When someone decides to go forth with a Bariatric procedure they will understand that the surgery alone will not be the only contributing factor to losing weight. Healthcare professionals will assist in the process of transforming the patient’s life which includes diet and exercise. This is great for having accurate information to succeed along with having support to achieve the final weight-loss goal and keep a healthy lifestyle in the future.

Who wants to go through a surgery and the healing process and see little results? This may happen for those who continue to eat junk. Keeping old eating habits even if the stomach is smaller is not good for anyone’s health. Yes, a greasy hamburger from a popular food chain can be considered tastier and more convenient than cooking at home, but what good is it doing to your body? There are a lot of people who grow up eating the typical junk foods and stray away from healthier options such as vegetables and fruits. For people who have Bariatric surgery, changing their eating habits can be quite a challenge since it could be years that they have eaten unhealthy. A good Bariatric program will have a dietitian assist the patient. They will provide information on which foods are good to eat, as well as other diet support.Exercise is another lifestyle change that needs to happen. For many overweight individuals they do not have the strength and energy to exercise, but once the surgery is done they have to add it to their daily routine to insure weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle. This does not mean the patient has to become a triathlete. Most Bariatric programs will include fitness experts who will provide the patient an individual plan to keep shedding the pounds away.

Exercise may be difficult soon after surgery, but any kind of movement is beneficial. Eventually the most common exercise that individuals add to their lifestyle is 30 minute walks. Not only is it healthy for losing and maintaining a healthy weight, but it is good for getting out of the house and enjoying Mother Nature.   

Fortunately, many patients have tried other weight-loss options and take Bariatric surgery very seriously. Not only will professionals help to succeed, but also support groups. This allows the individual to talk with others who are going through the same journey and get new ideas to succeed. All of these factors come together as a positive motivation tool. Changing diet and exercise will make the person’s weight-loss goals become a reality and will transform their overall health for the better.      

Focus 28 Team

www.focus28.com

Bariatric surgery has become a very common procedure over the past few years. For many, this is the last resort. No one wants to endure a major surgery, but after other options have failed, the decision becomes clear. There is a wide spectrum of patients from young adults to senior citizens who all share in one similarity which is start the process of successfully changing their life. But what about the young women who have yet to find the love of their life or are married and looking forward to starting a family? How will Bariatric surgery affect getting pregnant and the 9 months after?  

It is safe to have children after having Bariatric surgery, but this should wait until the woman’s weight is stable. Following surgery, the body can go through a stressful experience and have issues with nutrients which would not be good for a developing unborn baby. It is not recommended to become pregnant until rapid weight-loss settles. This often occurs after 18 months after surgery. Doing so will allow the Mother to provide enough nutrition for her baby which will result in a healthy and normal sized newborn. 

For women who have infertility, Bariatric surgery can offer more than weight-loss. Those who have fertility problems linked to obesity that undergo the surgery can begin to regularly ovulate after years of issues. This may not be a good thing for some women who got use to avoiding birth control and accidently become pregnant before the recommended 18 month wait period. 

Once pregnant, women who have had Bariatric surgery lessen their risks of complications, but have to be monitored closely by their OBGYN. The chances of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension or diabetes are more in the range of healthy-weight women. But since women who have undergone a weight-loss surgery often are still considered plus-size, there is still a higher risk, but lower than if she did not have the surgery.  

Women who have had weight-loss surgery are more likely to have a cesarean. There is no for-sure explanation as to why this occurs more frequently with these patients, but it should be discussed with the healthcare provider. They may consider the woman having a high-risk pregnancy which can result in a cesarean birth. There are ways to decrease the chance of having this major surgery by maintaining the doctor’s recommended weight-gain, as well as exercising regularly through the pregnancy. 

Many young women find relief in knowing that they can still have a family after Bariatric surgery. It is important to plan the pregnancy so that not only will the baby be healthy but also the Mother. Doing so will add to another positive life-changing event besides the weight-loss surgery.      

