Dr. Kahala B.

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Hello OH Family,

 

I have been on this journey for 8 years now. I am thankful for my tool but there is definitely work you have to put in. I am currently on a journey and wanted to share. Get connected through you tube. I am trying a Raw Vegan plan for 20 days :)

Looking forward to connecting!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU0I1vCzkqE

Testimony: In Tears! - Today marks a very special day in my life. It is the 6 Year Mark of a New Life that God blessed me with. I have been living my new life and I almost forgot the date until my support group forwarded me this pic saying "Happy Surgiversary" You are still a loser:)....I began to cry. I remember facing death, ending up in the hospital time and time again because my blood pressure was so high I was at stroke level and even then it was hard for the Dr to get it down. My insulin levels were off the chart and I was gaining weight like never before. I did not know what to do. I have always had confidence and even in this obesity crisis I had not lost this part of me but i lost peace and health. I remember saying, I am too young for this. I am not ready to die yet. Why is this happening, I am not a bad eater or anything. Why, Why Why? I went into my prayer closet for three days straight and I would spend hours not moving until I felt led to move and finally I heard his voice "Just like the one needing a transplant, you need one to" I chose life and opted for the Gastric Bypass. It was the best decision I could have made for me. I still have a battle but it is not close to what it was prior! Now I am confident that the anointing that God has placed on my life, I can truly carry it because my temple is in order for His perfect will for my life and I am so eternally grateful! I love me and God loved me enough to give me peace about wanting a new life and trusting him to work through the hands that would help me get it. To God be ALL the Glory!!!!!! I don't look like what I have been through!

One of the greatest fears of patients seeking weight-loss surgery is the fear of weight regain. This is understandable considering that virtually every patient that has undergone weight-loss surgery has at some point been a “Yo-Yo Dieter” during their weight-loss journey.

It is not uncommon for a surgical candidate to relate stories of losing 10 pounds, 20 pounds, sometimes even 50-100 pounds with dieting attempts, only to see it return over time.

The good news is that with weight-loss surgery, the weight-loss seen post-operatively can maintain throughout a long period of time. However, it is important that patients keep in mind that obesity is a chronic disease that is not cured by surgery. Surgery provides a powerful tool for significant weight-loss, but without proper care “the tool” can lose its effectiveness, leading to weight regain.

There are several causes of weight regain after weight-loss surgery, most of which if addressed properly, results in a loss of the gained weight and resumption of weight maintenance. In this article, I would like to share with you my thought process in dealing with the patient who experiences weight regain.

Keys to Prevention of Weight Regain
The key to prevention of weight regain is education and follow-up. Both before and after weight-loss surgery, patients need to be taught how to use their surgery to optimize their success. The optimal education should involve counseling in dietary, behavioral health and exercise issues.

I believe one of the most important things that a program can do to promote long-term weight maintenance is to create an environment in the clinic where a patient feels comfortable coming, not only when they are doing well, but also when they are struggling. By creating an environment where patients feel safe to share their struggles, we can often intervene early-on before the patient regains a significant amount of weight.

When I initially see a patient who regained some weight, I congratulate them for having the courage to come in to see me. My main focus of the visit is to begin to get an understanding of whether their weight regain is due to an anatomical problem (something wrong with the surgery), a medical problem or a behavioral problem (returning to old habits). It is extremely helpful if the patient brings a food journal to the visit.

I find the following questions to be quite helpful when sorting out the issue of weight regain:

1. How many times a day do you eat?
2. How many times a day do you get hungry?
3. Do you ever feel full and if so, how long does it last?
4. How much can you eat in one sitting?
5. Are you having heartburn or reflux?
6. Have you started any new medicines?
7. How has your energy level been? Your sleep?
8. Are there any new or ongoing stressors in your life?
9. Why do you think you are regaining weight?

If a patient is suddenly able to tolerate much larger meals, experiences an increased frequency in the sensation of hunger or develops new or recurring acid reflux, then I am much more concerned that I am dealing with an anatomical problem (something wrong with the surgery). Anatomic problems are best diagnosed with an upper GI series or an upper endoscopy. The following are some anatomic causes of weight regain:

Anatomic

• Pouch dilatation
• Anastamotic dilatation
• Adjustable gastric band system problem (balloon leak, hole in tubing, port disconnection, etc.)
• Gastric-gastric fistula due to staple line breakdown

There are certainly some medical conditions that can lead to weight regain as well. I have listed some common ones below. Most of these will be diagnosed with a good medical history and blood work.

