,

                Aren't friendships supposed to bring us joy? Be fulfilling? Make life fuller? Well what happens when your friends aren't what they're cracked up to be. At what point do we make the decision to part ways with people we call “friends”? It's important to understand the impact that unhealthy friendships have on our overall health and well being. An unhealthy friendship can cause anxiety, affect our social life, trigger stress, impact self-worth and influence our personality. These symptoms of an unhealthy relationship force our coping skills into over drive. So unless you go out for a jog every time your girlfriend judges your parenting style, for example, then your setting yourself up for disaster.

                So why do we continue to put ourselves through the misery of bad company? For many reasons. We tell ourselves that we have history together, “Oh they've have been my friend since high school.” Guess what, this isn't high school anymore.....but I bet many people behave within relationships as if it were. Maybe it's because there are mutual friends in common and fear that if you cut one off then you risk losing the others.....so what! Saves you the trouble of having to reevaluate those friendships too. Afraid you may end up alone? Then it's time to explore your interest and make new friends.  

                But before you start requiring your friends to be better friends, what kind of friend are you? Do you allow people to help you when they offer? Do you go out of your way for your friends, let them know and show them that you can be counted on? Are you the “Debby Downer” of the group or the mean girl? You must first be the kind of friend you desire before you can demand it of others.

                Know what kind of people we should allow in our lives. Most people think we need to have things in common with people in order to have them as friends. Not necessarily. If you purely enjoy their company then isn't that enough? What about having multiple friends...unless you have one friend that fills your entire list of requirements then I hope you do have more than one. Each person can add value to our lives; one friend may be the one you count on to lift you up when you are down, another maybe the one you get life tips from. Either way, learning to value each friend for what they add to your life, instead of asking them to add value to other parts of your life to fill a void may be an up hill battle.

                So don't wait until you have an argument with your friend to find courage to tell them how you feel, address concerns before they ruin a friendship. And you don't need “something” to happen to call off a friendship. If you think your on a different page and or just not interested in investing in them, then tell them, instead of avoiding them and slowly or abruptly cutting them off. In order to live your best life it takes courage. Doing what is right for you may not feel right or be easy, but it is ultimately about your health and happiness......so dig deep and make tough choices, you deserve to be around people who deserve to have you in their lives.

Five tell tail signs that you should reevaluate your friendship:

•             You keep asking yourself why you're still friends

•             You no longer enjoy their company

•             You don't like who you are when your around that person

•             You feel like you give more then you get in return

•             They add no value to your to your life

If you liked what Diana had to say and you live in CA you might want to consider joining her on “Date Night” it’s on June 1,2013 from 6-8pm.  The is a cost is a reasonable $35 and the topics included are:

-Navigating relationships; friends, parents, siblings and spouses

*Boundaries

*Acceptance

-Making hard decisions

-Understanding the true you

-Vulnerability; why it’s necessary

-Achieving ultimate peace and happiness

For more info click here 

A WLS Pastry Chef !

Last week I ask our page “ If, for your next Birthday, someone offered to make you the ultimate sugar free dessert of your choice, what great concoction would you request? Be deliciously specific!”  Little did I know we had a pastry chef amongst us.  

Valentina Zitola quickly messages the group and told us to give her any request and she would help us re-make it.  So, I asked her to re-make one lucky members request a week.

 A Simple Peanut Butter Cookie 

1 c peanut butter,

1 c Splenda,

 1 egg,

 1 t Vanilla,

 1 t bkg powder.....

.mix well, spoon onto greased sheet, crisscross w/fork, bake 12-15 minutes at 350

 Guys, I am not a baker and I couldn't believe how easy it was to prepare.  They came out light and fluffy too!  Please note I used half the recipe and was able to make 10 small cookies.  

Thank You for the Free Protein Bars

RECHARGE

A few weeks ago Recharge Dynamic Nutrition™ reached out to our Friendly page and asked me if I would like some free samples for me and our page members.  My thoughts were,” who says no to free stuff that has 8 grams of protein and only 100 calories?”

The Result?

Our members loved them!  Thank You Dynamic Nutrition for introducing a new protein source to our members to try.

Jocelyn

Naysayers should show Respect !

