Creating a Bariatric Kitchen: A Trip Through the Supermarket

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Visualize your next shopping trip, and focus on smart food choices.

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Recipes

RECIPES IN THIS ARTICLE: Oven-Fried Pecan Catfish with Butternut Squash, Beef Carbinade, Cranberry Turkey Burgers, Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal, Pork Tenders with Green Apples ’n Peppercorns

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Mystery of Metabolism

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Slow the aging process? Find out in true Sherlock Holmes fashion; learn to look beyond the obvious. Once you understand the metabolic process the rest is elementary.

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Mission Nutrition

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Leading weight loss surgery nutrition educator Dr. J. Jacques outlines her philosophy, using this as reinforcement in her belief that every patient should have a basic understanding of post-op nutritional care. Inadequate follow-up care contributes to unreliable compliancy rates, making it hard to identify certain post-op maladies. Patients and physicians working together can make a difference and provide the necessary motivation to better health and a life well lived.

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Tricks of The Trade: Hidden Calories

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: A little bit of this and a little bit of that, next thing you know you’ve piled on 10 extra pounds. Sad to say that even healthy foods give us a false sense of security. Find those hidden calories before they find their way to your waistline. Gather a greater understanding of label reading before putting that so called healthy food item in your grocery cart.

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Too Cold Outside to Exercise?

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: No one wants to be average. Average holiday weight gain is from 4-8 pounds. Find the warmth of fitness even in the cold weather. Chilly temperature tips are a great way to add variety to your exercise routine.

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The Food Diary: The Lifestyle Connection

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Post Weight Loss Surgery (WLS), an exciting time filled with happiness, joy and hope. Those are some of the feelings you expect to happen after WLS. But when post-op relapse occurs it can be frustrating. Jan decides its time to make a lifestyle connection as she chooses to make a complete turnaround and stop undermining her success.

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Finding a Therapist

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Prevent post weight loss surgery relapses from becoming surgery collapses. Structure House Clinical Director, Lee Kerns, suggests considering psychotherapy. The first step is to find the right therapist. A few simple guidelines facilitate the therapist search process.

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The Food Diary: Reducing the Power of the Scale

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Patty uses her food diary to track overeating episodes and triggers, and to maintain communication with me, her therapist. She has lost 70 pounds to a weight of 323. A recent 10-day plateau resulted in the following comments in the diary: “Grazing on ice cream, feeling sick of this weight, tired of carrying it around.” During phone contact she explained that despite her success, she felt a mounting impatience with her rate of losing weight, and then tries to numb these feelings with passive, mindless eating.

Recently I reviewed 50 weight charts kept by our program’s participants. There were two common themes: 1) Weight can be gained from one day to the next due to fluid fluctuations, perhaps a result of sodium intake but not always. 2) Plateaus can go on for many days, sometimes up to two weeks. These things can get very frustrating and can lead someone to act like a light switch, and “click off,” deciding all the work is not worth it. They then use this as a justification to return to old overeating patterns.

Studies suggest that often there is a gap between weight loss expectations and reality, and this can produce negative feelings. Patty’s situation is a reminder of how difficult it can be to appreciate success when the scale no longer provides pats on the back. One study of very successful weight losers concluded that the best attitude to take is to view weight loss as a natural result of living life in healthier ways: de-emphasize the scale, focus on healthy behaviors, keep track of all the non-weight benefits of success. I advise clients to keep a log of success markers such as: changes in clothing sizes, improved health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol, fitness improvements, enhanced daily functioning (more stamina, the ability to tie shoes, climb stairs, walk the dog, get a good night’s sleep, wear a seat belt), internal changes such as better mood, self-esteem and confidence. While weighing yourself is an important component of self- monitoring, it is equally important to reduce the power of the scale by tracking many other success indicators.

Lee Kern, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is the clinical director for Structure House, a residential weight loss facility in Durham, NC. Kern leads the post-bariatric surgery program. Designed for patients following weight loss surgery, the program offers surgery-focused medical assessments and personalized eating and relapse prevention plans. For information, visit www.structurehouse.com or call 800-553-0052.