Medical

• Pregnancy
• Thyroid issues
• Adrenal issues
• New medications
• Kidney and/or heart problems

In my experience, anatomic and medical causes of weight regain after weight-loss surgery are rather uncommon, but they certainly should be considered. In the vast majority of patients, weight regain is the result of the patient slipping back into old, unhealthy habits.

The good news is that by intervening early and addressing the particular patient’s issues, we can often prevent the patient from regaining a significant amount of weight.

About the Author: 
Lloyd Stegemann, MD, is a private practice bariatric surgeon with New Dimensions Weight Loss Surgery/Weight Wise in San Antonio, TX. He was the driving force behind the Texas Weight-Loss Surgery Summit and in the formation of the Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons (TABS) where he currently serves as President. He has been very active in the Texas state legislature trying to increase patient access to weight-loss surgery. Dr. Stegemann is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the OAC Advisory Board.

Been a long time since I have reached out to my OH family I think because the site is not as active as it was when I started out and I am not sure why. I think when a lot of people get the surgery, including myself , we just don't come back to update and stay connected. How is everyone doing?

I have started on a program that is a 42 dayer. I began on Saturday 04/05/2014. My weight when I started was at 218.00 and I am down to 212.2. I am truly excited about that. I am excited about the journey. I have high hopes along with using my tool that I will be close to 200 lbs again and then I can work to get to my goal weight of 170.0. I have insulin resistance and it makes it a battle to keep the weight off but I am committed to it. The program I am using is Smart for Life and in my opinion, it is worth giving a try. www.smartforlife.com . I purchased my 42 day pack from Costco online. I can tolerate everything in the pack except the oatmeal raisin cookies....those are a no go for me. I plan on keeping you updated on my progress and will be posting videos on YouTube as well https://www.youtube.com/user/faith2lose. Would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have for me.

I can not believe it has truly been five years. Interesting enough I sometimes still see my self to the old way. Less than one year after my surgery, I was without medical insurance. If I could change anything it would be once you have the surgery and are approved my any method that your medical follow ups will be covered for life. This is definitely a tool. Not an ends to a means. You must work it. But I am grateful because it was a life changing gift that I needed to get me on track.  In my time in speaking to others, I heard of marriages and relationships failing, people still having emotional and mental imbalances because although they had the surgery, there were still underlying issues. That's why you hear that it is just a tool because a that end of the day, if you do not deal with and conquer some of your deep rooted issues, you will find yourself in a position where history repeats itself. Stay laser focused, Be Relentless! You can be more than a conqueror! Let me hear from you! How are you doing on your journey?

You can start improving your health today by choosing just one of these tips for good health . . . make it into a habit . . . and then part of your healthy lifestyle. You will be amazed at the quick results!

One: Drink more water - get yourself an easy to use water bottle. You want one that you can keep with you and that you like using. The bottle should hold at least 16 ounces of water. Fill the bottle each morning (add some freshly squeezed lemon if you like) and drink 16 ounces of water before you have your breakfast.

As you go through the day, drink three more 16 ounce bottles of water. Keep your water battle with you all the time. Take a little sip here and a little sip there. You will be surprised at how easy it is to drink four 16 ounce bottles of water each day. You will also be amazed how staying hydrated decreases your appetite and improves you health!

Why will this work for you? Your body is 70 percent water. When it's dehydrated your brain sends a signal that it needs water. To most people, this "feels like" a hunger pang. And so they do the natural thing, which is to eat. But then the brain sends another signal because the body still wants water. So more food is consumed . . . and the cycle continues.

When your body is well-hydrated and your stomach is partially filled with water, you will not want to eat as much food. You actually get full faster. People who are well hydrated eat 30 percent less food! That's a great incentive to drink more water, plus you are giving your whole body what it needs to function properly.

Two: Eat only whole grains - in this article I can't go into all the details about why whole grains are so much better for you. But know that whole grains were specifically designed by God to give your body what it needs for good health and to feel satisfied. White flour and white rice have been stripped of the most valuable parts of the grain. The only portion left is the starchy and flavorless portion. But whole grains retain all the goodness, make you feel full and more satisfied with less food, plus they provide your body with adequate fiber to keep your systems clean and balanced.

