2 Successful lap band patients in 1 pair of before pants!
I have battled obesity as long as I can remember. I vividly recall the pain and embarrassment of being weighed in my elementary school gym, praying that the school aide would not announce my weight for everyone to hear. I started dieting at the age of 10. My days were defined as good or bad by what I ate and how my clothes fit. I have been on every diet you can think of; I took diet pills for years; I cannot remember a year when I didn’t gain or lose at least 40 or 50 pounds. My hunger never went away.
I was an overweight (okay, fat) child, an overweight teen, and an overweight adult. I spent my life yo-yoing. For me, dieting was like holding my breath; eventually I had to come up for air. The irony is that except for my battle with weight, I’ve been successful at everything I’ve ever attempted. I’m very fortunate. I have a great marriage, two wonderful children, and true friends, and I’ve enjoyed a successful career as an executive in Fortune 100 companies. But no matter how hard I tried, I could never take off the weight and keep it off. I wasn’t stupid and I wasn’t lazy. I was tired of doctors telling me that I need to eat less and exercise more … [click to continue…]
Dreams really do come true! The WLSFA is thrilled to announce Ms.Carnie Wilson has agreed to be the WLSFA’s National Ambassador of Hope and 2013 Key Note Speaker! Many of you know Carnie Wilson’s story. From Carnie’s own web site “Suffering from a lifelong battle with Morbid Obesity, Carnie chose not to hide it like some celebrities might but instead turned her struggle into a vehicle to inspire others. Her cybercast gastric bypass surgery in 1999 drew more than 2.5 million hits and attracted worldwide media attention. Since then Carnie has spoken extensively about Morbid Obesity” Learn more about Carnie Wilson’s amazing career HERE. The WLSFA supports Carnie Wilson for her brave choices and applaud her strength to publicly share her struggles so that others may know they are not alone in this battle! “We are thrilled to have Carnie Wilson as our Key Note Speaker at the 2013 Mother of All Meet & Greets +1 in Las Vegas” stated Antonia Namath CEO and Founder of the WLSFA. Early Bird Ticket Pricing is still in effect. Please Join us in Las Vegas you will not want to miss next years event!
We are also very excited to announce our other VIP Speakers for the 2013 Mother of All Meet & Greets+1. Both speakers are experts in the medical treatment of obesity and have major books coming out in May of 2013. We feel so fortunate they will both join us at such a special time!
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff ~ Bariatric Doctor, Author, Blogger
Well know for his award winning blog Weighty Matters “Musing of a Bariatric Doc and Certifiably Cynical Realist”Dr. Freedhoff will talk with us about his new book hot off the presses in May titled Why Diets Fail and How to Make Yours Work “I’d love to review the thesis and premise of my work therein and am certain it will resonate with the folks at the Mother of All Meet & Greets given WLS folks are most definitely are the real veterans of the diet wars that my book addresses.”~Dr. Freedhoff
Dr. Garth and Kelly Davis ~ Bariatric Doctor, Author, Blogger, Chef
Next we have a very special doctor to the WLSFA. Our Inaugural Surgeon from the Davis Clinic in Houston Texas, who helped the WLSFA make it’s first grant possible. Dr. Garth Davis Bariatric Surgeon, Author, Television Personality, Ironman Athelete. Dr. Davis believed in the WLSFA before anyone else and still supports our efforts across the country. He will run for the WLSFA at our race at Disney world the Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon November 4th in Orlando Florida. As part of our main stage speakers series, Dr. Garth Davis and his lovely wife Kelly will talk about his new book with a working title ofWalking the Talk due out also in May of 2013! the book is about how Dr. Garth along with his Wife Kelly and family found their health, living a plant based life and it talks about what he did not learn in medical school. Together they will demonstrate simple and delicious dishes with the assistance of some lucky audience members. As a Bariatric Surgeon and Athlete, Dr. Davis will correlate this information to the special needs of WLS patients. All three speakers are invested in helping people who are effected by obesity. Each one brings a unique perspective that will benefit and inspire our attendees. With Carnie’s help raising awareness for the WLSFA and our Mission to fund grants for weight loss and reconstructive surgery, the sky is the limit. Carnie brings so many assets to the table and a true compassion for people locked out of the medical treatments they so desperately need. Weight Loss Surgery patients are the true power of the foundation. Together we are 2+ million people strong who can and are saving lives one grant at a time. With Carnies light shining on our efforts, we can build our national net work of care and grant referral program stronger than ever! To find out more about the grant Referral Program please visit this link.
