My Bariatric Life

I am sharing my wonderful recipe make-overs with BariatricPal that I originally published on HealthCentral Obesity, a health news and information site similar to WebMD. These are the recipes that have helped me to be successful in maintaining my weight loss from bariatric surgery in 2003. These include delicious Protein shakes - some of which taste even better than the delicious fat and sugar-laden Frappucinos at Starbucks, protein bars that are far more healthy and affordable than those you buy online/in-store, and awesome recipe-makeovers of foods you love but are no longer part of a bariatric life food plan. Paleo Caffé Freddo from Borne Appétit In the warmer seasons my husband always keeps a pitcher of cold organic coffee in our refrigerator. Caffeinated coffee is my one remaining vice after I completed The Whole30 Challenge and went Paleo. I have eliminated virtually all cane sugar, beet sugar, hydrogenated fats and oils, high fructose corn syrup, dairy, grains, gluten, legumes, white potatoes, red meat, chemicals and anything artificial from my diet. And at 50-years old I am the most fit I have been since I was a teen. Now, some purists say “sugar is sugar” and not considered Paleo. It also is refined, which may exclude it from some Paleoists’ plan of eating. On the other hand, some Paleoists consider coconut sugar one of the preferred sweeteners. I use coconut sugar in moderation, even sparingly, not on a daily basis. I drink my daily coffee with an equal part of pure coconut Water and a splash of pure low-fat 100% coconut milk. As long as coconut sugar doesn’t give you problems, such as a “crutch” to keep your sugar cravings alive, then occasional use is okay in my opinion. Just don’t label it “Paleo” and use it as an excuse to begin to drink sugar-sweetened beverages again. Coconut sugar reportedly carries a lower glycemic load than other refined sugar. However, the devil is in the details. Glycemic load and contents vary by brand due to different processing techniques. So I advise smart sourcing of your coconut sugar, and be sure to buy certified organic. With that disclaimer made, let’s get to my recipe… Follow this link to HealthCentral to get the recipe for Paleo Caffé Freddo from Borne Appétit

I had a lot done so I am not sure how much just my facelift was, I think maybe 6k.

Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. So following an Eastern philosophy to keeping healthy, I try to please all three aspects of my being in order to keep it in balance. Where applicable, I’ve added my real-world experience using techniques that have helped to transform emotionally and mentally in areas where I’ve experienced a loss of power. I hope these words of wisdom will inspire and strengthen you during your weight-loss journey. 1. Stop doubting Observe and assess your thoughts. Do you notice habitual patterns of negative thinking? If so, make a conscious decision to replace those negative thoughts with kind or positive thoughts. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” I took the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction 8-week course (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Scientists have proven that meditation strengthens the immune system, increases heart health, reduces stress, slows biological aging, strengthens coping skills, even changes brain chemistry - and can be instrumental in helping us create positive behavior changes. A study by Davidson and Kabat-Zinn et al showed that after training in MBSR for eight weeks, study participants process information in a more positive way, using more optimistic sides of their frontal cortex rather than negative sides. 2. Stop limiting yourself See in your mind’s eye what you want for yourself and your life. See, imagine, dream of the person you want to be. See, imagine, and dream of the life you want to live. Act as if you are that person. Live into your dream. It's not who you are that holds you back, rather it is who you think you're not. I was taught a visualization technique by Rev. Mark, my spiritual guide. He told me to visualize three TV monitors playing a scene from my life that I want to transform. This could be any one issue, from a relationship that was not serving me well to a lifestyle choice that was not completely healthy. I would mentally watch that scene play out on each of the three monitors then take a steel ball bearing and throw it through the screens to shatter the images. I would then turn around and visualize one large screen TV playing out that scene in the way I want it to be — depicting me behaving in a manner that is completely healthy inside and out. Do this for 30-days straight to bring you closer to achieving that state. 3. Stop waiting Being strong sometimes means facing the need for positive life changes head on. Live positively for your health and happiness. Not only you, but your loved ones, friends, and associates will be inspired. Today, we accept that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors directly affect our health. I recently became reacquainted with the practice of meditation, specifically as a spiritual practice. Meditation allows me to clear my mind of emotional debris such as sadness, lack of forgiveness, lack of self love or self care, blaming, and anger. It also helps to release any emotions I may be holding on to that may 'weigh me down' emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I believe that meditation helps me to release negative energy like sadness and anger, instead of turning to food as a coping mechanism. Self soothing with food was my pattern of behavior when I was morbidly obese — a habit that likely played a pivotal role in my becoming morbidly obese in the first place. 4. Stop making excuses You cannot just sit and wait around for someone to solve your problems. You’ve got to get out there and make what you want happen. Otherwise, if you change nothing, then nothing will change. It’s OK to seek the help of others, just don’t expect others to do the work for you. 5. Stop quitting The pessimistic mind will stay stuck in inaction, perhaps afraid to change, thinking that his or her situation cannot change, or that change is too hard to be had. An optimistic mind notices the opportunities, things to be grateful for, and that even though things may be hard or bad right now they will change once again. Rev. Mark also taught me to do positive affirmations. This is a daily practice that has no ending because the pessimistic mind can easily overtake the optimistic mind if given the chance. Facing east, look into a mirror and into your left eye (east is of the mind and the left eye receives). Concentrate and set your intentions that you are creating your reality; this focus is similar to a meditative state. Now say your affirmations in the present tense. For example say, “I eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body,” rather than, “I will eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body.” Gregg Bradon, New York Times best selling author, says the universe takes your words very literally. So if you say something in the future tense then the universe will manifest this in your future; however, the future never comes now does it? It’s like saying “someday I will eat healthy…” 6. Start believing It is not the future that you are afraid of. It’s repeating the past mistakes that makes you anxious. Stop putting your past in the present and ruining your future. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step. I completed the Landmark Forum, as have many of my professional colleagues and friends. It is a powerful personal development program designed to bring about positive, permanent shifts in the quality of your life in just three intensive days. Participants are given a technology for putting the past where it belongs – in the past. Then begin to design their lives as a free and authentic expression – from what is possible, rather than what has been. This dramatic shift enables participants to think and act outside existing views and limits, and to redefine themselves and the reality they have known. These are just a few techniques that worked for me so feel free to try whatever resonates with you. We each must find what individually keeps us in balance as each of us is a being as unique as our fingerprints. You also may enjoy my series of interviews with Lori Rosenthal, MS, RD, CDN, a bariatric dietitian, and Susan Harrow Rago, MS, RD, LDN, who has been involved in health programming for more than 25-years. Read more at HealthCentral: Keep the Weight Off for Life Long Term Weight Loss Eating Habits Controlling Emotional Eating After Weight Loss Surgery Support is Key to Maintaining Weight Loss Weight Loss with Nutrition Counseling, Q&A with Susan Harrow Rago

Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. So following an Eastern philosophy to keeping healthy, I try to please all three aspects of my being in order to keep it in balance. Where applicable, I’ve added my real-world experience using techniques that have helped to transform emotionally and mentally in areas where I’ve experienced a loss of power. I hope these words of wisdom will inspire and strengthen you during your weight-loss journey. 1. Stop doubting Observe and assess your thoughts. Do you notice habitual patterns of negative thinking? If so, make a conscious decision to replace those negative thoughts with kind or positive thoughts. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” I took the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction 8-week course (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Scientists have proven that meditation strengthens the immune system, increases heart health, reduces stress, slows biological aging, strengthens coping skills, even changes brain chemistry - and can be instrumental in helping us create positive behavior changes. A study by Davidson and Kabat-Zinn et al showed that after training in MBSR for eight weeks, study participants process information in a more positive way, using more optimistic sides of their frontal cortex rather than negative sides. 2. Stop limiting yourself See in your mind’s eye what you want for yourself and your life. See, imagine, dream of the person you want to be. See, imagine, and dream of the life you want to live. Act as if you are that person. Live into your dream. It's not who you are that holds you back, rather it is who you think you're not. I was taught a visualization technique by Rev. Mark, my spiritual guide. He told me to visualize three TV monitors playing a scene from my life that I want to transform. This could be any one issue, from a relationship that was not serving me well to a lifestyle choice that was not completely healthy. I would mentally watch that scene play out on each of the three monitors then take a steel ball bearing and throw it through the screens to shatter the images. I would then turn around and visualize one large screen TV playing out that scene in the way I want it to be — depicting me behaving in a manner that is completely healthy inside and out. Do this for 30-days straight to bring you closer to achieving that state. 3. Stop waiting Being strong sometimes means facing the need for positive life changes head on. Live positively for your health and happiness. Not only you, but your loved ones, friends, and associates will be inspired. Today, we accept that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors directly affect our health. I recently became reacquainted with the practice of meditation, specifically as a spiritual practice. Meditation allows me to clear my mind of emotional debris such as sadness, lack of forgiveness, lack of self love or self care, blaming, and anger. It also helps to release any emotions I may be holding on to that may 'weigh me down' emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I believe that meditation helps me to release negative energy like sadness and anger, instead of turning to food as a coping mechanism. Self soothing with food was my pattern of behavior when I was morbidly obese — a habit that likely played a pivotal role in my becoming morbidly obese in the first place. 4. Stop making excuses You cannot just sit and wait around for someone to solve your problems. You’ve got to get out there and make what you want happen. Otherwise, if you change nothing, then nothing will change. It’s OK to seek the help of others, just don’t expect others to do the work for you. 5. Stop quitting The pessimistic mind will stay stuck in inaction, perhaps afraid to change, thinking that his or her situation cannot change, or that change is too hard to be had. An optimistic mind notices the opportunities, things to be grateful for, and that even though things may be hard or bad right now they will change once again. Rev. Mark also taught me to do positive affirmations. This is a daily practice that has no ending because the pessimistic mind can easily overtake the optimistic mind if given the chance. Facing east, look into a mirror and into your left eye (east is of the mind and the left eye receives). Concentrate and set your intentions that you are creating your reality; this focus is similar to a meditative state. Now say your affirmations in the present tense. For example say, “I eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body,” rather than, “I will eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body.” Gregg Bradon, New York Times best selling author, says the universe takes your words very literally. So if you say something in the future tense then the universe will manifest this in your future; however, the future never comes now does it? It’s like saying “someday I will eat healthy…” 6. Start believing It is not the future that you are afraid of. It’s repeating the past mistakes that makes you anxious. Stop putting your past in the present and ruining your future. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step. I completed the Landmark Forum, as have many of my professional colleagues and friends. It is a powerful personal development program designed to bring about positive, permanent shifts in the quality of your life in just three intensive days. Participants are given a technology for putting the past where it belongs – in the past. Then begin to design their lives as a free and authentic expression – from what is possible, rather than what has been. This dramatic shift enables participants to think and act outside existing views and limits, and to redefine themselves and the reality they have known. These are just a few techniques that worked for me so feel free to try whatever resonates with you. We each must find what individually keeps us in balance as each of us is a being as unique as our fingerprints. You also may enjoy my series of interviews with Lori Rosenthal, MS, RD, CDN, a bariatric dietitian, and Susan Harrow Rago, MS, RD, LDN, who has been involved in health programming for more than 25-years. Read more at HealthCentral: Keep the Weight Off for Life Long Term Weight Loss Eating Habits Controlling Emotional Eating After Weight Loss Surgery Support is Key to Maintaining Weight Loss Weight Loss with Nutrition Counseling, Q&A with Susan Harrow Rago

You are very welcome, Kate. I find that wherever I am in my journey that I still have lessons to learn.

I paid $7k for my tummy tuck in April 2013

OMG! Almond Joy Protein Bar from Borne Appétit Reprinted from My Bariatric Life HealthCentral April 02, 2011 I am sharing my wonderful recipe make-overs with BariatricPal that I originally published on HealthCentral Obesity, a health news and information site similar to WebMD. These are the recipes that have helped me to be successful in maintaining my weight loss from bariatric surgery in 2003. These include delicious Protein shakes - some of which taste even better than the delicious fat and sugar-ladden Frappucinos at Starbucks, protein bars that are far more healthy and affordable than those you buy online/in-store, and awesome recipe-makeovers of foods you love but are no longer part of a bariatric life food plan. Here's my recipe for a Protein Bar that's "to-die-for." They're really, really GOOD - much better tasting and so much cheaper than the Protein Bars you buy off-the-shelf. Plus, they're packed with protein and low in carbs by a 2:1 ratio. Compare that to the bars you're buying and I guarantee that you'll find nothing like it. OMG! Almond Joy Protein Bar from Borne Appétit Ingredients Continue to HealthCentral to get the cooking directions for OMG! Almond Joy Protein Bar from Borne Appétit 1 square unsweetened Baker's chocolate 2 Tbls. Butter 2 Tbls. heavy cream 3 packets of Stevia* 3 scoops Syntrax nectar Protein powder Chocolate Truffle 1 c. chopped raw almonds 1/2 c. unsweetened shredded coconu 2 Tbls. sugar-free DaVinci almond syrup (or SF vanilla, or SF coconut)

