I subscribe to the e-zine "goop", written by Gwyneth Paltrow.  This month's edition had recipes for some awesome protein rich one-bite snacks---so very perfect for gastric bypass patients.  Examples are  Caesar Salad Bites, Almond Butter, and Chickpea Salsa.  The website address is www.goop.com.  Check it out and try some of those little protein rich snacks for your mid-morning or mid-afternoon meals.

I am still struggling with getting enough protein every day--which is why I was so excited to find the above recipes.  It gets old drinking Whey protein at least once every day--even though I have tried every avenue of mixing it that I believe exists--milk, yogurt, smoothies, juice, cream soups, etc.  At 5 years post op I still struggle with meat--especially beef.  Seems it doesn't matter how small I cut the pieces or how many times I chew it, it just makes me feel sick.  I don't necessarily feel pain, like it might be getting stuck, I just feel nauseous and often vomit from it.  This isn't a consistent problem and it isn't simply a steak problem.  It happen**** or miss on any type of beef that I have tried.  Chicken, turkey, pork, and fish do not bother me.  I have met other bypass patients that have the exact same complaint, so I'm not sure there is any rational explanation or fix for the problem.

Bottom line, we require 60-75 grams of protein per day to keep up our metabolism, energy, and muscle mass plus it prevents hair loss.  Eating meat alternatives such as beans, eggs, skim milk cheeses, Greek yogurt, and tofu are good alternatives.  There are a lot of other protein supplements on the market besides Whey, but most must be ordered online when you live in small town Wyoming.

One little trick that works well is to choose a buddy from your support group to buddy up with to remind each other every day to make sure to get their protein, take their supplements, and write in their food log.  You could even team up with a close friend for the same purpose and offer the friend other reminders of his/her choosing.

The best places to get information, help, and general support is your surgeon, your LOCAL support group or of course the Obesity Help website.  And the best way to keep track of your daily protein intake and supplement therapy is to remember to journal in a food log book of some sort.  Another great indication of adequate protein intake is the Total Protein blood chemistry test that your physician orders annually as part of your surgery follow-up.

I went to the doctor yesterday for a dizziness problem.  I used their scale to weigh myself.  I almost cried/died/whatever.  I'm embarrassed to say how much weight I have gained since the last time I weighed.  OMG  I am now at 70 pounds below my pre-surgery weight.  And I originally lost 120 pounds.  That is a 50 pound weight gain over the past couple years.  And I have been on here preaching about JUST START OVER and I have done so.  I would think that the weight would be melting off like it did right after my surgery 5 years ago.  Apparently it doesn't work that way 5 years later.  New plan is needed I guess.  I have done some research on nutrition and keeping up the protein intake and supplements.  I feel good--actually I feel great--so I would think that I am getting everything I need. This has to be an exercise issue.  Unfortunately Wyoming's winters do not allow for much outdoor activity and a gym membership is just in the budget right now.  What am I to do.?  I drag the Yoga mat out nearly everyday for stretches and workouts to help keep me limber and firm, but Yoga does not burn many calories nor does it kick-start your metabolism to burn more calories.  I have been thru hell in my personal life for the last 2-1/2 months.  Needless to say, I have been battling some serious depression.  I have a doctor who has prescribed medications to combat this mood thing and it seems to be working because I feel good.  I wonder if any of these medications can cause weight gain.  Guess I should do some more research.  And to change the subject, I still haven't decided on a program for the March meeting of our support group.  I feel I have hit upon some issues that many people experience after surgery--especially a few years out.  I think I should focus on Weight Gain After Surgery.  Good idea---stay tuned for the results of my research and the NEW PLAN I need to develop to get this weight off again.  I new I had gained weight because the pants I wore last winter no longer fit me.  But I had no idea it was 50 pounds.  I think I'm depressed all over again.  I'm not sure anyone ever reads my posts, but if you are out there and you have any helpful suggestions I AM OPEN to hearing them  I would love to see more Wyomingites posting to this forum.  I think I am the only one doing regular posts.  Until next time, ya'll take care and I will have good news next time, I promise.

