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Keep a food Diary, Lose Twice as Much Weight By Kathleen Doheny HealthDay Reporter on 07/08/2008 TUESDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Keeping tabs on what you eat with a food diary can double your weight loss, a new study shows. While the idea of food diaries has been around a long time, this latest research offers more proof they help you shed more poundage, said study co-author Dr. Victor J. Stevens, a senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, in Portland, Ore. "It's not fun to write down what you eat; it just works," he said. In the study, which is in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, they followed almost 1,700 men and women who were either overweight or obese. The average weight was 212 pounds. The participants attended 20 weekly group meetings and were encouraged to eat about 500 fewer calories a day, to engage in moderate intensity physical activity 30 minutes or more a day, and to follow the low-fat, low-sodium DASH dietary plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods. Participants were asked to record daily food intake and their exercise minutes. After 20 weeks, the total average loss was about 13 pounds, Stevens said. But the food record habit predicted success. "The more food records they kept, the more they lost," he said. "Those who kept no food records lost about 9 pounds, and those who kept six or more per week lost about 18 pounds. That's a whopping difference." What's the magic of a food diary? "It makes you accountable to yourself," Stevens said. "They handed in the food diaries, and we took a quick look." Any chance they were fiction? Stevens doesn't think so. "They also got on the scale every week at the meeting. And you can't fake that." Writing down your intake yields clues about where the extra calories are coming from, Stevens explained, and participants said it got easier with time: "The more I got into it, the easier it became to keep track of what I ate every day," Frank Bitzer, 64, a retired project manager for the computer industry who lost 26 pounds, told the study leaders. More information To learn more about a food diary to analyze eating habits, visit the American Academy of Family Physicians. Food Diaries Best Done Right After Meals If you're new to food diaries, here's advice from Dr. Keith Bachman, a weight management specialist at Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute and its Weight Management and Obesity Initiative, in Portland, Ore. Write down your intake (and calories) using whatever method is easiest -- pen and paper, sticky note, an entry in your computer or PDA, even an e-mail to yourself. Aim to write down your food intake after each eating episode; it's typically more accurate than reconstructing the entire day's intake at once. The task of keeping the diary may help you cut down. "Remembering you have to write it down may make you decide you don't need the food," Bachman said.

DESK PILATES… Desk Pilates: Complete Workout Exercise without leaving your desk. Pilate’s instructor Eleanor Gomez demonstrates a simple workout that will help prevent repetitive strain injury, strengthen your spine, and make sitting, working, and playing more comfortable. Just copy and paste: www.bnet.com/2422-13950_23-187243.html Disclaimer: Of course, I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you have a lot of people around you and no office door. I don’t want you getting fired because of Pilates!

** Reminder ** Monthly Support Group for LAP-BAND and Gastric Bypass Tuesday, July 15th @ 6pm 95 Woodland St. Second Floor Hall A Hartford, CT Across from St. Francis Hospital ** Free Parking Available ** For more info, please call (860) 714-7447

Hi poohprecious - 80lbs is my total from July 2007 - Since surgery, I have lost about over 26lbs. I don't drink Optifast anymore but I might buy it again for my Breakfast meal. My weight stats are listed above my weight lose ticker.

Tips for Maximizing Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass, Lap Band OR REALIZE Band Surgery By Karen Kelly, RD, New Jersey Bariatric Center Portion Control ***Understand the importance of satiety and listen to body’s signals*** Learn the difference between Internal Cues vs. Learned Eating Cues Internal Cues Eating to survive Sweet Cravings [*]Learned Eating Cues Social Eating Mood Eating [*]Train yourself to eat only when internal cues signal you its time Three Principles for Maintaining Satiety Eat enough to fill pouch with each meal Keep pouch filled longer by waiting 30 minutes to drink liquids Add a Protein to each meal Adopt Good Habits Eat Only ( No TV, work, etc) Eat Slowly Chew Well Don’t Drink While Eating Use a Small Plate Measure Out your food ( 4-6 oz first year, 6-8 oz after 1st year) Eat Protein First No liquid Calories No Baby Foods No Blenderized Foods Make Good Health Choices Everyday Power of Protein Body digests it slower and it stays is system longer [*]Value of Veggies Try a new veggie weekly

Try these places: Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg and Vicinity Find a Meetup Group - Fitness Meetups - Phillipsburg

I notice that too. Keep in mind, its regular users uploading this information for a specific product or food. Not everyone knows how to read labels correctly. I found it better to create your own version with the correct nutrition facts label. Plus this will keep you on your toes and you will always read before you eat. :thumbs_down:

Eleven Great Ways to Get Motivated to Exercise You know you've got to get moving. You resolve to park the car a few blocks from work, take the stairs, and hit the gym after work. But a few weeks pass and before you know it, parking spots start opening up right in front of the building, the elevator is already in the lobby, and you've worked late every night that week. It's not that you don't know how to get fit, you just can't seem to stay motivated. We all know people who are religious with their workouts. So, what's their secret? We asked fitness experts and regular Joes alike how they stick with their routine. These methods keep them moving; maybe one will work for you. 1. Embarrass Yourself Make a mark on your calendar every time you make it to the gym or park. Seeing your motivation (or lack thereof) in black and white helps keep you going. Suzanne Schlosberg and Liz Neporent, authors of Fitness for Dummies, Second Edition (IDG books Worldwide, Inc., 2000), suggest "whether you write your goals on the side of your shoe or in your training diary, glancing at them on a daily basis will help keep you focused and motivated. Some people tape their goals to their bathroom mirror or refrigerators." Do whatever works to make you remember what you promised yourself. 2. Join a Club That Wouldn't Have You for a Member So you're not Steffi Graf. That doesn't mean you can't join a tennis team. Richard Cotton, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, says "joining a club, team or finding an exercise partner ... provides a support system and someone to simply share the experience with. Often times just knowing someone will be asking you 'How's it going?' can be the difference between exercise success and failure." 3. Love Thy Neighbor and Love Thyself You can't leave a neighbor standing on the corner checking her watch. She knows where you live. Miriam Nelson, director of the Center for Physical Fitness at Tufts University and the author of Strong Women Stay Young and Strong Women Stay Slim (Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1999), says, "When I make a date with a neighbor to go for a run I keep it, and we have a great time." She also plans a regular appointment with her neighbors. "Saturday mornings several of my neighbors come over and we lift weights together; it's a great way to start the weekend," she says. 4. Challenge Yourself Working toward an event — like a 5K walk or run, or an overnight bike trip to a faraway bed and Breakfast — keeps you on track. Every time you exercise you'll be closer to meeting your goal. "The minute you mail in your entry fee, you'll have a whole new sense of purpose. And the feeling of accomplishment you get from completing your event is like nothing else," say Schlosberg and Neporent. 5. Dance, Dance, Dance "Music is a fantastic motivator," says Michael Olajide Jr., a former professional boxer and inventor of Aerobox workout routines. "It can push you to do more and to exercise longer, even longer than you planned." Who doesn't get a surge of energy every time they hear their favorite tune? Plus, it's the perfect excuse to get that new CD. 6. Don't Count the Miles "Do not work out to burn calories or lose weight," says Emme, plus-size model, author and columnist. "There are more important things than burning calories taking place during your workout. Newfound self-esteem and stress reduction are just two positive aspects of many that come to mind." If you're always focusing on burning off your morning doughnut, of course exercise seems like a chore. Try exercising for the sake of your health, not your body. 7. Find the Fun Forget about the "no pain, no gain" attitude. "The mind, body and soul connection is very important here, don't forget to have fun," says Emme. Pick an activity you've always loved, like biking or walking outdoors. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely you'll stick with it. 8. Make It a Family Affair "When I go for a run I entice one of my kids to go with me — he or she goes on their bike and I run. It's a great way to be together with my kids," says Miriam Nelson. Who better to egg you on than the ones who love you best! 9. Learn to Love Lycra "Buying snazzy new workout shorts or comfy new cross-trainers can really get you fired up to work out, " say Schlosberg and Neporent. Once you realize how much better the right equipment makes a workout, you'll be loving your sports bra as much as soccer star Brandi Chastain. 10. Dive for Dollars Money is the ultimate motivator. Put a dollar in a jar every time you make it to the gym. At the end of a month, treat yourself to a massage. You'll be at the gym more often than the trainers. 11. It's About Time "My mood motivates me to work out, so timing is everything," says Kathy Kaehler, personal trainer and author. If you aren't up for a workout don't feel guilty about postponing. On the other hand, exercise has been known to improve a bad mood. Work out your aggressions in the gym instead of at home or work. Copyright 1999-2003 The FoodFit Company All Rights Reserved For more tips go to: "All Day Inspiration and Motivation" under Social Group

I know White Plains Hospital Center and The New Image Surgical Weight Loss Center in Dobbs Ferry Hospital in NYS have support meetings if that not far for you.

Monthly Support Group for LAP-BAND and Gastric Bypass The meetings are from 6-8pm once a month Anyone may come to the support group meetings. The support group is provided by Connecticut Surgeons LLC. For more info, please call (860) 714-7447 Website - Connecticut Surgeons :: Patient Support :: Support Group Upcoming Schedule --------------- June 24, 2008 - TODAY For the month of June only, the support group will be held in the Gengras Auditorium on the 1st floor of the 1000 Asylum Ave building. --------------- Location and Directions Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center - www.stfranciscare.orgHartford, Connecticut 06105 Doctors Offices - 1000 Asylum Avenue / Medical Office Building Proceed to the hospital. Park in the garage and enter the hospital on the 1st or 2nd level. Proceed to the 2nd floor and access 1000 Asylum through the connector to 1000 Asylum at Location 1A.