Thanks! That's probably why they taste so good, LOL. But yes, I wish I could get the fat content down!

I am sharing my wonderful recipe make-overs with BariatricPal that I originally published on HealthCentral Obesity, a health news and information site similar to WebMD. These are the recipes that have helped me to be successful in maintaining my weight loss from bariatric surgery in 2003. These include delicious Protein shakes - some of which taste even better than the delicious fat and sugar-ladden Frappucinos at Starbucks, protein bars that are far more healthy and affordable than those you buy online/in-store, and awesome recipe-makeovers of foods you love but are no longer part of a bariatric life food plan. Craving Comfort Food! Grain-Free Mac and cheese (Almost) Like Mom's from Borne Appétit Reprinted from My Bariatric Life HealthCentral January 25, 2012 Do you ever crave something simply because it reminds you of Mom... of childhood... of home? This is not like your craving for a good cup of coffee in the morning. Nor is it like craving a good Cabernet to go with that chunk of salty Spanish Manchego. It's also not that "I've been so good lately that I deserve some dark decadent chocolate" craving. No. It's none of those. What it is, is a remembrance of a feeling... a longing for a time and place from the past... a nostalgic craving for something that reminds you of home. Something that makes you feel like a kid again, eating in your mom's kitchen. I've been having one of those cravings lately. As a kid, mac and cheese was one of my favorite lunches. It was something I shared with my girlfriend as a late night snack during sleepovers. And it was one of those comfort foods that I took for granted. In case you haven't noticed, nowadays I eat fairly grain-free. Grains were one of the culprits keeping me fat for decades. Today they have no place in my bariatric life - I eat mainly fresh fish, fowl, fruits, and veggies... and occasional cheese, Greek yogurt, nuts/nut butters/nut flours/nut milk, and olive oil... virtually no processed foods. So, I've been having this craving. Probably, the craving has something to do with wanting to be home again, Mom coming down the backstairs on a Saturday afternoon with bowls of mac and cheese for my brother and me to eat by the pool during summer vacation. Since I can't relive the past, I set my grown-up self to task to develop a grain-free mac and cheese, and maybe just recapture a bit of that comforting feeling. The result is a Grain-free Mac and Cheese that's pretty good. It's not the same as Mom made. It probably wouldn't be even if I used real macaroni. But the glorious rich and gooey cheese did comfort my craving... and I felt a warmness fill my stomach and my heart. Please give it a try and let me know what you think! Mind you, this isn't healthy just because it is grain-free. For goodness sake, it is covered in cheese and high in fat! But it isn't horrible for you in moderation. It's also a good way to get more vegetables into your diet. Continue to HealthCentral to get the recipe for Grain-free Mac and Cheese from Borne Appétit

You are most welcome! It is my pleasure.

We are aligned in our spiritual beliefs, Louisa. Thanks for raising the vibration!

@@allycatt98 thank you for taking the time to post this useful information. I found it helpful and I am sure a few others did, too.

Do what bothers you the most first. Wow, I am so thrilled that I had my face done with a facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Winslow did an amazing job, so much more than I ever could have dared to hope for. She made my dreams come true. Search REALLY HARD for someone to do your face. Everything little thing is noticeable on the face. There is a whole bunch of mediocrity out there. And some bad stuff, too.

I paid $25k all inclusive (except travel) for tummy tuck, butt lift, inner thigh lift, extended arm lift, and breast lift.