WLS Lifestyles - www.wlslifestyles.com - Copyright 2007

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What Do We Do With Our Feelings When We Can’t Give Them Food Anymore?

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: The fate of a beloved pet sparks a plethora of emotions usually suppressed with food. Fear of transfer addiction begins to set in. But not very often is the answer to a question so easy…don’t do anything just … experience the feelings. Life is chock full of challenges. Relearn to handle difficult emotional situations without food in healthy, nondestructive ways.

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Obesity In America: The Enemy Within

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Unmask obesity enemies. Try a holistic approach to weight loss, connecting the body, mind and spirit. It takes more than knowing what to do, you must develop beliefs which keep you doing what you know is right.

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Tricks Of The Trade: Get Creative Making Fun Mealtime Masterpieces

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Don’t play with your food. Chef Fouts debunks this old saying and encourages getting creative by making fun mealtime masterpieces.

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Five Keys to Effective Weight Loss

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Like a mystery waiting to be solved, weight loss can be a hard case to crack. Determine what pieces are missing in your life. Each of the five keys to weight loss is like linking together the numbers of an access code opening to a balanced and healthy life. A lifestyle built around these five time-tested factors to weight loss will help you gain healthy, consistent principles to live by.

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Straight Talk! Becoming More Assertive

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Flexing your assertive muscles commands respect. The old adage, treat others as you want to be treated, still holds true. Developing coping mechanisms is how some pre-op weight loss surgery patients deal with demeaning treatment. Accelerate the assertiveness learning process by seeking out opportunities to practice and experiment with these newly acquired skills. And, even if you don’t know how to be assertive, “act” like you do.

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Longing to Master Your Eating Behaviors? Take a Lesson From Pygmalion

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Weight loss surgery patients struggle with finding the ideal approach to their eating problems. Research shows the number one reason people don’t seek help for their addiction is that they don’t believe they can stop their self destructive behaviors. They were defeated before they began. Mythological figure, Pygmalion, reminds us to stay engaged, visualize and embrace success.

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From the Therapist’s Case Book: Attitude Smatitude

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. Poor Pitiful Pearl, always expecting the worst. On the other hand Bright Side Betty, sees the good possibilities in everything. Author Jude Milner takes a lighthearted look at how your attitude reflects on you and your good or bad “luck”.

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Laws of the Lean

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Develop a weight management lifestyle. Stay on track implementing these no nonsense eating laws. Change negative eating behaviors and focus on leading a healthy life. A healthy nutritional lifestyle is more than a systematic plan of eating; it is a change of heart as well as a change of foods.

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The Food Diary: Your Partner to Success

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Behind every weight loser is a good food diary. Many icons of greatness rose to success as partnerships. So it is no surprise that this applies to weight loss surgery as well. Ensuring long-term weight loss success makes the food diary your faithful partner. Let the food diary stand as a strong, functionally empowering way to monitor your food intake.

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Practice What is Preached

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Six lifestyle strategies that “support” post-surgery success and demonstrate healthy habits for you and your family. Be a healthy lifestyle helper, not an obesity enabler. Knowing that you are leading by example will help you stay aware of your actions and produce great rewards.

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What Exactly is An Exerciser?

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: This is a new you now. It is time to leave the past behind and start focusing on your future. No better way to do this then with CONSISTENCY. This is the most important part of exercise. And it has to be a lifelong habit if you want to maintain your weight loss. There are no quick fixes in life and Americans in particular must learn to have more patience, with a few easy “can do tips” lend a little help along the way.

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The Healing Power of Your Next Meal

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: By developing a healthy nutritional lifestyle we can bring a balance and harmony back to our human existence and it can begin with the next meal you eat. Believe it or not, maintaining good health in large part depends on proper digestion. The best defense against disease is a good defense, look over the list of foods provided and try something new for a change, and you might just like it.