Meet Tamisha A WLS Success Story

Before I announce the winners of the “I Love My Bubbles Bodywear” contest, I want you to meet an amazing WLS success story.  Her name is Tamisha and it was her who gave us the solution of using Butt padding to help ease the pain as we lose our cushion around the tush area.  Here is her story. 

“I started my journey in 2011 weighing in at over 235lbs, I was very unhappy and unhealthy, I was

borderline diabetic, had high blood pressure and also sleep apnea. I had a BMI of 40.1 which is consider morbidly obese, I couldn't enjoy my everyday life with my family, I was always too tired to do anything, didn't have the motivation to live life the way I knew I could have. The day finally came when I couldn't take it anymore I couldn't go on living life the way I had been for so many years, so I decided to look into Bariatric Surgery, and I was a perfect candidate for the surgery.

On June 28, 2011 my life changed forever.  I had RNY Gastric Bypass

and even though I had a rough beginning, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. My life has changed in so many ways, I'm healthy, I have a wonderful family, an amazing job and coworkers. I love my life now, my health is better than it has ever been in my entire life, I have a normal BMI for the first time in over 15 years. My only regret is not having the surgery sooner, because I missed out on so many things with my husband and children, but not anymore I have a life now and I love it and I'm living it to the fullest.”

   Thanks to Tamisha & her wonderful boss we are able to give two people a Bubbles Bodywear gift.

And the winners are

Danielle Velazquez for the $50 coupon

&

Kylee Campbell-Rupe for the $25 coupon.

Our First Contest! To Enter

Find Bariatric Friendly on Pinterest 

Find Bariatric Friendly on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/bariatriclife/

A special Thank You to Bubbles Bodwear

Denied WLS by your insurance? Ready to give up?

Ready to give up?  All too often I get emails Thanking and apologizing to me, saying they will have to be leaving our friendly page.  The email usually goes on to say how they lost weight and found our members educated, motivating and fun but they got denied by their insurance and it’s too painful to continue.  My heart sinks every time because I know they are coming from a place of defeat, heart ache.  I usually reach out to our members asking them to share their appeal success stories but sometimes that’s not enough because after months of jumping through hoops you feel exhausted and defeated.  I want to introduce you to someone I have gotten to know and now admire.    

Meet Walter Lindstrom obesity advocate, bariatric patient & insurance Lawyer. 

Lawyer???? Don’t run for the hills!!  Trust me Walter’s the “Friendly” kind.  He & his wife Kelley are the ones you want on your side.  Yes, Walter is an insurance lawyer by but that doesn’t mean he doesn't know what you are going through. “Only we know how it feels to scan a room for a stable chair, some   people will never understand but I do.”   Being an insurance lawyer just happens to mean that he knows how to fight for you.  As you get to know Walter and his wife Kelley you will learn they prefer the word Advocate because that’s what they are, that’s what they do.

The first appeal letter Walter ever wrote was his own.  At 405lbs he attempted to get insurance approval and he was denied.  Like too many people he walked away, like many people he said, “It’s not meant to be” and went on to try Optifast and that didn’t work. 

It was only with the birth of his daughter that he said to himself,” if I’m going to be the father I want

to be I’m going to have to do something.”   He did! He shed that weight with WLS and he has been fighting for patients ever since.  In fact he has had over 6000 insurance fights fought!

Walter and his wife Kelley understand that obesity is a family disease.  If you don’t believe me check out the little video below of their daughter Marissa educating and fighting for your rights as a WLS patients.  Min 3:51 gets me choked up.  This is really a family practice that cares and is fighting so that you shouldn't have to seek out a lawyer for approval to help you.  

So, I know what you are thinking.  Do I really want to get a lawyer involved?  How much will this cost?  Will this cause trouble with my employer and affect my job?  Why, don’t I just pay out of pocket and go abroad? 

 Walter & his wife Kelley have assured me all consultations are without charge until the patient (and us) decide we can and should work together.  After that, it's a flat fee.  Kelley said to me,"we never want fees to be an obstacle and we work with patients all the time with installments. This is about the patients’ health, we are a family practice and we will work with what you can afford and we will take installment payments.”