To add to what AZDee said, I recommend that you correspond with patients privately as they often will tell you the details that they will not post online. Also be VERY aware that there are lots of fake reviews out there, by practices posting positive reviews about themselves that are false to patients posting bad reviews about doctors that are false to practices posting bad reviews about other practices that are false. On RealSelf I would disregard any review that doesn't have photos and even if they do have photos if the patient is not active on the board then I would also be leery of it. Another thing to be aware of is that these review sites often take down negative reviews at the physician's request. So do not trust everything that you read. Here is an extensive interview that I published with Dr. Capella a few years ago that can help you to understand what to look for in a plastic surgeon, regardless of who you decide to go with http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/162591/interview-capella-plastic-1?ap=831 And here are my plastic surgery insider tips, what I've learned after 2-years in the field: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/174416/17-plastic-surgery-insider Good luck!!

A friend had surgery with Dr. L and she was very happy with her results and her care. She paid more than I did but I honestly don't recall how much (sorry -- I know that's a burning question!).

Love is the deepest and most fulfilling connection to the world. Yet it is sadly ironic that most of us don’t know what love is. Storybook Love I grew up with a romanticized notion of love: One day my prince would come and life would be perfect. I still have my vision of him: A big, tall, dark and handsome dominate male, the stallion, who would rescue me, worship my feminine traits, but not possess me (except in the bedroom). Aside from the attributes in parenthesis, my fantasy man came straight from the Disney Princess movies of my childhood. That’s not true love, although I admit I still long for this fantasy man of my dreams. Thanks a lot, Disney. I’ve been “in love” a few times. I met John when I was 15 years old. He taught me what it was to be loved. John was my protector, my knight in shining armor who rescued his princess many times. Joe was three-years older than me. He swept me off my feet on his white horse (a Chevelle) and ultimately shattered my illusion of love. And then there was Bob who cherished me. He called me his beautiful Czechoslovakian doll and wrote me poetry. Bob is the closest I’ve come to my Prince Charming and I married him when I was 19 years old. But life has not been perfect. There are two other men I have loved but our relationships were never consummated. My storybook love ideal caused pain in these relationships. I was looking for someone else to make me feel complete, to satisfy all my needs, to make my life perfect. These precious men truly were deserving of my love. But I did not know how to love myself. And I did not know how to love them. That’s not true love. That was me being selfish. Truth is, I ultimately shattered my illusion of love, not Joe. It took me a long time to understand that love is an “inside job.” Finding Myself Decades pass and thorough them I go from fit to overweight to obese, then back to overweight and finally back to fit. And it was not until recently that I was able to love the person who was: That obese woman who used to look back at me in the mirror. Late last year I began a spiritual journey toward finding myself. I believe this important step in our transformation after weight loss is often overlooked. It took a series of catastrophes within relationships with people who were very important to me, to bring me to my knees and ask “what is the meaning of all this?” Fate delivered a spiritual guide to me. I stumbled a lot at first. Jen, a weight-loss surgery/plastic surgery friend, during our interview about love after obesity told me “change requires being open to being guided and looking for the lessons and messages in that guidance.” I remained open to the messages the universe was sending. I kept searching for what I was supposed to learn. I counseled with Rev. Mark, who also is a metaphysician, one of the most enlightened spiritual leaders I’ve met; I read a few books (good read: Return to Love) and countless articles; I did guided meditation and visualization; I did the course on YouTube and journaled; I watched documentaries (good watch: Love); I prayed (and still do) for the Holy Spirit (G_d's love) to allow me to see only through the eyes of love. And around Christmas my heart was broken open. That's when miraculous experiences began to happen. I reacquainted myself with my spirituality and my philosophy on life from a time long ago when my heart was filled only with love. It was the time before I became overweight and had used food to insulate my quiet inner voice of love from the frantic assault of the outside world. Finding True Love Finding true love is an inside job, means we must establish a sense of wholeness and intimacy within ourselves, first. Once I had unconditional love for myself, I was able to stop beating myself up for past failures. I was able to love me even though I made mistakes. And then… I was able to love others even though they made mistakes; even though they did not live into my fantasy of Prince Charming. I saw past the shell of these men and recognized their love given me through acts of service, gifts of quality time, and physical touch (good read: The 5 Love Languages). I was able to see the love given me because I had accepted myself as someone who could be loved. Previously I had seen myself as unlovable and therefore had doubted and tested the love given me. I saw their vulnerabilities and their faults and accepted these men just as they were, without judgement of how I thought they should be. Loving your idealized image of someone until they disappoint you with who they really are is not true love. That’s possessive love: I love you but only if you behave in the way in which I think you should be. That’s love with strings attached. I was able to love them with their flaws because I had accepted the flaws within myself. I was able to see their pain and how they had been hurt by me, whereas in the past I only could experience my pain and how they had hurt me. In doing so, I experienced what it is to love unconditionally, to experience self sacrifice for the good of another. Rev. Mark told me that is the deepest love there is. He called it soul love. The Resurrection of Love I had been reaching outside myself to men for the wholeness and intimacy that I was missing inside myself. Before expecting to find wholeness and intimacy externally, we must love ourselves as we are rather than trying to find someone to make us feel complete, to fix us, or to be who we want them to be rather than who they are. That is not what love is about. Every person in the world was born with the same incredible gift: the ability to love oneself and others unconditionally. We can resurrect that love at any point in our lives. I believe that forming a loving connection with another person (not necessarily a sexual relationship) is one of the most rewarding of life’s experiences and a crucial step in our growth into wholeness. If you don't know how to do that, how to really love someone else, then you will ultimately shatter the love that you have with anyone else, including with your mate. According to Maddisen K. Krown, M.A., “When we establish this awareness and loving connection, we establish a wholeness and intimacy with ourselves, which will very likely be projected and reflected back to us by others in the form of the loving, whole, and intimate relationships we have always longed for.” What have you done to discover true love of self after weight loss? Please share your story in the comment section below. Want more love? Read about soul mates and twin flames in Soul Relationships or learn to manifest your heart's desire in No Fear. No Regrets. Living larger than ever, My Bariatric Life Visit My Bariatric Life on MyBariatricLife.org,Flickr, Vimeo, Twitter, Google+ View my Borne Appétit recipe collection on Pinterest

