Posted by Patient Help Desk on May 15, 2008 under Weight Loss Tips | 
Alexa Altman, the show psychologist on the popular television show “The Biggest Loser” shares her ideas for keeping emotionally fit by discussing five factors to keep you emotionally fit in her “Feeling Good” column. She mentions that that are many psychological similarities among the shows successful contestants, who have lost weight and are taking a sort of ‘personal inventory’ to keep it off in the long term. She also adds that it is important that it is helpful to acknowledge an area of strength and how it has helped you in attaining a healthy body and mind; on the flip side, she says it is very helpful to take into account the area(s) where you feel you are having trouble and how they may be limiting your success in losing weight and keeping it off.
The five psychological factors she explains include staying connected to personal goals. To reach your goal, she says, you have to know wat it is you’re trying to achieve, how to go about achieving it, and what it will look or feel like once you do. She says that one’s goals should be realistic, clear, and measurable.
The second goal is to create and expand support. This refers to having a social support system, such as friends and family, who will be there for you through the good times and the bad.
The third goal is what she refers to as “gray thinking”. This involves the tendency we as human beings have of thinking in terms of black and white-or good and bad. By processing information and ‘filing’ it away into little categories of ‘good’ and ‘bad’, you set yourself up for failure because one small mistake becomes monumental when one is in this mindset.
The fourth goal is to utilize resources. These are “anything that contributes to your weight loss success and well being”. These resources are typically similar with those that are attempting to lose weight in the long-term Support from loved ones, a personal trainer, a food journal…whatever you feel you need on your “journey”, do not hesitate to establish these resources and use them whenever you feel it is necessary to do so. The last goal is to identify problems early. In order to successfully lose weight, you must identify and address whatever it is that is getting in your way and keeping you from feeling healthy and happy. Stress, a bad relationship, emotional eating…each person has his or her own “roadblocks” to success. By being honest with yourself and doing your best to achieve these goals, you can begin acknowledging and practicing completely what has contributed to your success and celebrate the positive gains you’ve made!
Posted by Patient Help Desk on March 4, 2008 under Diet and Health |
Eating Out After Your Bariatric Surgery Procedure
Have you recently had weight loss surgery? Well, you’ve taken an essential and health-boosting step for yourself and your loved ones. And as you’d expect, one area that will involve many alterations is that dining out. You may want to avoid restaurants, as your body simply can’t handle your previous amounts of food.
Today, most places serve huge amounts of food, swimming in fat and calories. Multiple studies have concluded that for bariatric surgery, larger portions are associated with slower rates of weight loss. Be on the alert for signs of “dumping syndrome,” a harmful condition in which undigested food (sugary treats are particularly bad) leaves the stomach, and rapidly gathers in the small intestine’s lower end (or “jejunum”). This condition can lead to weakness, sweating, and dizziness.
Dining Guidelines Away From Home
If you must eat out, you can monitor your dietary habits. Don’t think of this occasion as an excuse to ignore your condition. You should definitely plan ahead: consider reviewing the menu online. But it’s also important to eat something, and not starve yourself, which is just as dangerous. And here’s some good news: (very) occasional overeating won’t result in weight gain!
You may want to have a glass of milk or a small snack before leaving for the restaurant, as this can minimize your hunger. Once you arrive, avoid eating bread before the meal, as well as appetizers, in general. Another good idea is to order your salad with the dressing in a cup, like a dip. It’s wise to share your entree or take half home for another meal. Engaging in conversation while you eat causes you to eat much slower, as does sampling small amounts of new dishes.
Dining Out With Your Loved Ones
No matter how hard you try, when mealtime rolls around, you may end up inadvertently offending family and friends. But think about it this way; isn’t your long-term good health worth a little awkwardness now? Below, you’ll find some guidelines that should make dining out a more comfortable transition:
- Talk It Over – your family, friends and co-workers may not be familiar with what you’ve gone through, or will go through. So, you may need to have a conversation that tells everyone what to expect, as well as why you had the surgery. Of course, you should only do this if you’re comfortable.
- Support System – a bariatric surgery support group can provide you and your loved ones with an understanding of the procedure, as well as vital information
- Provide Information – it can be helpful to show the research and literature you used when considering surgery
- Subject Change – if you just don’t feel like explaining things, that OK, this is a private matter! You may want to try talking about something else (but approach this politely)
- Practice Avoidance – as with any situation, certain individuals just don’t “click.” You may need to keep away from these people, now and in the future