I learned a lot about insurances company’s in that hour I spoke with Walter & Kelley.  It was very depressing but it’s the truth.  After that hour I really feel that patients should consider exhausting ever option before paying out of pocket because they are putting their safety at risk. 

Safety at risk? Yes, if you pay out of pocket for WLS, your insurance company can refuse to cover any complications you have in the future.  I feel it’s better to be safe before dipping into that retirement account or applying for a credit card.   

So, if you are feeling defeated and want to give it one more try with someone who has been there and knows how to fight.  I suggest you start with giving Walter and Kelley a call or visit their website at wlsappeals.com 

A Funny Story!

You have to love our virtual friends Facebook that we have never met but share a common bond.  J  Two weeks ago I didn’t sign on to Myfitnesspal for 3 days and I got the funniest message.  I have thought of it every day since and I haven’t missed a day.   Thank You Sabrina for bring a smile to my face and motivating me.  –Jocelyn

Sabrina writes:

"Another day and the FBI will be alerted. I can see the conversation now.

Me: I'd like to report a missing person.

 FBI: when was the last time you saw her?

 Me: I've never met her.

 FBI: Then how do you know she's missing?

Me: she hasn't logged into MyFitnessPal for three days. That's as good as completely disappearing.

 FBI: she hasn't logged into MyFitnessPal?! And it took you THREE WHOLE DAYS to report this?

 Me: ::bows her head:: she could be in Afghanistan right now. Or worse yet, on the ice cream aisle in Walmart or standing in line at PizzaHut.

FBI: ::talks into his ear piece:: what?!! Not Code red!! Code Red."

"The Emotional Roller Coaster" by Diana Vogel a Friendly Therapist Intern

This is an honest 10 min look into the the "Emotional Roller Coaster" we all face with life before & after surgery.  Thank You Diana Vogel for doing these mini-series for our friendly community. 

          Learn more about Diana Vogel MS Marriage and Family Therapist intern and Bariatric Patient at Bariatric Friendly.com

He Sent Me A Box of Food

A few weeks ago Michael from KalorieBox reached out to me and offered me a box of food.  He  explained how healthy and convenient their service was for the bariatric patent but wanted me to try it first hand.  Before accepting his offer, I looked at the website to learn about their offering.  I must say it’s a cool concept for introducing nutritious snacks to the bariatric patients but the thought terrified me.

Why?

Nothing scares me more than someone telling me they are sending me a box of food.   Even, if it’s healthy.  I’m a food Addict!  There I said it.   Maybe I wouldn’t have thought less of it in the beginning; you know the honeymoon stage of WLS.  Back then my pouch had me on lock down 24/7 but now?   Now, I’m 8 years out.    Now it’s all me.

 Michael explained more about the choices each month not to mention he name dropped Bariatric Foodie and how her members enjoyed Kaloriebox.  I graciously accepted. After all, it’s a box of nutritious snacks.  Who would say no to that?

The Day came! Before opening the clean pretty box I made a commitment to myself that I would not open each package and

taste test each one right there.  This wasn’t’ a taste test, this was a test to see if the items in the box were good for me.  It was about a slow discovery and to see if any of the products would cause me to dump.  I also committed to using myfitnesspal to see if the products would get my needs met.

 What was in my box?

Almond Milk by Pacific it was tasty but I already use almond milk in everything from coffee to oatmeal.

 Crunch dried fruit by Sensible Foods

It's a great option for a little crunch but watch out for the sugars.  This puppy had 14 grams for a tiny bag.   A handful was enough to satisfy.

Pirates Booty

 Honestly I liked the taste and the small size of the bag but I will admit I didn’t eat all of it. 

Sweet Corn Crunch 

was not my thing. I had a handful and I would rather have some real corn.

 Chocolite Protein “Cookies & Cream”

Hands down was my favorite product in the whole box.  At only 95 calories / 0 sugars/ 4 g sugar alcohol and 9 g protein I was in heaven.  The convenience of it being so small was awesome.   I didn’t find myself eating only half and looking for a baggy so I could place the other half in my purse.  Did I mention it was tasty?  Disclaimer to any newbie:  I’m 8 years out and my palate has grown accustomed to the chalk taste of protein bars.  Although I really didn’t think this product was chalky you may be more sensitive. JUST SAYING!