How you can get involved and support the WLSFA Today?
If you need information about our grant referral program please CLICK HERE Join our annual Fundraiser May 19,18,19 2013 the Mother of All Meet & Greets in Las Vegas CLICK HERE If you would like to donate any amount to the WLSFA Please CLICK HERE If you would like to Donate to $25 dollars you qualify to receive a WLSFA Logo Charm band CLICK HERE
The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America is a 501(C)3 Public Charity If you have questions please contact the WLSFA: On the web: http://wlsfa.org Phone: 657-229-5732
I’m traveling a lot more for business again – living in hotels. It’s taking work to get into a groove, and surround myself with the things I need to be successful on my journey while traveling. A while back I blogged about making myself a priority and insisting on a fridge and microwave wherever I stay.
I’ve become pretty adept at preparing healthy meals for me and my lap band with nothing more than a fridge and a microwave. At first I was limiting myself to a few frozen meals and Greek yogurt. I’ve now realized that I’ve expanded my horizons. There’s so much I can do with a fridge and a microwave – who would have thought.
So here’s my routine. I’m sharing this because I hope there are some tips in here that you can use.
Before leaving home, I pack an empty foldable cold bag, metal utensils (because I’m tired of eating with plastic), paper plates, salt and pepper and Splenda packets, my own mug (makes me feel at home for tea and/or soup), and a shaker bottle (for making protein drinks).
My first night at my destination, I head to the supermarket before checking into my hotel. At the hotel, I make sure my fridge and microwave are ready when I check in, and I ask for a sharp knife if I traveled by plane, to cut fruit and veggies and open stubborn containers. Here’s a sample of some of the things I buy:
Frozen ( hotel mini-fridges have small freezers):
Frozen shrimp (let defrost in fridge)
Cedarline Stacked Eggplant ( a new favorite of mine)
Kashi – frozen entrée in steamer bag
Frozen veggies in steamer bag
Produce
Fruit – in season
Yam (bakes in microwave)
Other interesting veggies e.g. eggplant (steam in microwave in between 2 paper plates with a little water
Dairy/Cold Section
Cottage cheese
Greek yogurt
Egg beaters (works well in microwave)
AmyLu sausages
Prepared Food
Cucumber rolls (sushi). The grocery store I go to in one of the cities I frequently travel to makes a roll of veggies, wrapped in cumber – YUM
I also check out the deli and prepared food section for choices such as grilled chicken breast, poached salmon and other good choices
Other
Pacific organic soups
Salsa (works in cottage cheese, or on eggs, or as a condiment for shrimp)
Small jar tomato sauce (45 cal or less/half cup)
Tea bags
Soy milk – for my tea; if I don’t finish it, it’s still much less expensive than ordering milk from room service
100 calorie microwave popcorn packs
Bottled water
I end up using the cottage cheese, salt and pepper as condiments. It also works well to add some frozen steamed veggies to a frozen meal. Often I’ll replace the starch in the prepared meal, with the steamed veggies. I’m somewhat amazed by the options I have with just a fridge and a microwave. It’s just taken a little creativity and assertiveness.
Improving my quality of life was a key motivator when I chose to have weight loss surgery. I didn’t want my children to grow up with the stigma of an obese mom, and I wanted to improve my self-esteem amongst other things. Self-esteem and weight bias go hand in hand. As someone who has struggled with obesity since childhood, weight bias is something I painfully understand. Frankly the scars are a part of me that will be with me for life. The fear of what others think about obesity is one of the reason why I stayed in the closet about my surgery for so long.
This week my 12 year old daughter told me about a you-tube video that she wanted me to watch. She didn’t tell me what it was about – just that it was this amazing act from the TV showBritain’s Got Talent. I watched, the emotions flooded through every fiber of my body, as I watched the judges, and the audience react to an obese teenage boy. This teen had amazing courage, supporting by a friend, his duo partner, who herself displayed tremendous courage.
Take a few minutes and watch this video. How does it make you feel? Is weight bias that last politically correct form of discrimination?
motivator when I chose to have weight loss surgery. I didn’t want my children to grow up with the stigma of an obese mom, and I wanted to improve my self-esteem amongst other things. Self-esteem and weight bias go hand in hand. As someone who has struggled with obesity since childhood, weight bias is something I painfully understand. Frankly the scars are a part of me that will be with me for life. The fear of what others think about obesity is one of the reason why I stayed in the closet about my surgery for so long.