When you eat adequate portions of whole grains on a regular basis, you will very likely start clearing your body of harmful cholesterol. Plus, you will be more satisfied, eat less and lose weight.

Whole grains, along with fruits and vegetables, are excellent sources of fiber. The fiber isn't fully digested and instead works in your digestive system like little sponges to soak up and clear out excess cholesterol. If there is not enough fiber, the cholesterol goes back into your bloodstream and then starts causing a waxy buildup in the vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Adequate fiber clears the body of excess cholesterol so it can't go into the bloodstream.

Why will this work for you? Whole grains include the vitamins and micronutrients your body needs for optimal health. When your body doesn't receive what it needs then it is still hungry for the nutrients. You don't feel satisfied, even when you've had plenty to eat. So you try to satisfy the hunger . . . but if you aren't giving your body what it needs, the cycle continues and then you have weight gain.

Three: Go meatless one or two days a week - a little known fact: cholesterol is made in the liver - either by your own liver so your body had what it needs for good health (you do need some cholesterol in your system). Or it's made by other mammals and is in the animal products you consume and the cholesterol enters your body to be metabolized.

When people go on the Daniel Fast, a completely plant-based eating plan, they are often amazed that their cholesterol counts go downs so quickly. But most people don't want to adopt a vegan way of eating every day of their lives. However, you can choose to have one or two days a week "meatless." A growing trend is "Meatless Monday." The foods you can have are healthy, appetizing and satisfying!

You can also cut back on all high-fat foods to consume fewer calories and bring your body into better alignment with the way your Creator designed it to operate.

Why will this work for you? When you consume less food from animal products you reduce the amount of cholesterol you are bringing into your body. Plus, protein-rich foods from plants (beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, etc.) have the fiber your body needs to rid your system of excess cholesterol.

Four: Chew your food - I realize this sounds kind of silly. But the truth is most people don't chew their food very much. We've become a fast-food nation by quickly eating food that's been prepared quickly! I had to face this issue myself a few years ago when I realized I had the poor habit of eating too fast.

Food should be enjoyed! And a bigger bite doesn't taste any better than a small bite that can be chewed well. Studies show that people who chew their food well and eat slowly consume 30 percent fewer calories than those who don't chew their food well! Plus, digestion starts in your mouth. That's one of the primary functions of saliva - to start the breakdown of food.

Why will this work for you? When you chew your food well, you don't eat so fast. So your body has time to start the digestion process and time to tell your brain when it is satisfied (it takes between 15-20 minutes). You will enjoy your food better and you won't eat as much.

Five: Take a walk - you don't need to run a marathon to be in good health. Taking a 30 minute walk each day can give your body a significant boost for your improved health. Studies show that 75 percent of men and women who walk in the morning stick with their workouts after a year! That's motivating! Plus, walks in the morning keep you invigorated throughout the day as you gain more natural energy.

Regular activity also increases production of brain proteins that increases your mental acuity! Wow, that's great news! And, people who choose walking as their exercise plan are more likely to stick with it compared to those who choose different exercise regimes.

I am a walker. I have a treadmill for the very hot and very cold days . . . and I live on a country road that invites nice, long walks. When I'm on my treadmill I often listen to audiobooks and the time seems to whiz by. When I walk outside, I prefer to "prayer-walk" and have time with the Lord.

I recently read an article about a young Christian woman who started eating a healthy diet (as I've described here) and started walking using Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home DVD. She also use prayer and God's Word for motivation and guidance. In a little over a year she lost more than 149 pounds and significantly lowered her blood pressure! Her results are not unusual for men and women who commit to health for their lives. Many men and women use a modified Daniel Fast for their healthy eating plan with stunning results.

Why will this work for you? Our bodies are designed to move! But our lifestyles have become sedentary and slow. Plus, for most adults, time is at a premium. Walking can be a wonderful time to chat with your spouse or a friend or have quiet time for yourself. You can listen to teachings, worship music or talk with the Lord and pray. You will boost your energy level and if you walk in the morning your metabolism will be revved up to burn calories all day long!

I encourage you to choose at least one of these tips and practice it for the next week. As you work toward this change, pray to your Father and thank Him for the transformation that is taking place in you as you move toward health and vitality. Then next week, choose more healthy habits to adopt and continue on your road toward health until healthy habits become your lifestyle!

You can start improving your health today by choosing just one of these tips for good health . . . make it into a habit . . . and then part of your healthy lifestyle. You will be amazed at the quick results!