Last but not least, Natures Hollow sugar free maple syrup. <3 it!  Awesome product and it is being used in a lot of recipe experiments.  Well worth the price of the box alone.

Overall, Kaloriebox was a neat experience.   It was kind of cool to not have to battle the confusion at the health food store.  Kaloriebox could be a good idea for someone who is just looking to spice things up years after surgery or even a newbie just starting pre-approval process. Actually I think it would be a cool gift.    I kind of felt like I was on an episode of the iron chef thinking about what can I pair this with today?     Thank you Michael for the neat box of goodies, I had fun with it!

The Bike Seat was my only “Hurt”dle

Have you heard the term, “You need to develop your Spinn legs”?  After being 406 lbs. I didn’t need to developed strong legs, I got em!  What I need was to get use to that tiny little seat on the spin bike that seems to get lost in your tush!  So, if you’re going to attempt this kick butt workout with a doctor’s permission of course.  I suggest starting out slow.

1) Find an instructor to help with your settings and explain the bike.  Any instructor worth the sweat off your forehead will take the time to help you get comfortable with the bike.

***WLS Peeps should know your settings will change as your weight melts off J

2) If you really don’t want to walk funny the next day, try 5 to 10 min of class until you get use to it. (Let the instructor know)

3) If you have strong legs like me, speed might not be your thing.  Turn that little red knob to the right a few times and you will feel the burn of the mountain.  Slower and more “tension” was easier for me.

4) Make sure you are on a real spinner bike according to spinning.com they are rated for 350 lbs. and can take a beating.  Don’t be Shy!

5) If you have a delicate tush like me invest in a cushy seat cover and trust me, you will get use the seat.

6) Tuck your shoe laces (I speak from experience.) Yeah, that was embarrassing!

7) Enjoy the ride 

Me? Insightful?

I was recently told by an interviewer that my thoughts on re-gain and challenges were incredibly insight full. My response was,” In the beginning we are taught to sip, sip, sip and we find ourselves grazing thought-out the day just to make our protein requirements. I believe this can actually become a habit and lead to re-gain if not stopped by month 6 or 7.” I had surgery 8 years ago and my challenges were different from yours. What do you think? Where you warned and informed of this? What did your doctors and support centers tell you? ~Jocelyn

Meet Diana Vogel, MS Marriage, Family Therapist Intern

 Diana, has been the first counselor to reach out and start a topic thread on our page.  The best part about her is that she is not only a counselor she is an actual bariatric patient.  You can look forward to hearing a lot more of Diana Vogel because she has agreed to do a serise of Blogs for Bariatic Friendly.  Check out her introduction and Planned topics for the next few months and don't forget to congratulate her on her weight loss success!  -Jocelyn

Diana Vogel, MS Marriage, Family Therapist Intern

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be a weight loss expert….I even chuckle as I write that. I could however have been an expert at telling you how to dress a plus size body with style or an expert at knowing every fast food joint within a 50 mile radius of my house. But here I am, more than 2 years post op and still at goal. No, that doesn’t qualify me as an expert but if you add my credentials as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, my years of counseling patients struggling with addiction, stress, anxiety and depression, in addition to being a weight loss surgery support group facilitator and patient, then hopefully I can offer you some useful information.

My journey to weight loss surgery is not much different than many. I came across a picture of myself at 250lbs and didn’t even recognize who it was that I was staring at. It was right then and there that I decided to look into having the gastric bypass, and I’ve never looked back. I had no doubt that I made the right decision even when I was doubled over throwing up because I took one to many bites, or even when my hair started to thin…..no regrets. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many melt downs along the way, the emotional roller coaster pre-op can be dreadful. So over the next several months I will share with you my professional opinions and personal struggles and successes on this journey in hopes that you too will have no regrets.

                     Here’s what you can look forward to in future posts:

• Stress and Anxiety management; The most important key to long term success

• Relationships; Learn to cope with change

• Emotional rollercoaster; Unlock tools that will help you process emotions brought on by the surgery and learn to embrace the new you

• The importance of learning new coping skills to combat emotional eating

• Overcoming complacency; The realization that you have to watch your weight as though you never had weight loss surgery 

I am so excited to share my professional experience and my personal journey with you all! I am passionate about weight loss surgery as a positive tool in the fight against obesity. I have seen it change lives, save lives and give life to so many. I know this tool works, if you know how to work it. I welcome you to follow me on this journey and challenge you to arm yourself with as much information as possible, but most importantly I encourage you to implement the suggested tools and make the most of this journey.

