Wednesday, November 30, 2011

You are in control

I don't care how you cut it, you are always in control.

Mind over matter, we can each choose how we respond to stimuli every single day.  As a counselor, I see it every day, people living up to the labels which are placed on them.  People giving in and not thinking about their actions, people using a stigma to justify their behaviors rather than thinking through the decisions and not acting on impulse.

I admit, I do it myself too.  Sometimes, I just don't want to think about what I put in my body.  Sometimes, I just want to go out and order something I know I shouldn't or even can't eat.  I've gotten better though, I might not be 100% well at doing it right all the time, but I'm working at 99%.  I mean that with diet and exercise, I am working on giving it 99%. If we always work on giving in 99%, that means we're only messing it up 3.56 days per year.  If 3.56 days per year, you're doing it right, you've got nothing to worry about.

A friend of mine has a very simple saying that comes to mind every time I am presented with potentially making a bad choice. I hear it in my head in his voice, so this makes it particularly meaningful, "Girl, we all know right from wrong, chose right!" Chose right means to me that while I'm in the grocery store, I don't let my eyes spend more than 2 seconds on a potential pantry hazard. Pantry hazards are the things I throw away when I do my pantry purge. These items include, but are not limited to: potato chips, cookies, snack cakes*, and pretty much anything that has empty calories I never should have bought in the first place.

I must admit, over the last 3 years of my life I have been able to minimize the amount of hazardous waste products I bring in from the grocery store, but there's always room to improve. That's a monetary savings right there. $3.50 for a bag of chips over $2.50 for a bag of apples is a savings. It's the effort it takes to peel, core and eat the apple that often gets in the way. I hate to see anything go to waste, the pantry hazards just appear to linger longer. A few things sneak into the house here and there, and I'm always glad when I purge the pantry to see that I'm not throwing away an empty bag. Most often, it wasn't something I purchase for myself anyway.

I do my best to exhibit self control in my grocery shopping trips by always having a list. Last week, I successful went down the chip aisle, analyzed all my salty snack cravings, and passed the opportunity on each to make a bad decision. It was pretty rewarding to see myself make it down the aisle, assess my primary trigger foods (Golden Flake Cheese Puffs & Zapp's Spicy Tomato Chips, I'm looking at you) and gleefully walking away from those and others without looking back, until now. The moment that I did it though, I felt no desire to ruin all I'd worked hard for. I realized I was in control and I could not be tempted.

It's a constant battle though. It's a battle that we can always win when we're in control of our thoughts to assess our impulses and emotional triggers. Just keep fighting the urge to "do bad" and you'll always win.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Digging Deeper, Finding Wellness/Balance

The journey to have weight loss surgery is often a long one.  A number of failed diets over many years, regained pounds multiplied by stress and life, feelings of hopelessness, years of depression, and hopefully, an acceptance that therapy may play a role in helping you understand where the urge to overeat comes from- what is it within you that has caused weight gain?

For each of us, it's different yet often similar experiences that brought us to armor ourselves with adipose tissue.  The gain did not occur overnight, it was gradual and the emotions behind it were deeply rooted.  Often, when the pressures of life were out of hand, be it harshly judging parents, poor parenting, trust issues, lack of self esteem, uncertainty, or traumatic events, we turned to food.  It was reliable, it made us feel good.  I can't depend on you, but I can depend on this Snickers to soothe me.

What do you do when food can no longer soothe?  It's not uncommon to have transfer addictions post weight loss surgery.  We may well "commit to our physician's requirements for the first year" but it seems like after that they just become mere suggestions for some.  Bad habits creep back in, new bad habits develop, or some become overly obsessed with calorie counting, exercise and watching the scale like a hawk.  Introducing the dangers of alcohol and drugs to the weight loss surgery after life bring up a host of issues.  Often the stomach, be it banded, pouched, or sleeved, your weight and body is no longer what it used to be.  If you've also developed the habit of drinking fast and go out on an empty stomach, there's possibility that it won't be too long that you've blacked out and done something you'll regret.