Thanks so very much! I am glad you enjoy the real life stories of these inspirational people whom I have interviewed across the years. They truly make my heart swell with pride of their accomplishments. Life is meant to be lived fully!

Obesity surgery helps people take back their lives. Meet 10 patients who've reclaimed their lives through the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and gastric band alongside healthy diet and exercise! Click the hyperlinks to read each patient's awe-inspiring story (will redirect to HealthCentral). Jassira: From infertility to motherhood In hopes of solving her infertility issues, Jassira tried a gastric band and duodenal switch to lose weight. The procedures were at times life-threatening, but Jassira said she would not change a thing. Today, she feels strong, and proud that the journey made her dreams of two healthy boys come true. Read more… Mikimi: Triumph over challenges Mikimi fought with her health insurance company to appeal for plastic surgery after gastric bypass complications. She won, and had an apronectomy and breast reduction, but there were still more complications to follow. Today, however, she is proud of her body and views her surgery scars as badges of honor. Read more… My Bariatric Life: Challenging fitness and fears It took a decade after gastric bypass to reclaim my life, undergo plastic surgery, and start living boldly. One victory was conquering an advanced four-hour ropes course, pushing myself beyond physical limits and overcoming a fear of heights. I learned that at any moment you have the power to say, “this is not how the story is going to end.” Read more… Jonathan: From obesity to bari-athlete Jonathan lost 200 pounds after gastric bypass surgery and now competes in endurance events such as the The Great Ohio River Swim, a 38-mile bike ride, and the Disabled Veterans 5K. He says after abusing it for so many years, he’s got his body back and wants to see how far he can push himself in a positive way. Read more… Jen: Finding love after obesity In order for Jen to have happy dating relationships after the gastric sleeve surgery, she first had to find self awareness and love herself. She later found Mr. Right and they’ll be married this year. Jen says if she had skipped any of the mental work, she would not be where she is today. Read more… Kristin: Between hopelessness and hope Kristin was a size 32W before having gastric bypass surgery in 2002. She knew surgery wasn’t a cure-all for poor eating habits, but was a tool that made all the difference between hopelessness and hope. Now a size 4/6, Kristin says everyone deserves a life where weight doesn't hold them back. Read more… Bill: Hero behind WHS-NewLife Thanks to carefully planned weight management strategies and guidelines prior to gastric bypass, Bill has successfully maintained a 200+ pound weight loss since 2010. He believes, “Too often we sabotage our own best interest.” Bill now shares his inspiring action plan on WHS-NewLife. Read more… Terri: Bariatric vitamin queen Terri achieved permanent weight loss with the gastric band. But with that success came a set of obstacles. Terri couldn't tolerate some nutritious foods or swallow her vitamins. So she was faced with deteriorating health. Not one to give up, Terri and her husband, Fred, worked together to develop Ameriwell Bariatric Vitamins. Read more… Sandi: Losing and finding herself Sandi reached her heaviest weight at 424 pounds. With a BMI of 68.5 and wearing size 28 clothes, Sandi knew she had to find a permanent weight loss solution. On May 28, 2004 Sandi underwent the LapBand weight-loss surgery. Just over two years later, Sandi weighed a healthy 174 pounds and went on to become a bariatric educator and support group leader. Read more… Alex: Everyone’s BariatricPal Alex is not only a success at weight loss, he’s also the man behind the success of BariatricPal. Its an online social network for the weight-loss-surgery community, where patients support each other before and after weight loss. BariatricPal grew out of Alex’s desire to give back to bariatric surgery patients and help them write their own success stories! Read more…