Diana

Want to learn more?  Visit her Public Facebook page

Tracie MCgowan has been interacting on the Bariatric Friendly page for a while now and guess what?  In addition to losing 48% of her excess body fat (losing 140 lbs) She is also the editor in Chief of Foodie News by Bariatric Foodie.  Well, she has done it once again!

In addition to her work with Foodie News she has branched out with a new quirky site called
 Sneaker Porn Diaries which is Not All about WLS.  It’s about life after; It’s about change in a fun quirky way.  So, check out my favorite blog yet

“Before I Caught Sight of My Toes”.   

“Weight loss in my life is not measured the same as in the lives of others I know. The scale is not my friend; the numbers which appear every time I stand on it really do mess with my brain because what the scale says and what I see in the mirror are two completely different things.”

http://sneakerporndiaries.com/2013/02/05/before-i-caught-sight-of-my-toes/

Way to Go Tracie, I can’t wait to see what you do next!

A few sips after eating won’t hurt, right?

Hot Topic: A few sips after eating won’t hurt, right? You be the judge. 

I really suggest taking roughly 4minutes out of your time to watch this video for a powerful visual of what happens when you drink a few sips after eating. The action takes place at minute 1:59.   

I nipped my bad habbit of just 2 sips today after viewing this viedo from www.formerfatdudes.com.  Thanks for posting such a powerful example.  

The Habit of Neglect!

When you have WLS you start to learn all the ways you abused and neglected your body in the past.  It’s like you suddenly “Get It”.   As human beings we sometimes forget all the intricacies of daily life and how WLS will affect it.  All of your habits will pop-up as you re-learn your body.  Today’s blog is to help you understand one of the unhealthy habits you may have developed and hopefully help you form a new healthy habit.    

So what habit am I speaking of?  NEGLECT! 

There are many forms of neglect and as our weight disappears and our aches & pains fade away we are left to deal with old habits.  The habit of neglect often pops up on our Facebook page, but not in the way you think.   Many times during the day I receive an email or read a post (not only on our page) asking for advice that only a medical professional should answer.    As I take a deep breath and kindly ask for the person to call their doctor my heart breaks.

  Why?  It is because I have been there.

As an obese adolescent I became so sick of doctors telling me that my pain was weight-related that I started self-diagnosing and this habit carried into adulthood.  Sometimes if the pain was too bad I would search the web for an answer, any answer before calling a doctor. Trust me I’m paying for these bad choices & habits but you don’t have to.  While I love that you all reach out for support and share your stories with others, no one takes the place of the surgeon you entrusted your life with to being with. 

These doctors are aware that you are re-learning your new body.  They are ready for the calls.  They have put qualified nurses and staff on-duty for your questions.  You entrusted them to place a foreign object in your body or in some cases re-rout your intestines, why wouldn't you entrust they have your back for the little things too?  Unless you aren't calling because you don't like the staff then that’s a whole new issue and you should report it or find a new doctor.    

What I’m asking is for all of you to form a new healthy habit.  Don’t neglect your body, call your doctor.  Bariatric Friendly is all about sharing the good, the bad & the ugly but we are here to help motivate each other to be healthier too.  So, if you see a post that needs a medical expert, remember not to judge  but to be patient and ask them to form a new healthy habit of calling their doc.

Today’s post is dedicated to Jennifer.  We are so glad you are ok. 

Jennifer wrote, “a few weeks ago I asked you about what I should about having difficulties breathing, I had lapband Dec 12 2012. I called doc, went to ER and been diagnosed with having bi-lateral pulmonary embolism. I have multiple large blood clots in my lungs. Due to not being put on blood thinners post-surgery I almost lost my life. Luckily asking this page, and praying to God, I called the doctor and went to ER, they were attentive to me, did, EKG, Chest x-ray, CAT scan, put me in iccu for 2 days, and bed rest for 3 days.