One: Drink more water - get yourself an easy to use water bottle. You want one that you can keep with you and that you like using. The bottle should hold at least 16 ounces of water. Fill the bottle each morning (add some freshly squeezed lemon if you like) and drink 16 ounces of water before you have your breakfast.

As you go through the day, drink three more 16 ounce bottles of water. Keep your water battle with you all the time. Take a little sip here and a little sip there. You will be surprised at how easy it is to drink four 16 ounce bottles of water each day. You will also be amazed how staying hydrated decreases your appetite and improves you health!

Why will this work for you? Your body is 70 percent water. When it's dehydrated your brain sends a signal that it needs water. To most people, this "feels like" a hunger pang. And so they do the natural thing, which is to eat. But then the brain sends another signal because the body still wants water. So more food is consumed . . . and the cycle continues.

When your body is well-hydrated and your stomach is partially filled with water, you will not want to eat as much food. You actually get full faster. People who are well hydrated eat 30 percent less food! That's a great incentive to drink more water, plus you are giving your whole body what it needs to function properly.

Two: Eat only whole grains - in this article I can't go into all the details about why whole grains are so much better for you. But know that whole grains were specifically designed by God to give your body what it needs for good health and to feel satisfied. White flour and white rice have been stripped of the most valuable parts of the grain. The only portion left is the starchy and flavorless portion. But whole grains retain all the goodness, make you feel full and more satisfied with less food, plus they provide your body with adequate fiber to keep your systems clean and balanced.

When you eat adequate portions of whole grains on a regular basis, you will very likely start clearing your body of harmful cholesterol. Plus, you will be more satisfied, eat less and lose weight.

Whole grains, along with fruits and vegetables, are excellent sources of fiber. The fiber isn't fully digested and instead works in your digestive system like little sponges to soak up and clear out excess cholesterol. If there is not enough fiber, the cholesterol goes back into your bloodstream and then starts causing a waxy buildup in the vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Adequate fiber clears the body of excess cholesterol so it can't go into the bloodstream.

Why will this work for you? Whole grains include the vitamins and micronutrients your body needs for optimal health. When your body doesn't receive what it needs then it is still hungry for the nutrients. You don't feel satisfied, even when you've had plenty to eat. So you try to satisfy the hunger . . . but if you aren't giving your body what it needs, the cycle continues and then you have weight gain.

Three: Go meatless one or two days a week - a little known fact: cholesterol is made in the liver - either by your own liver so your body had what it needs for good health (you do need some cholesterol in your system). Or it's made by other mammals and is in the animal products you consume and the cholesterol enters your body to be metabolized.

When people go on the Daniel Fast, a completely plant-based eating plan, they are often amazed that their cholesterol counts go downs so quickly. But most people don't want to adopt a vegan way of eating every day of their lives. However, you can choose to have one or two days a week "meatless." A growing trend is "Meatless Monday." The foods you can have are healthy, appetizing and satisfying!

You can also cut back on all high-fat foods to consume fewer calories and bring your body into better alignment with the way your Creator designed it to operate.

Why will this work for you? When you consume less food from animal products you reduce the amount of cholesterol you are bringing into your body. Plus, protein-rich foods from plants (beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, etc.) have the fiber your body needs to rid your system of excess cholesterol.

Four: Chew your food - I realize this sounds kind of silly. But the truth is most people don't chew their food very much. We've become a fast-food nation by quickly eating food that's been prepared quickly! I had to face this issue myself a few years ago when I realized I had the poor habit of eating too fast.

Food should be enjoyed! And a bigger bite doesn't taste any better than a small bite that can be chewed well. Studies show that people who chew their food well and eat slowly consume 30 percent fewer calories than those who don't chew their food well! Plus, digestion starts in your mouth. That's one of the primary functions of saliva - to start the breakdown of food.

Why will this work for you? When you chew your food well, you don't eat so fast. So your body has time to start the digestion process and time to tell your brain when it is satisfied (it takes between 15-20 minutes). You will enjoy your food better and you won't eat as much.

Five: Take a walk - you don't need to run a marathon to be in good health. Taking a 30 minute walk each day can give your body a significant boost for your improved health. Studies show that 75 percent of men and women who walk in the morning stick with their workouts after a year! That's motivating! Plus, walks in the morning keep you invigorated throughout the day as you gain more natural energy.