Jassira: From infertility to motherhood In hopes of solving her infertility issues, Jassira tried a gastric band and duodenal switch to lose weight. The procedures were at times life-threatening, but Jassira said she would not change a thing. Today, she feels strong, and proud that the journey made her dreams of two healthy boys come true. Read more… Mikimi: Triumph over challenges Mikimi fought with her health insurance company to appeal for plastic surgery after gastric bypass complications. She won, and had an apronectomy and breast reduction, but there were still more complications to follow. Today, however, she is proud of her body and views her surgery scars as badges of honor. Read more… My Bariatric Life: Challenging fitness and fears It took a decade after gastric bypass to reclaim my life, undergo plastic surgery, and start living boldly. One victory was conquering an advanced four-hour ropes course, pushing myself beyond physical limits and overcoming a fear of heights. I learned that at any moment you have the power to say, “this is not how the story is going to end.” Read more… Jonathan: From obesity to bari-athlete Jonathan lost 200 pounds after gastric bypass surgery and now competes in endurance events such as the The Great Ohio River Swim, a 38-mile bike ride, and the Disabled Veterans 5K. He says after abusing it for so many years, he’s got his body back and wants to see how far he can push himself in a positive way. Read more… Jen: Finding love after obesity In order for Jen to have happy dating relationships after the gastric sleeve surgery, she first had to find self awareness and love herself. She later found Mr. Right and they’ll be married this year. Jen says if she had skipped any of the mental work, she would not be where she is today. Read more… Kristin: Between hopelessness and hope Kristin was a size 32W before having gastric bypass surgery in 2002. She knew surgery wasn’t a cure-all for poor eating habits, but was a tool that made all the difference between hopelessness and hope. Now a size 4/6, Kristin says everyone deserves a life where weight doesn't hold them back. Read more… Bill: Hero behind WHS-NewLife Thanks to carefully planned weight management strategies and guidelines prior to gastric bypass, Bill has successfully maintained a 200+ pound weight loss since 2010. He believes, “Too often we sabotage our own best interest.” Bill now shares his inspiring action plan on WHS-NewLife. Read more… Terri: Bariatric vitamin queen Terri achieved permanent weight loss with the gastric band. But with that success came a set of obstacles. Terri couldn't tolerate some nutritious foods or swallow her vitamins. So she was faced with deteriorating health. Not one to give up, Terri and her husband, Fred, worked together to develop Ameriwell Bariatric Vitamins. Read more… Sandi: Losing and finding herself Sandi reached her heaviest weight at 424 pounds. With a BMI of 68.5 and wearing size 28 clothes, Sandi knew she had to find a permanent weight loss solution. On May 28, 2004 Sandi underwent the LapBand weight-loss surgery. Just over two years later, Sandi weighed a healthy 174 pounds and went on to become a bariatric educator and support group leader. Read more… Alex: Everyone’s BariatricPal Alex is not only a success at weight loss, he’s also the man behind the success of BariatricPal. Its an online social network for the weight-loss-surgery community, where patients support each other before and after weight loss. BariatricPal grew out of Alex’s desire to give back to bariatric surgery patients and help them write their own success stories! Read more…