You may drink to feel better, to socialize, to meet new people.  You're receiving attention you may or may not be comfortable with, you may find a new side to yourself.  Realize, exploring your new self sober is the best way to gain knowledge of your true self.  If you are suddenly getting a lot of attention from the opposite sex, be cautious about your involvement.  Develop an understanding of what you will and will not put up with and have respect for yourself.  The repercussions of only one one night stand can have an impact on the rest of your life.  Take responsibility for your actions before they happen.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN.

I'm repeating that because it's applicable to every aspect of this journey.  It's as simple as having a plan when you dine out, to having a plan when you go to a bar, to knowing what your expectations are from the opposite sex, down to engaging in healthy, positive behaviors at all times.

Now, let's talk about the extremes of post-op behavior - that seem healthy, but are actually extreme, obsessive-compulsive actions that could be counter productive to your overall wellness.  What is reasonable when it comes to dieting and exercise?  1-2 hours?  You be your own gauge, but if you've developed a leniency toward exercise bulimia, or you find yourself obsessing over calorie counting for months at a time, then you binge on something ridiculous, you're going to extremes.  BALANCE IS KEY.

Again, BALANCE IS KEY.   Daily exercise for 30 minutes is a reasonable, bare minimum.  Excessive exercise for weeks on in without giving the body a break is extreme.  Consider resting yourself 1-2 days a week.  I use the rule of exercise 4 days a week for 1 hour or 5 days a week for 1/2 hour. This is my balance.  Prior to surgery, I went through extreme periods of exercise bulimia where I worked out every single day at 5:45am, came home from work and repeated this process, but still I did not have the balance in my eating habits.  I was working out so much that I built up more *head* hunger, that I felt it was okay to binge in the evenings.  That went on for a period of two years before I realized my self defeating behavior.

Then I found balance.  I used my formula of 4/1 or 5/.5 and I ate reasonably.  My body plateaued for 4 years at or around 265.  It resisted change.  I fought for change, and my body had a mind of its own.  I looked at whether or not I was having "food amnesia," I went to therapy to deal with my issues, and still, I fought the scale and the scale won.  It took me 10 years to make the decision that I had tried everything, I had done all I could, I needed something more to help me through to healthiness.

Now, I live an alcohol and drug free life.  All drugs, I no longer take any medication for anything.  Nothing for anxiety, depression, mood.  I have developed positive self talk, improved self esteem, and appreciation for the gift of weight loss surgery.  I have accepted my body for what it wants to be, where it wants to be, and though I would like to be down to this or that weight, I realize that scale doesn't matter.  What matters is how I feel every single day about my successes.  The journey includes the successes and the mistakes.  We all will make mistakes in this journey.  What mistakes are we willing to change, or how have our behaviors contributed to the problem, and where are we unwilling to compromise?  This is about that.  What are you willing to give up?  Where can you find a balance between what you want and what you need?

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on therapy. (However, if it's covered by your insurance, do it.  Some of us aren't so lucky!) You just have to reflect on the mistakes you've made and understand how you can apply yourself to do better. Each and every day, make conscious, mindful decisions about what you put into your body, what you get out of each day, and how you live your new life.  Are you counting your blessings?  Are you thankful for what you've received?  I am.

I am thankful for sobriety. The other day a good friend and personal trainer I know asked me, "So, you've given up everything?  No vices?  You won't even have a drink with us?"  I simply responded, "Yes."  I have given up everything.  No, I won't have a drink with you tonight.  But yes, I will have a drink with you in the future.  My balance is simply to understand where and when indulging in something is appropriate, meaningful and deserved, not just because it's Friday night.  I don't need alcohol to relax and have a good time.  I enjoy the company of friends without it.  If they are uncomfortable with my sobriety, that's their problem, not mine.

Several years ago, these words would not have come from me.  I've grown and prospered so much, and for that, I am thankful.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge comes to Slidell!!!

Join the Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge! DECEMBER 3rd in Slidell!!! 


 

The Bariatric Guru™ Announces the Team for the Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge Conference Series!

MobileAL- Erin and Ben Akey and the entire Bariatric Guru™ Team are excited to announce the speakers for their upcoming nationwide conference series, The Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge.  Over the next twelve months, this series will be presented at twenty-five to thirty bariatric centers throughout the country and is sponsored by Bariatric Advantage.

The Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge is a motivating, inspiring, and lively educational program for post-operative bariatric patients. It’s an eight-hour educational seminar focusing on the lifestyle challenges and changes following bariatric surgery. The Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge educates, encourages, and motivates participants toward permanent lifestyle change and success.

The conference will feature both live and interactive video presentations by several leaders in the bariatric community.  Each attendee will leave feeling motivated, refocused, and inspired to move forward no matter where they are along their weight loss journey.
MEET THE TEAM!
   Erin Akey- “The Bariatric Guru,” Host of “Fit Living” radio show which airs on Sundays from noon-1p.m. central on FM TALK 106.5 out of MobileAL and streams live online all over the world. Erin has used her post-op life to become a Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach, Certified Water Fitness Instructor, and also a Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist.  Erin is the founder and hostess of the Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge and will lead several sessions

    Ben Akey- “The Guru Chef,” Ben is the Co-founder of the Bariatric Guru and also the Director of Programming and Marketing.  Through his experiences as the support person of a bariatric patient and his fifteen years experience in the medical community, Ben has developed Support from the Kitchen and will lead this session. Ben is also the producer of the “Fit Living” radio show.

    Antonia Namnath- Founder and CEO of the WLSFA (Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America).  Antonia is a WLS patient who took her passion and created an amazing charity that helps those who do not have the luxury of insurance coverage for WLS or the funds to pay out- of- pocket.  The WLSFA grants the life-saving gift of WLS to those who truly need it.  Antonia will introduce this great organization during the session on Paying it Forward which is all about learning to give back to our community.  The WLSFA is the primary charity of the Bariatric Breakthrough Challenge.




  Connie Stapleton, Ph.D.- Dr. Stapleton is a licensed psychologist who works extensively in the field of bariatrics.  Dr. Stapleton speaks nationally and internationally about recovering from obesity.  She is the author of Eat It Up! The Complete Mind/Body/Spirit Guide to a Full Life After Weight Loss Surgery and Get the Weight Off? Or Keep It Off.   Connie is the “Doc” in Post Op and a Doc.  Connie will lead the interactive video session on Mind/Body Synchronization and dealing with food addiction, relationship issues, and body image.  She will also be offering a CEU program to go along with the conference for healthcare professionals.

  Cari De La Cruz- The “Post-Op” in Post-Op and a Doc, motivational speaker, and ardent obesity awareness advocate.  Cari is the author of the popular blog Bariatric Afterlife™ and uses her humor and passion to help others achieve success and freedom from their food addictions.  Along with Dr. Stapleton, Cari will lead the interactive video session on Mind/Body Synchronization and dealing with food addictions.

  Dr Jacqueline Jacques – Dr. Jacques is the Chief Science Officer of Bariatric Advantage, a company dedicated to providing the best in nutrition, education and services to bariatric professionals and patients.  She has spent the past decade of her life working solely in the area of bariatric nutrition.  She is also author of the book Micronutrition for the Weight Loss Surgery Patient available through Matrix Medical Communications. She will lead the video segment on the importance of supplementation for post-op bariatric patients.

Erin is excited about this great line-up and the value each member brings with their own unique perspective and expertise. “I am so excited to have all of these wonderful people involved in the Challenge series.  I consider it a blessing to be associated with each of them and know the attendees are going to be enriched by what each brings to the table.  They cover a wide range of topics.  The events are going to be fun and you will have different speakers from the group live at each event along with me and Ben,” says Akey.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or for sponsorship opportunities, PLEASE EMAILchallenge@bariatricguru.com or visit www.bariatricguru.com
or contact: Ben Akey at 251 709 9002. 
To schedule a Challenge at your center, please email erin@bariatricguru.com

Thursday, November 3, 2011

How anxiety and stress effect the bariatric patient

Our bodies bare the impact of the stress in our lives.  How'd you get fat?  You used food to comfort you, most likely, when life seemed to get our of hand.  It's not uncommon for stress to originate in our core, and your stomach/pouch is affected just as it was before you had surgery.  Every felt sick to your stomach in a situation that induced stress and anxiety?  Uncontrollable elements of our lives often present themselves, and our ability to cope with these stressful situations in a constructively focused and positive way can help us to maintain weight loss.