Regular activity also increases production of brain proteins that increases your mental acuity! Wow, that's great news! And, people who choose walking as their exercise plan are more likely to stick with it compared to those who choose different exercise regimes.

I am a walker. I have a treadmill for the very hot and very cold days . . . and I live on a country road that invites nice, long walks. When I'm on my treadmill I often listen to audiobooks and the time seems to whiz by. When I walk outside, I prefer to "prayer-walk" and have time with the Lord.

I recently read an article about a young Christian woman who started eating a healthy diet (as I've described here) and started walking using Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home DVD. She also use prayer and God's Word for motivation and guidance. In a little over a year she lost more than 149 pounds and significantly lowered her blood pressure! Her results are not unusual for men and women who commit to health for their lives. Many men and women use a modified Daniel Fast for their healthy eating plan with stunning results.

Why will this work for you? Our bodies are designed to move! But our lifestyles have become sedentary and slow. Plus, for most adults, time is at a premium. Walking can be a wonderful time to chat with your spouse or a friend or have quiet time for yourself. You can listen to teachings, worship music or talk with the Lord and pray. You will boost your energy level and if you walk in the morning your metabolism will be revved up to burn calories all day long!

I encourage you to choose at least one of these tips and practice it for the next week. As you work toward this change, pray to your Father and thank Him for the transformation that is taking place in you as you move toward health and vitality. Then next week, choose more healthy habits to adopt and continue on your road toward health until healthy habits become your lifestyle!

Well December 23 2012, marked my 4 Year Anniversary for having weight loss surgery. Am I still excited that I had the surgery? Heck YES. I looked at a picture just last night from 2004 and was trying to figure out who was the woman in the picture and it was me :) My biggest complication at this point in my life is not having any medical insurance. So for me I am unable to see the Dr as much as I would like to as well as other benefits that come from having insurance. My frustration is, being that the surgery cost so much to have in the first place, we should be covered for life as it relates to follow ups and annual visits for blood work and potential complications that come up. I think it is only fair. When a person pays cash they are covered but if it is by insurance, not so much.

Anyway...let me get off the soapbox. I do what I can to take care of myself. I eat fairly well. I keep up with protein and vitamin. My biggest downfall is that I DO NOT exercise and that is the worst thing I could have done for me. It is hard for me to do so because I have a plate and pins in my ankle so often it is difficult because of limited range in motions at times. However, i do walk occasionally and I do swim almost daily in the summertime. I wish I was connected to more people that are where I am and have some great insights to share. I hate that when we first start out on the journey we are so excited about the site and can't keep from posting on it but after awhile we lose contact. It's no Facebook but it should be for us because we are the biggest support group we have. Blessings! Hope to hear from you guys!

Hey Fam! I just uploaded some photos. I pray it moivates you the way it motivates me to see such awesome change. How are you guys maintaining in your journey so far?

Well I am approaching my Three Year Surgerversary (Dec 22) :) I feel good about myself. The fact of it all, I have always been a very confident person for I have always loved me. This has been a journey. After having the surgery, I went back to work in 2009 and found out that I was being laid off. It took me know time to fine another career and I begin working for another company but the insurance they offered was ridiculous. Could not even afford it if I wanted to. Needless to say I have been without insurance every since. My husband suffered job lost and went without work from 2008 - 2010. When it seemed like things were going to get better we had a Fire loss to our home in 2011 and had to relocate to an hotel only to find out that our home was not salvageable.   Our lives have been turned upside down but I am thankful that we are still here to celebrate life together as a family. I am thankful for the restoration that has begun in our lives. I am looking for avenues to find health insurance but in the meant time I have been diligent about staying on top of my regimens and exercising so that I can remain healthy. I am thankful for my support team and I thankful to have a site like obesityhelp.com to always fall back on and stay connected with people just like me.   I think after awhile we lose our momentum and stop posting and sharing news because it is not as active as FaceBook. But I tell you Facebook cannot give you the support you need when dealing with a sensitive like being overweight and the emotional and mental factors that come with it.   I really pray that everyone is taking this seriously. If you have fell off, no worries, get back on the band wagon and try again. No One can benefit from a person that does not take care of themselves. Nothing Tastes as Good as Thin Feels! Let’s get back committed! We can do it and overcome any obstacle in our lives. I DON’T STOP BECAUSE I AM TIRED; I STOP BECAUSE I AM FINISHED! WE WILL NEVER BE FINISHED…PRESS ON!