This week my 12 year old daughter told me about a you-tube video that she wanted me to watch. She didn’t tell me what it was about – just that it was this amazing act from the TV showBritain’s Got Talent. I watched, the emotions flooded through every fiber of my body, as I watched the judges, and the audience react to an obese teenage boy. This teen had amazing courage, supporting by a friend, his duo partner, who herself displayed tremendous courage.
Take a few minutes and watch this video. How does it make you feel? Is weight bias that last politically correct form of discrimination?
Right now I’m struggling with making myself a priority. I can hear all the excuses rattling in my brain – I recently started a new job and my schedule is less predictable; I’m traveling; the kids need… my dogs expect… my husband needs…
I’m having a hard time making time for myself. This morning, I’m balancing whether to write this blog or hop on the elliptical, in between checking emails, and making breakfast for the kids. I’ve always been great at managing my time, and my priorities, but right now I’m having a harder time than usual and that is something I need to own! When Sandi and I wrote “Is Lap Band Surgery for Me?” we spent a lot of time talking about how important it is to make ourselves a priority in our own lives. We even included making ourselves a priority one of the 10 Lessons of Successful Lap Band Patients. Right now I need to take a line from my own book, literally and figuratively!
“We make ourselves a priority. We take care of our health, eat right, exercise, take our vitamins, and live life to the fullest!”
For me, for today, making myself a priority requires that I remind myself that if I’m not taking the time to take great care of myself, I’m short-changing everyone else, and everything else in my life.
I’ve always believed that acknowledging a problem is the first step in solving a problem. So today, I’m acknowledging that recently I have not been making myself and my journey enough of a priority; that is something I need to own, and I need to fix. I guess that’s the first step in making myself a priority again. So today, I will write this blog, and find time to exercise and plan my meals. I will also reach out for support. That’s what I need to do to be a priority in my own life. Thanks for reading; thanks for listening.
Sandi and I recently started a recipe directory on bandedliving.com. We are forever grateful to everyone in the banded living community who has taken the time to share their recipes. These recipes are important tools in their amazing weight loss journeys. Let’s face it. We love to eat, and we love to eat healthy, satisfying, meals that also keep our weight loss journey on track.
My husband does most of the cooking in our family. I usually cook on holidays, but I also have a repertoire of quick and easy lap band friendly meals that I can put together with a few ingredients.
For the first five years of my lap band journey, pasta was off the menu. That is, until I discover Tofu Shirataki noodles from Hungry Girl. Here is one my favorite, decadent, easy to prepare shirataki noodle recipes:
Decadent Pasta in Meat Sauce with Broccoli (serves 2)
Ingredients
2 pkg shirataki fettuccini
4 oz extra lean (95%) ground beef
1 c Kirkland Marinara Sauce
1cup steamed broccoli florets
1 T freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 oz part-skim ricotta cheese
Garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste
Directions
Empty bag of shirataki noodles into a strainer and rinse for at least 30 seconds
Transfer noodles to ceramic bowl, cover loosely and microwave for 3 minutes
Rinse and strain noodles again; set aside
Add broccoli florets to ceramic bowl, cover loosely and microwave for 2 minutes
Brown ground beef in frying pan; add garlic, salt and pepper to taste
Pat beef to remove any excess fat
Pat dry noodles with paper towels; get out as much of the water as you can
Return noodles to bowl and add ricotta cheese, gently stir to coat noodles thoroughly
Transfer noodles to frying pan with ground beef
Add tomato sauce and stir
Remove broccoli from microwave and strain
Add broccoli to pan and stir again
Add pepper flakes to taste
Transfer to serving bowls
Sprinkle on freshly grated parmesan cheese
Mangia!
Each serving has approximately 220 calories and 20 grams of protein.
As a lap band patient, it may be strange that I am blogging about eating more. That’s right I am making a plan to eat more…OK, now that I have your attention, here’s where I’m coming from.