Today is my 7th day in the hospital, trying to get Coumadin to a therapeutic level. I might get to go home Monday and on Coumadin for a long while. God has seen me through this.. If ur unsure of something call, call, call. The doctor said based on the look of the clots n my lungs I am extremely lucky. I’d been struggling w my breath for 4 days before I called, someone else might not have been so lucky. I am post lapband surgery and down exactly 40lbs today.. I am due to get my 1st fill on Thursday if I get released from the hospital. THANK YOU BARIATRIC FRIENDLY FOR UR ADVICE TO CALL MY DOC IMMEDIATELY BC I LISTENED.

A new Fork for our Techie's

Now, I am not a techie nor have I even been to CES but this little gadget is definitely on my radar.  Anyone who is in bariatric training, dealing with regain or simply looking to maintain, might want to check out the HapiFork!  According to their website this gadget measures the amount of food you eat & your timing.  The best part is that it buzzes if you are eating too quickly.  The Friendly bonus is that you can send the data to your IPod or gadget to share with your doctors & nutritionist. 

  Let’s see if we can get them to invent the spoon too.

Have you tried the HapiFork?

Choices

I happen to find myself re-reading this quote a lot. Success is  really is about the choices we make.

"It's not just about what you eat or how you exercise,

 it's about all the little choices you make every day"

~Bahram Akradi

The 12 Days of WLS

Clear your throats!   After more than 80 suggestions on the Bariatric Friendly facebook pg, the lyrics for “The 12 days of WLS” are finally done.   I loved reading and sorting through all your comments.  All of you are really clever.  

On the 1st day of Christmas WLS gave to me: A chance to be diabetes free

On the 2nd day of Christmas WLS gave to me: A sexy black dress

On the 3rd day of Christmas WLS gave to me: Life with my family

On the 4th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: More confidence

On the 5th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: No more sore knees

On the 6th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: Breathing without wheezing

On the 7th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: A much smaller tummy

On the 8th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: More energy 

On the 9th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: No seat extenders

On the 10th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: Shopping  in new  stores

On the 11th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: A normal B/P reading

On the 12th day of Christmas WLS gave to me: A new lease on life

Raw Raviolis

Who knew turnips could taste so good?  If you are a vegetarian or playing with the idea of vegetarianism try, Raw raviolis.  With about 15 grams of protein this is definitely a healthy & tasty lunch/dinner.  

Does Insurance Cover Tummy Tucks?

Denied!  

After the second denial letter I had lost all hope and started to believe the hype that insurance companies would never pay for a panniculectomy (Tummy Tuck).   2 years after my second denial letter my husband gave me some encouragement to try again.  I started my search.

After all I was not going to just any doctor.  I wanted someone who had worked with bariatric patients and not just for an approval from an insurance company.  I wanted a “contour specialist” an Artist.  After months of searching I found someone who not only did great work but also had a reputation for insurance approval.  Not wanting to get my hopes up, I tried again. 

I walked into his office located in the hospital and had a good feeling immediately.  I didn’t feel like I was just a number.  Everyone was kind and took their time.  Dr. Aric Eckhardt answered all my questions and took my before pictures.   I then spoke briefly with Lisa his insurance/office manager and then it was over. The waiting began; I thought for sure I would be denied.

 In less than two weeks I got a phone call.  “Would you like to schedule your surgery date?  Your insurance approved your belt-lipectomy.”    I felt like I was floating.  J  

After reading so many questions about tummy tucks and insurance approval, I decided to give Lisa (whom I now call the dream maker) a call about insurance approval after WLS. 

Q: What is the procedure most covered?

A: Belt lipectomy are the most common surgery covered.

Q: Does it make a difference how much weight you have lost?

A: Most insurance company’s want to see that you are around your goal weight and have maintained for at least 6 months to a year.  She recommends calling your insurance company and asking what qualifications are for your procedure before seeing a plastic surgeon. 

Q: Has your practice ever had arms, thighs or breasts implants covered by insurance company?

 A:  Breast lift or implants never.  Arms? Never!      

Q: Breast Reduction?

A  Yes!  Call your insurance company for the criteria is for a breast reduction.

Q: Have your practice seen people get approval for Tummy Tucks with Medicare?