Hello Fellow Wyomingites,  I don't even know if that is considered a word.  LOL.  All is well in Northeastern Wyoming.  We have survived another "winter storm/blizzard" in which I had to learn just how "out of shape" I am by digging my car out of 18 inches of snow--and I drive a VW Bug.  Thank goodness I didn't have to dig out around a full-size car.  And also thank goodness my BUG gets around in the snow better than most 4-wheel drives.

It's a difficult time of year for those of us who must enjoy the outdoors from our living room picture window as opposed to actually being out there walking, hiking, camping, gardening, etc.  I could go to the gym, but I don't know of any that are truly FREE and my financial situation at the moment does not include gym membership.  I have put on weight, especially over the past few months due to major stress in my life.  The "Art of Grazing" should be a best-selling novel since it is already a cardinal sin to those of us who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.  I lie in bed every single night and vow that tomorrow will be different.  How many of you do the same thing?  I will just start over with the basic fundamentals I learned right after surgery.  I will eat 5 small meals per day, I will exercise for at least 15 minutes each day, I will write/journal/blog my frustrations, I will read something inspirational, I will learn to BE HAPPY and JUST LIVE MY LIFE.  Yet, every morning when I wake, I trudge to the coffee pot and start the day out with a caffeine buzz.  I eat cheese and crackers--just one small package is all I can stand.  I watch the birds and the turkeys and/or deer frolic over the frozen tundra that used to be my backyard.  Then I sit down to check the daily news and read my email.  All of this is over in less than 2 hours and I'm left with deciding how to spend the rest of my day.  I get out the Yoga mat and do a few stretches just to keep myself limber.  I could go all out and get out my Tara Stiles DVD and do an actual Yaga routine, but I'd hate to deter from my mundane daily routine of feeling sorry for myself and wishing the fat or the number on the scale would just magically go down by itself.

It has been 5 years since my gastric bypass surgery and although I did lose 120 pounds in my first year post op, I have gained 35 pounds of that back and I just can't work up the ambition to do something about it.  I lead the Weight Loss Surgery Support Group in Sheridan on the first Monday of every month.  I read and research every month for a program to present to my attendees, and it is always spectacular.  I am not a good public speaker due to short term memory problems that stem from a brain injury years ago--I cannot remember the details that I want to talk about.  And then there is the self-image problems that I experience from weight gain.  Who wants to attend a meeting led by a woman that cannot even keep her own program going?  I have shed tears over this negative thinking and have vowed to just stop and smell the roses.  Mostly I just keep on keeping on.  What more can I say?

Our January meeting here in Sheridan highlighting "Just Start Over" based upon the strategies you already know.  In other words, throw out those New Year's resolutions and just start over.  If you've put weight back on---this is for you.  I would be happy to share a written copy of my program and handouts to anyone interested.  You may contact me by leaving a personal message on my blog, or call me at 307-655-5329.  Hope everyone is doing well!!!

Even though ObesityHelp members are around the world, at times like these with Superstorm Sandy, we are united and here for each other.

For our ObesityHelp members, families and friends that are in the disaster areas, our thoughts are with you.  We’ve listed some helpful links below to provide information so we can support you. 

If you live in an area not impacted by Sandy but still want to help, there’s information for you too.  Make sure you are prepared for a natural disaster by checking out the information in the links below. 

If you’d like the latest info from the Federal Emergency Management Association on Superstorm Sandy, clickHERE.

FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE: 

If you need to find an emergency shelter near you, text:
SHELTER and YOUR ZIP CODE  to 43362

If you want to apply for assistance from your computer, click HERE.

If you want to apply for assistance from your mobile device, click HERE.

If you want to apply for assistance, call (800) 621-3362


DISASTER SURVIVOR RESOURCES:

General information from FEMA, click HERE.

Here’s how you and your loved ones can prepare for natural disasters, click HERE.

During times of disasters, the American Red Cross is always among the first at the scene.  The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need.

TO HELP THE AMERICAN RED CROSS:

Click HERE to donate funds for survivors of Superstorm Sandy.

Donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters throughout the country including Superstorm Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

You can contact the “Join The Movement” of the American Red Cross to donate funds, donate blood, and read about other ways to help by clicking HERE.

With our support,
ObesityHelp Management and Staff

Wanted to let everyone know that you were greatly missed if you were not at our meeting last night.  We had a cozy little group of 4 and we all shared a little bit of ourselves—the trials and tribulations of WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY in general and how it affects the upcoming holiday season of EATING at family celebrations.  I had some nice handouts—and will be happy to share with anyone who sends me a note requesting them.  I recently discovered—as I prepared to make more copies—that the “handbook” I created for each of our members is SERIOUSLY “out-dated” already, so I am in the process of updating everything and I will be printing/creating NEW books for each member that comes to future meetings.  I should have them ready to distribute at the December meeting.  And last but not least (LOL):  At the December meeting, I am requesting a little “trick or treat”  --- I want everyone to either bring a Holiday treat to share:  either something edible AND/OR your favorite holiday story/memory—it can be funny or heartwarming, whichever BEST memory you would like to share.  I haven’t exactly decided on “my program” for the next meeting, but I’m sure it will involve Holiday eating and stress.  I will announce it within the next couple weeks.  Again, if you were not present last night----you were missed and I hope and pray to see you at our next meeting.  We have so much to be grateful for as we head into the WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

WHEN: Monday -- November 5, 2012 -- 7 PM

WHERE: Sheridan Memorial Hospital Cafeteria -- Use rear basement entrance

TOPIC: With the holiday season fast approaching I feel we all need to address strategies to get through those huge Holiday feasts as well as all the baking everyone seems to do at this festive time of year. I have a presentation on HOLIDAY STRESS and loving yourself no matter what choices you make.

CONTACT: Gina Stephens 307-655-5329 OR 307-752-5754    Certified Obesity Help Support Group Leader

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at our meeting this month. As usual I will have wonderful handouts available of low calorie recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner, as well as new thoughts regarding the new “natural no calorie” sweeteners, dieting tips, and exerts from Louise Hays’ Heal Your Life Workbook

Its been over six years since we've launched our forums. During this time it has seen thousands of fresh faces, greetings, meetings, partings, arguments, kind words, life transformations, cathartic rants, and simply happy time pass. It has been with us throughout this time, silently observing and facilitating. But like any wise old man, its bones were getting old. Its joints were aching, and it has been needing a new jolt of energy.

A Mobile World
Did you know that over 30% of you visit our website using a mobile device? For those who do visit us via mobile, we owe you a sincere apology, because our forums have been horrendous on a mobile browser. But the big news is that things are about to change! Our new forums are completely mobile friendly and compatible with iPhone, Android, and pretty much any other modern smart phone.

Each post, topic, and forum shows up beautifully, with the full set of features, and in nice large font. See the screenshots for yourself.

You dont have do anything different, just browse to the forums like you normally would. This means that you can finally put these away:

Not Just for Mobile
The interface on your desktop browser has also been cleaned up a great deal. There is now less clutter on the page, and the overall experience is a lot cleaner. Check out some more screenshots here!

You will notice that each post no longer has 400 buttons below it. Only the buttons that are relevant to each post show up, making your screen space a lot less cluttered. Also, when you reply to another person's post, the entire post is indented inside, making it a lot easier to figure out who has replied to whom.

Launching soon! Maybe as early as next week! Maybe.
And do remember that this is not in any way a be-all-end-all when it comes to the forums. We are in the process of constantly learning and improving upon what we have, and this is just one step along the way.

Stay tuned for the changes! We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

On a daily basis we get calls from members in desperate need of surgeons that will accept Medicaid and or Medicare for Bariatric surgery.  It breaks our hearts when we have to say "we don't know of any surgeons in your state we can refer you to". 

Can you please help us? If you know of any surgeons in your state that accepts Medicaid and or Medicare, will you list their:

Name

If they accept Medicare and or Medcaid

Phone number

Facility

Address

This list will remain here for our members to access and use.

Thank you so much!!!

ObesityHelp,

Member Services