Let’s lay down the fact. Yes, 70% of all bariatric patients do gain the weight back. The truth? You could become part of that statistic. It strongly depends on the direction you choose to take. Failing to fully understand the circumstances will strongly impact your path to recovery. You need to understand that bariatric surgery is not simply just a quick fix solution. It’s a lifetime commitment that only you yourself can be willing to make. Now that you’ve come this far, it’s time to take that road to recovery, towards success.

Trend diets aren’t cool
We know it, you know it. In some cases, eating has almost been brought down to a science. Unfortunately, bad eating habits have accumulated during those years and now it’s your turn to take responsibility and replace these habits with better choices. To put it simply, food can no longer be considered as “comfort food”.

Welcome to the world of smaller portions, nutritional supplements and strict dietary guidelines. In the beginning this may seem quite overwhelming but we cannot stress its importance enough. For example, your newly modified stomach can no longer absorb essential vitamins and minerals. That’s why you must take nutritional supplements for the rest of your life. Do your homework and talk to your surgeon and nutritionist. Together, they will build a personalized nutrition plan specifically for you. Now, instead of concentrating on trying to forget the existence of those famous “golden arches”, visualize a new life full of possibilities and rewards. Can you stomach that?

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While on the cusp of the summer solstice, June 20, we are in full swing of the season. At the box office, Sex & The City beat Indiana Jones in ticket sales. When the going gets tough, release a chick flick and women will respond in  big numbers! Of course I went to see Sex & The City with several gal pals on opening day, having purchased my tickets  online  in advance. These gal pals are a talented group, comprising of one fashion illustrator, two authors, several clothing designers - all with one common thread, we all teach or have taught fashion courses at university level or at a respected design school. This  was a tough crowd to judge the wardrobe in the movie. The wardrobe is the star of the film, followed by close ups from the four fab fems!

And the clothes didn’t disappoint. Whether you liked them, got them, wanted them, or not, you noticed them. Most of us don’t get to see clothing like this much. There are few cities, even fewer streets, where these clothes are for sale and  worn. But the impact of a big fashion film like Sex & The City on our personal style choices is huge. Why? It gives us freedom…freedom to push the envelope,  to break the rules and make new ones - white shoes after labor day, anyone?

Many of us  worry about how we look in our clothing, we struggle to find clothes that fit AND flatter. A movie like Sex & The City raises questions about how we really feel about following fashion:  Can we fall in love with a “fad,” make a style statement without wearing designer clothing or wearing a smaller size?

Yes to all of the above. Here are six suggestions to take the heat off Summer in The City.

Style Tips for Summer

> use self tanner on legs - tan legs camouflage veins and cellulite

> wear leggings under a baby doll top with ballet flats  - longer tunic length covers tummy, umpire waist is youthful, narrow legging suggests longer and leaner. leggings come in different lengths so you can find one that works for your leg shape, ballerina shoes elongate the foot, open up the ankle

> try some lip gloss - gloss is fun to wear and attracts attention to the face and sparkling smile

> get a french manicure for your toe nails - pretty, soft, sexy

> add color - try a gauzy, crinkled skirt or a v-neck t-shirt in a color that makes your eyes look bright - shades of blue, lavender and light green look good on everyone

> experiment with a hair product and wear your hair in a more natural, carefree way - add an accessory like a patterned scarf or head band.

My Summer In The City
Reading: Look Fit & Fabulous in 15 Minutes by Teresa Tapp www.t-tapp.com
Watching:  Sophia Loren in That Kind of Woman on TCM - Turner Classic Movies - ( you’ll love seeing how voluptuous she and Barbara Nichols are in this film! )
Drinking: Crystal Light Spritzers -  Half and Half Orange Grapefruit Flavor with Crystal Geyser Sparkling Lime Water
Activity: Swimming Every Day - wearing my sexy and sturdy Miraclesuit from www.Cyberswim.com
Listening: “I’ve Just Seen A Face,” by The Beatles, Soundtrack to Help!