Monthly Support Group for LAP-BAND and Gastric Bypass Tuesday, July 15th 95 Woodland St. Second Floor Hall A Hartford, CT The meetings are from 6-8pm once a month Anyone may come to the support group meetings. The support group is provided by Connecticut Surgeons LLC. For more info, please call (860) 714-7447

Here are some questions: How much follow-up care do I get from you (nutritionist)? What foods should I avoid? Which are the best healthy Protein options? How many calories does one need daily? how many grams of Fiber do we need daily? What type of blood work I need? Does drinking fruit juice count as a serving of fruit? How much alcoholic consumed is the limit? What do you think are the keys to long-term success for the lap-band?

The Ten Commandments of Healthy Weight Loss Most of us try to follow the Ten Commandments in living our daily lives. Here are my Ten Commandments for Healthy Weight Loss: If you find it helpful, you might want to post it on your refrigerator door, in your office cubicle, or any other place where you will see it every day. I. Thou shalt not eat unless thou art hungry. Eating when bored, lonely, angry, or upset will increase thy weight tenfold. II. Thou shalt not sit on thy sofa watching TV for hours on end. Instead, thou shalt get up and move thy body to burn calories and exercise thy heart. III. Thou shalt not indulge in super size portions just because the restaurant offers them. Thou shalt request a child sized portion, or request a carry-out box to take some home for thy next day’s lunch. IV. Thou shalt avoid foods made with white flour. White flour and Water are the ingredients which make paste, and have a similar effect on thy body. V. Thou shalt not drink sugary soda pop in excess. One regular sized soda pop a day will cause thee to gain 10 pounds in a year, so thou can imagine what several sodas a day will do! VI. Thou shalt not stay up late instead of getting the sleep thy body needs. Thy body will burn calories more efficiently with adequate sleep, which usually means 7-8 hours for adults and 9 or more for young children and teens. VII. Thou shalt not avoid eating thy vegetables just because thee imagines that they taste bad. Thou shalt exercise thy taste buds by eating a wide variety of colorful veggies, especially dark green leafy ones. VIII. Thou shalt not fry thy food or eat foods fried by others. Fried foods add fat to thy body and clog thy arteries. VIII. Thou shalt not allow the rude comments or stares from others to discourage thee from meeting thy goals for good health. Thou art a Child of God, and deserve a healthy body. IX. Thou shalt not skip breakfast! When thy body has fasted for several hours, it deserves to be given a healthy, nutritious Breakfast. Eating a Protein food such as eggs, cottage cheese, or natural peanut butter; a serving of fruit or natural fruit juice, and a dairy product will give thy body the start it needs to function well during the morning. X. Thou shalt not be discouraged and give up if thee “falls off the wagon” and eats the wrong foods for a day. Thou shalt realize that every day is a new day, and continue to follow the Ten Commandments of Healthy Weight Loss! Info from grandmashealthykidsclub.com

You know those time-crunched mornings when you're starving and an Egg McMuffin seems like the only fast-enough solution? But you know it's a 300-calorie, 12-grams-of-fat freeway to diet disaster? Turn into the McDonald's anyway (or a handy facsimile). There actually are fast-food ways to start the day that won't wreck your waistline. These choices will tame your appetite (with extra protein), curb afternoon cravings (with a hit of fiber), and even help you concentrate (that protein-Fiber combo supplies the brain with a steady stream of energy). Use this cheat sheet when you need a wakeup fast. McDonald's There are a couple of options with enough fiber and Protein to fill you up and keep you going: Fruit n' Yogurt Parfait with Granola 160 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated), 5mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 1g fiber, 4g protein Snack Size Fruit and Walnut salad 210 calories, 8g fat (1.5g saturated), 5mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 2g fiber, 4g protein Starbucks You'll find two good high-flavor choices here: Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Feta, and Egg Wrap -- it's a little high in fat but compensates with lots of fiber and protein. 240 calories, 10g fat (3.5g saturated), 140mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 7g fiber, 13g protein A Skinny Latte and a package of SB's dried fruit and nut mix. The latte's made with nonfat milk and a shot of sugar-free syrup. (Try the caramel or hazelnut: yum!) Latte (12-oz. "tall"): 90 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated), 5mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 0g fiber, 0g protein Fruit/nut packet: 150 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 2g fiber, 4g protein Jamba juice Two groups of smoothies will be your wake-up call as long as you add a soy protein booster. For just 30 more calories you'll get an extra 7g of tummy-taming, brain-fueling protein. Any 16-oz. "Jamba Light" smoothie 150-160 calories, 0-0.5g fat (0g saturated), 5mg cholesterol, 210-220mg sodium, 2-3g fiber, 6g protein Any 16-oz. "All Fruit" smoothie 200-220 calories, 0-0.5g fat (0g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 5-20mg sodium, 4g fiber, 1-2g protein Dunkin' Donuts Make this your last resort but if it's the only choice, go for: Egg and cheese English Muffin Sandwich 280 calories, 9g fat (4.5g saturated), 140mg cholesterol, 1010mg sodium (yikes -- that's why it's your last resort), 1g fiber, 15g protein If the smell of doughnuts gets to your head, order 4 Powdered Cake doughnut holes (Munchkins in DD-speak). 260 calories, 15g fat, 7g saturated fat, 10mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 2g fiber, 3g protein Burger King Keep driving until the competition appears. BK is behind on banning risky trans fats, and we recommend avoiding it until the place smartens up. Is Breakfast really worth the bother? You bet. Not only does eating it help keep you slimmer and smarter, but skipping it can make your RealAge as much as 3 years older. So it's definitely worth knowing your best AM road-food options. Info From food.yahoo.com/blog/