As a mom, I’ve been working on my son’s eating habits. I realized that telling him what he shouldn’t have doesn’t work. Instead I’ve been encouraging him to have more; more protein, more fruits, more vegetables. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how easy those changes are. Instead of his daily chocolate cheerios with milk, he’s having nitrate-free sausages, and his organic chocolate milk and when I can get him to eat it – melon or baby carrots. We’ve also tweaked his snack at school – chicken tenderloin has replaced the goldfish. I was thrilled to hear that he seems to be happier and more attentive at school. Making changes this way
Like most WLS patients, I’ve spent much of my life dieting. I’ve come to equate dieting with things I CAN’T do, with deprivation. Even though I had my lap band surgery 6 years ago, as I say all the time, I have this tool and I need to work it. I find that I’ve gotten used to the idea that I it’s highly unlikely that I will be obese again. I do however struggle these days with fifteen pounds. I’m told that makes me normal; but it’s so frustrating! Looking for new ideas, I’ve been reading a lot lately about health and nutrition. I’m particularly interested in how what I eat impacts my hormonal balance and satiety – I’ve been treated for hypothyroidism for more than 15 years and have always had metabolic issues. I’ve decided it’s time to tweak my diet. I started to think about all the things I should eliminate, and was getting stressed. Instead I decided to try the approach I’m taking with my son. What should I have more of? Interesting thought! It’s a big change in mindset for me, but one that feels good.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been adding MORE organic foods into my diet. Organic fruits, vegetables, organic greek yogurt, and organic dairy, organic free range chicken and grass fed beef. The reality is I’m consuming a lot less chemicals, hormones and additives, but I’m doing it by substitution, but having more clean food. It’s also a change from my all or nothing mindset.
This approach is a welcome change for me. Having more feels a lot better, than a lifetime of thinking about having less. I think I’ll be talking more about what I need to be doing more of?
This morning I was thinking that it might be a good idea to start a WLS book club. Right now I’m reading Jillian Michael’s book – “Master Your Metabolism.” I’ve never been a book club kind of girl, but I do read A LOT for inspiration and ideas to help me on my journey. At [...]
WE RAN A GIVEAWAY CONTEST!
To introduce you all to Wellesse liquid vitamins, minerals and supplements.
Prize: One lucky, randomly selected, winner will receive a Wellesse "Basket of Health from Wellesse
We are happy to announce the winners of our Banded Living/Wellesse GiveAway Contest:
On the road again…. The familiar tune is playing in my head. I’m a seasoned traveler, one who traveled a lot after surgery. I’ve blogged many times about traveling with my lap band, but it’s been a while. I’m going to be traveling a lot for business again, and that means I need to dust [...]
Here we go again. We’re deep into the eating season. Navigating the holidays is actually getting harder for me, now that I’m in my sixth year since lap band surgery. It’s easier to slack off this far out since WLS so this year I’ve decided that I need to do just the opposite.
I wound up [...]
I’m in my sixth year since my lap band surgery. It’s late October; here in New England the Spookfests and haunted hayrides abound, the leaves are turning a full array of beautiful hues, the days are getting shorter, there is a new chill in the air and that means the holiday eating season is upon [...]
My daughter and I were flipping channels and ended up watching a girl’s movie (AKA chick flick) on the Lifetime Movie Network. It turns out that this movie was the story of three friends struggling with their weight, their self-esteem and a whole host of issues familiar to those of us who’ve struggled with obesity. [...]
Here I am – 5 years post lap band surgery. I have my routines. I have my life, but sometimes I find myself bored with my food choices, which for me can be a dangerous place. Sometimes I need to change it up, or find a few new staples to add to my list of [...]
“Mom, will you go running with me?” is the question my daughter asked me.
This week marks 5 years and one month since I first had lap band surgery. My 11 year old daughter just started middle school and chose cross-country as her fall sport. Unlike me, she has legs like a gazelle and is built [...]
My lap band has been pretty loose for some time now – in the yellow zone, even before my recent unfill. It’s been hard and I’ve had some weight gain – not enough to concern my doctors since my health is great, but more than enough to concern me. That’s especially hard for someone like [...]
I recently posed this question on our lapbandliving facebook page: “Pick just one word to describe what success with WLS means to you?”
I posed the question to myself, and forced myself to pick the first word that came to mind; it wasn’t hard for me at all to pick just one word. For me that [...]
We often talk about lap band fills, but this week I had and unfill. I realized that I am still learning how my lap band works and how to listen to what my adjustable gastric band and my body are telling me.
For me, one of the greatest features of my chosen weight loss surgery is [...]
I’ve become pretty adept at preparing healthy meals for me and my lap band with nothing more than a fridge and a microwave. At first I was limiting myself to a few frozen meals and Greek yogurt. I’ve now realized that I’ve expanded my horizons. There’s so much I can do with a fridge and a microwave – who would have thought.