A: Medicare you have to meet their criteria but they have one of the easiest to read programs.  They spelled out exactly what you need to be approved.  This doesn't mean they won’t deny you but you can appeal with success.

Q: Medicade?

A: Our office doesn't take Medicade

Q: Would having orthopedic surgeons backing help?

A: If you have knee or back problems Yes.

Unfortunately Lisa said that she has not seen an insurance company cover a plastic procedure for psychological reasons.  Nor has she heard of a discount or free surgery if you are donating your skin for a burn unit (I think that’s a myth)

Bottom line is that you should do your research on your insurance company’s exact criteria before heading to the plastic surgeon’s office and document everything.  Hopefully you too, will get approved

Please share your stories regarding plastic surgery and insurance approval. 

Gift Ideas for a WLS Patient

I received a thoughtful email asking about the perfect gift to give someone about to embark on the WLS journey to a "healthier life".  She had made up a care package with a journal, some freebies and gift certificate for a trainer but she wanted to add a couple more items.  We have a wonderful resource with our friendly page, so I posted the email to our page members and here are the suggestions.  

Jennifer: samples of protein mixes, we go through so many to find out what we like best!

Melissa:  Water bottles, those shaker smoothie bottles, small snack containers, etc.

Teri:  Make homemade chicken broth you get tired of canned.

Carrie: bottle of whole cloves. Whenever I was nauseous, I would put one between my teeth n cheek. It helped!!!!!

Kria: a shaker, to mix things in. those are great! Maybe a pedometer. Resistance band.

Becky:  gas-x... lol.. Funny but not, those gas bubbles after lapband can get pretty wicked... and maybe a soft tape measure, to keep track of shrinking in the journal...

Kelly: I would put a few samples of different protein powders/shake mixes and/or ready to drink protein shakes as well. Since you never know what you'll be able to tolerate after surgery, make sure you get a good mix of manufacturers and flavors.

Rey: Trial gym memberships

Sharon: protein drinks, fiber grain breakfast meals, what are something that you used when you started in the process of weight loss? There are many different types of fiber, and proteins bars, that also help in weight loss. Whey, boost, kellogg special K drinks, all high in protein

Jamie: appetizer plates & silverware, it saved me :)

Sharon:  Some pampering yourself items, because they will feel like crap a lot before it gets better and a nice pampering session can help

Sharon: Recipes book and a list of links to helpful websites.

Kathy: Different size Tervis tumblers with lids and small plastic babyfood storage containers with lids.

Marie Dee individual packets of Unjury!

Kelly: Toddler silverware! I still use mine to this day, since they help remind me to take small bites and eat slowly!

Holly: Sugar free jello or sugar free puddings :)

Jamie: "recipes for life after weight loss surgery" by M. Furtado. Popsicle molds, a container of protein powder.

Teri: workout clothes

Lynne:tell you the truth, I would want something that was "non-food", but that's just me. nice workout socks, maybe a "sports authority" gift certificate?

Sidney: Some good body cream and samples of different brands of protein powders.

Becky: A new water bottle AND a blender bottle

Sidney: The Gas-Ex suggestion was a great one for RNY folks, too.

Melissa:  I would add some chewable calcium citrate from bariatric advantage (caramel) they taste like candy but they are calcium. It helps me when I want something sweet but can’t have it. They are so good that my kids try to eat them all the time.

Kathy: Blender bottle, good lotions, vit e oil,

Carmen: Oh I loved having those pre-made shakes available when I didn’t feel well enough to fuss with the blender and such. Lotion also since my skin was so dry after surgery

Jeff: mini Tupperware type bowls Gordon food Service (GFS) has great disposable ones and baby spoons!

Allie: baby spoons, small divided plate, snack cups w lids. I also used a 5 oz. baby bottle for measuring liquids in the beginning. It was so much more easier cuz you could see each ounce. Dollar general has them for $1. Crystal light singles or any kind of drink singles. Gas-x strips. Listerine strips. My favorite chapstick is green apple.

Laurie: A bottle of Biotin to start on before the hair loss starts, a reusable water bottle (preferably one with some type of ring to put your finger through making it easier to carry), baby silverware, drink singles.