Stress effects our whole self, body, mood and behavior.  Recognize the symptoms on the body: headaches, memory problems, constant worry, muscle tension, pain, diarrhea or constipation, tightness in the chest, rapid heart beat, upset stomach, sleep issues, and change in sex drive are common. Your mood can be effected by experiencing anxiety, sense of being overwhelmed, lack of focus and motivation, irritability, anger, depression, sadness, and restlessness.  Changes in behavior are commonly seen in angry outbursts, eating patterns, drug and alcohol use, tobacco use, marijuana use or abuse of prescription drugs, and social withdrawal.

Each person has unique internal and external stress triggers.  External factors are generally life events out of our control, involve other people or elements of uncertainty, can be related to work, home, relationships, financial factors, children, family, overextending yourself, or caring for ailing loved ones.  Internal factors are how we cope with the external situations, negative self talk, unrealistic expectations (of self or others), inability to accept uncertainty, perfectionism, and lack of assertiveness.  Building your positive internal dialogue, having self confidence, and a sense of well-being can help you to achieve a better outlook.

Learning steps to manage your stress symptoms and having a reliable support structure in your life can help you understand and recognize these symptoms.  Your ability to tolerate stress symptoms can be maximized when you have a solid support structure to turn to in times of need.  If you isolate yourself from others, you become more vulnerable to the negative impacts of stress.  Regain control of your environment.  Have you forgotten the rules your surgeon gave you in the educational seminars you went to?  Take another educational class, such at the Bariatric Guru's Breakthrough Challenge, find a qualified mental health professional for therapy, find a friend who can meet with you regularly to check in and participate in a healthy activity with you.

Address your emotions in a positive way through intensive therapy, working through your anger about how others now see the "new you" is part of the overall process.  You've probably gained a lot of confidence in how you look, but have you address how you feel about society's views of obese persons?  Some people internalize this anger, ignore it, and then implode with negative feelings and emotions toward their friends and loved ones for recognizing their success.  The internal backlash of positive attention are sometimes reflected in self-defeating behaviors, such as eating foods that are not the most healthy choices or drinking alcohol just because you can.  You know it's not good for you, but you do it anyway even though your surgeon told you not to (for the first year, but realize, you've changed your insides - you must take control of your actions and not stress your system by using alcohol in excess = alcohol in excess = lowered inhibitions = ability to eat more = negative thoughts and feelings about yourself, and possibly, engaging in activities you wouldn't normally engage in with possible regrets.)

Examine your outlook on life.  Congratulate yourself on the success you have had in the past, and prepare yourself for success in the future.  Having an optimistic attitude will improve your overall sense of self so that you can embrace the challenges ahead and take the bull by the horns.  You ultimately have control of your life and you CAN make the changes necessary to be successful again.  Deal with the negativity by facing it, participate in activities such as yoga, pilates, or tai chi that can help you to refocus your energy in your core. Find activities that soothe you that do not involve food.  Read or listen to books on tape, education and entertain yourself so that you are not thinking about the addictive substance: food.

Plan your mealtimes and feel confident about being prepared for social situations.  If you know a certain group of friends will want to dine out, plan ahead!  Check out the restaurant, or carefully peruse the menu when you arrive to find smaller plates of healthy options.  Eating out can sometimes invoke anxiety in post-operative bariatric patients.  Get into the healthy habit of sharing.  Don't be shy about ordering an appetizer or soup for an entree.  Ignore the funny looks or odd questions you might get from wait staff when you ask for a glass of ice and soup as an entree, or politely tell them, "Yes, that is ALL I'll be having this evening, thank you."

Analyze the situation, assess the positive, find hope and handle the stressful situation with grace, kindness and compassion.  Recovery from addiction, and yes, this is a life-long journey in the recovery from food addiction, will always be a part of who you are.  You will have times where you want to eat the whole bowl of potato salad this is seven year old me, stating to my mom if I didn't have a granny or a momma, that's what I'd do... Now, I don't eat it because I love myself and I want to be happy, healthy, and confident I can be mentally strong each day in my recovery.  We all have our story, we all should be heard, and we should all love ourselves enough to recognize when our stress and anxiety levels have gotten out of control.  Reach out to those who are there to hold you up, and keep moving forward with a healthy, happy heart.