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Recipes

RECIPES IN THIS ARTICLE: Greek Bean Salad, Chicken Curry Salad, Low-Fat Honey Crêpes, Pork Chardonnay, Chef Dave’s Crêpe Cheese Filling

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Planning to Exercise, a Key to Long-term Commitment

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Exercise is vital in maintaining muscle mass and aids in reducing weight. Forget past good intentions that failed and start anew by making physical activity a priority and scheduling it into your day. Prepare for a long-term commitment to exercise, finding the right plan or program that allows for immediate gratification until a habit or rhythm of exercising has developed.

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What’s All the Fuss About Weight?

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Trying to control weight, control implies that the degree to which something can be manipulated or maintained is directly related to one’s efforts or abilities. Inability to control something suggests failure. Don’t try to control weight but instead try to influence it. Reaching goal weight is not an endpoint but must be a lifelong process. Short-term weight loss gives one a false sense of security. You cannot control your weight, you can only control your behavior. The development of good dietary and exercise habits are critical to lifelong success.

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Discover Your Fashion Persona

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Try identifying your fashion persona from five main categories that represent most women. Help build confidence after weight loss surgery by discovering your true fashion persona.

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Proportion Politics

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Fashion buyer turned closetologist explains how body proportions affect appearance. Properly layering the horizontal lines of clothing against the horizontal lines of the body gives a more proportioned look. It’s all about finding a style that reflects the real self, portraying more confidence, creating a proportion politics winner.

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Stick-to-it-iveness

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: The imaginary ST (stick-tuit) muscle has a very real impact towards exercise feelings. Fitness failure is usually due to lack of understanding. A few modifications and simple realizations and exercise can become an ally. Condition the mind to take little steps and working out can become a welcome part of daily life.

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Dressing From the Inside Out

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: An “aha” moment leads to a whole new career for Jackie Walker, Dr. of Closetology. She discovers dressing for success starts on the inside. Success is what you feel in your heart, otherwise known as self esteem. One’s closet must be in harmony with their life. Just as the body is transitioning so should your wardrobe. Everyone should celebrate themselves and their post-op body changes.

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How Mind-Body Fitness Regimens Can Help You to Pursue and Maintain Weight Loss Long Term

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Two standard fitness regimens still reign as popular approaches to wellness and harmony. East meets west in the mind-body disciplines, bringing joy, balance and healing to the weight loss maintenance process.

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Recipes

RECIPES IN THIS ARTICLE:
Pork TenderloinWith Cointreau and Ginger, Salmon Niçoise Salad, Turkey Burger with Mushrooms & Sundried Tomatoes, Honey Mustard Steaks with Grilled Onions, Mojo Chicken Omelet

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Too Much of a Good Thing: Nutrient Overload

(Nutrition)

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Nutritional supplements play an important role for post weight loss surgery patients. Taking larger doses of nutrients can create toxic overload. Keeping healthcare professionals informed of specific needs by maintaining regular blood work and check-ups. Adhere to the advice of healthcare professionals regarding nutritional supplements for optimal health.

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Kicking the Fitness Fears to the Curb, Exercise… No Longer an Option!

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Fear of exercise failure is not an option. Exercise is a must have component in place before and after weight loss surgery. Ill-founded mental conditioning can prevent gaining overall control over fitness. The benefits of exercise far out weigh the losses or excuses and work to better all body functions. Four sensible fitness/exercise foundations can be a start on the right foot.

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Internalize… Mind/Body/Realization “The Happy Pill”

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Each person has the innate power to rule their thoughts and to predict the outcome of their life. Go beyond thinking positively and internalize. Visualize an outcome of a situation in a desirable way, and bring it to fruition. This inherent power is stronger than taking any kind of “Happy Pill”

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Four Exercise Rules to Live By…

BRIEF ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Eat right and exercise. Many Americans have found this simple idea disappointing. False beliefs lead to exercise mistakes. Fat loss is a two step process consisting of transportation and burning. Three common, but false beliefs about exercising : any physical change is adequate physical change, aerobic exercise equates with rat reduction. More is always better. Exercise and eating right applies to all not just weight loss surgery patients.. Take control over the way your body looks and feels. Following four common sense rules can result in positive physical body changes.

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