I just created a new Social Group: All Day Inspiration and Motivation so everyone is welcome to join. Sometimes we need to read positive messages when we are feel a little discouraged.

Hi Felicia, I'm so glad you are participating on the walk. Hopefully more people will think about it and will join.

I will be helping the ASBS Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition fight one of the nation's leading causes of death and disability at the Walk from Obesity and would like to invite you to participate. You can click on the "Walk from Obesity" logo on my signature or copy and paste walkfromobesity.com to your browser and help me in my efforts to support The Walk from Obesity. Get Involved: Register to Walk, Sponsor a Walker, Spread the Word or Make a Donation Thanks in advance for your support of the Walk from Obesity - together we can make a difference! Team: Lap Band for Greater Connecticut Team Captain: Lisandra Lassen

Hi Izzabella, <o:p> </o:p> Please don't amuse! I actually looked in to this before I made the post.<o:p></o:p> The only really way to lose weight is with a lifestyle change - eating healthy and exercising even if you have weight loss surgery. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I don't want a quick fix. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Sprinkle Diet does nothing to help you understand why you are overweight and why you overeat. It’s not a cure for depression, low self-esteem, a lack of nutritional understanding, emotional eating, a sedentary lifestyle, or unhealthy habits. It’s a possible short term fix without any long term health benefits. <o:p> </o:p> I only rely on medical journals. Sensa is not listed in any approved medical journals. <o:p> </o:p> Medical doctors are business people too - they are trying to make a quick buck out of the billion dollar weight loss industry. <o:p> </o:p> If you’re into a lifestyle of whole, clean foods then you sure wouldn’t want to use The Sprinkle Diet because it definitely isn’t natural! What currently approved for use in food products and isn’t healthy? Crystalline fructose, high fructose corn syrup, Splenda, natural flavors, MSG, and plain old table sugar. None of them are healthy for you, they don’t help you lose weight, and they mess with the chemical balance in your body. <o:p> </o:p> Yeah, I might sound tough, but when it comes right down to it you deserve to do everything you can to provide a healthy, top-notch energy-filled life for yourself. Start treating yourself like you would treat someone that you love with all your heart and soul and give up the hunt once and for all for the magic pill, the quick fix - those quick fixes add up to a lifetime of continual searching and it’s just not worth it.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Here’s to your health - not only in body, but also in mind and spirit.

UPCOMING DJ & DANCE PARTY DATES - AmpleBeauties.com June 28 Downtown Hartford, CT - LIFE Ultra Lounge July 5 - Warwick, RI Sheraton Hotel Ballroom July 26 - Danbury, CT Holiday Inn Hotel Ballroom August 30 & 31 Rocky Hill, CT Marriott Hotel

This party are for people who don't feel comfortable going to a regular club as of yet because their size. I have been to these parties before and they are fun. Everyone is welcome - skinny or big! Plus you will burn calories will all the dancing! :embaressed_smile: CLUB AMPLE BBW PARTY - website: amplebeauties.com SATURDAY JUNE 28, 2008 EXCLUSIVE USE OF LIFE ULTRA LOUNGE 81 ASYLUM STREET DOWNTOWN HARTFORD 9pm-2pm COVER CHARGE $15 - 21+ ONLY - WE I.D. SEE DRESS CODE BELOW DRINK SPECIALS TIL 11pm