Kimberly: There is another thing I don't have the website on hand but there is a cup that you can buy for $20 or 25 bucks. It teaches you how to drink only 1/4 teaspoon at a time like you are suppose too.

Lyndsay: I delivered a package to one of my friends at the hospital...it included some magazines, assorted bariatric advantage calcium chews, a new bright colored water bottle, & some protein samples from Max Muscle store. I also received a basket after my surgery from another friend...it included magazines, a sweet smelling candle, a bright pink t-shirt (in a smaller size) from Max Muscle, and a gift certificate to buy myself something from Maurices after I lost some weight! It made me feel very special both to receive & give a basket!!

Susan: 1) Maybe something for the hospital stay? Slippers or something like that? Can also serve as a reminder that they always need to make some "me" time and relax. 2) The new "Bari-ware" (like Tupperware; available at WalMart). 3) Sample packs of vitamins/minerals, protein shake mixes, etc., so they can see what they like before spending and arm and a leg or something that end up thinking is disgusting.

Chyna: Lip balm because those lips will be dry I fought with that for awhile

Marie: If you notify companies for samples, they will send them. Always makes a nice gift.

Debbie: aside from all the weight loss stuff, how about a gift certificate for a pedicure?

Jackie: A small mason jar and a bag of marbles. Why? I add one marble to my jar for every pound lost!

Jackie: A package of notecards or thank you cards so they can send thank you notes to those that were there for them immediately post-surgery or sent them flowers, etc.

Kelley: A Magic Bullet type Personal Size Blender for Protein Smoothies!!

Lisa: Some packets of Unjury, they are all protein www.unjury.com or protein bars. Also, cookbooks on cooking for weight loss.

Lois: MEDIC ALERT BRACELET OR NECKLACE that says which type of surgery..... Journey or Opurity multi vitamins (unflavored)..... A case or two of jars of baby food MEATS (you can add spices to make them taste better... I lived on these for a while)..... Popsicles..... Assortment of sugar-free (SF) drinks mixes..... Assortment of herbal tea bags.....

Cheryl: Picture frame for before and future pictures.

Lisa: Crystal light to go packets in various flavors. I like the biotin suggestion- also could suggest Zinc. Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. Web site suggestions....worldaccordingtoeggface.com and myfatsecret.com. Binder for recipe ideas.

Teresa: Protein Bars that has less than 5 grams of sugar

Sharane: I got the most amazing gift... a throwaway camera - a pair of size 14 pants (my goal size) and a letter telling me to take a front side and back shot on the anniversary each month and at the end of the year develop the film so I can see where I was and all the changes and at that time... 1 year I was to try the pants on... they fit ,, now they are really sloppy but they are my love pants and I use them now to exercise in

Jennifer: I make a pre / post op basket for my friends. I put, tooth paste, Travel tooth brush, warm socks, notebook. Pencil, chap stick, water bottle, small plate, 4 ounce glad wear containers, note cards, cross word puzzle.

Mildred: toiletry items slippers

Karen: A timer

Kimberly: I would put in recipe that they can use for after surgery and homemade soups.

Theresa: A tape measure - it’s nice to measure yourself and to see how many inches you have lost each month, a calendar or notebook t note inches and pounds lost; small hand weights, a pedometer.

Anna: A magic Bullet to mix your protein shakes with....love mine! Macy's has a cheaper version

Laura: Vicks to put under their nose when going somewhere that they are baking or cooking goods. Also Biotin, folic acid and toddler silverware. Oh, baby powder with cornstarch (for under the folds if you get what I'm saying.) I love many of the other posted suggestions as well.

How do you “let go” of a negative comment or energy?

Today's topic:  How do you “let go” of a negative comment or energy?

Sheri wrote, What suggestions for u have...I had bypass on 7/31/12 I have lost 46lbs since..went for a follow up and my Dr said I'm flagged for failure..because I only go to the gym three times a week and don't push enough fluids...how do I stay positive after that news

I thought her email was a great opportunity to share some technique’s I have learned about not letting people bother you, staying focused & more importantly asserting ourselves.  The first step always seems to be "Letting Go"

This has been my new latest and greatest "tool" in taking emotions out of the moment.  Tomorrow I will share "The Work" but I ask you today, How do you “let go” of a negative comment or energy?

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