Focus 28 Team

www.focus28.com

When a person makes the life-changing decision to have a Bariatric surgery they will be informed of the entire process. This includes pre-surgery, the actual procedure, and post-op. Some people may think that once the surgery is done, the weight will diminish on its own. The surgeon along with other specialists will emphasize the importance of committing to more than just the surgery. The surgery alone is not what leads to successful weight-loss. It is an important tool that needs to be assisted with changes in diet and exercise to fully work.  After surgery the patient’s diet dramatically changes. No more slices of pizza or favorite candy bars. Patients are regularly assisted in their journey with a Bariatric program that will provide information on what to eat after surgery. There are different stages of foods the patient can intake. One to two days following surgery, the patient is monitored on how well he or she intakes low-sugar beverages such as Gatorade, water, broth, or tea. It is advised to drink with a cup rather than through a straw or bottle because these can lead to swallowing too much air which results in gas.  

If the patient can handle the beverages, the surgeon will most likely go forth with the next diet step which can last up to a month post-op. This diet consists of three meals a day of purred foods, unless the individual is not hungry enough at that point. Since the stomach is smaller, there will be fewer portions. Protein and nutrients are crucial since they assist in the healing process. Many patients choose lean meats, dairy, eggs, and beans to get their daily amounts. It is more of a challenge to reach the recommended daily nutrient amount because the individual has a smaller stomach but needs the same amount of nutrients as a person who has a regular size stomach. Multivitamins and calcium supplements are usually taken. Once the month of pureed foods has past, the surgeon may recommend the patient to start a solid diet which is the final step of the post-op diet. This may be the most challenging step of the new diet because eating healthier is critical to seeing optimal results. Protein is still very important to get on a daily basis. Typical healthy foods that can be eaten for life include fish, pasta, whole-grain items, chicken, and cheese. 

Diet changes following Bariatric surgery are extremely important. Not only does it determine how successful your outcome will be, it assists in changing your overall health for the better.   

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When you consider the option of Bariatric surgery to begin losing unwanted weight, it will be emphasized by the surgeon that weight-loss surgery will not work alone. You cannot continue to eat unhealthy and avoid exercise like in the past. There has to be a commitment to changing your lifestyle for the better. This includes avoiding junk food which can be a challenge to break. This is because for years you have been use to eating whatever you like, say it be from your favorite fast food restaurant or unlimited amounts of snacks at home. Vegetables and fruits may be cringed at, but they will have to become a major part of the new diet plan since they carry tons of essential nutrients that the body needs.  The chances of succeeding with the new diet can be slim if you are not guided and motivated. Fortunately, many patients can get the support and guidance through a Bariatric program. There are some behavior modification techniques that can be implemented to increase your success following the surgery. 

When it comes to grocery shopping, a list should be made and stuck to. This means not putting junk food into your cart. Buying only the necessary items and avoiding purchasing foods that other people in the household will eat will help to control the temptations of snacking on unhealthy foods at home. It is best to take a visit to the grocery store on a full stomach so that your stomach is not eyeing up the foods for you. Once at home, foods should be not visible. You are less tempted if you cannot see foods on the counter or on the kitchen table. Instead of eating too large of portions, leftovers should be quickly stored or thrown out.  

Eating slowly is very important after surgery. This is because if you eat too quickly you may vomit. Mealtimes will be longer than prior to your surgery. You may need between 30 to 60 minutes to eat your meal. Small bites that are chewed into a liquid consistency are the ideal way to eat. If you like to eat when you are bored, depressed, or anxious you should find activities to avoid eating. This can be simply by going for a walk, listening to music, doing yoga, or finding a new hobby. Anything to keep your mind away from going into the kitchen will help to avoid overeating.  

These are just a few of the ways you can try to help assist you in staying on the right path of maintaining a healthy diet and losing and keeping the weight off. Changing one’s diet can be difficult, but with the right support and knowledge, you will have the tools to accomplish your goals.   

Focus 28 www.focus28.com

I can not speak for every body, but I can speak for myself. When I would cook dinner in the past, it consisted of the most fatening ingredients I could get my hands on, and of course everything I was making was deep fried or pan fried, in oil.  To say that fried chicken was may favoirite and that I would make that at least three or more  times a week for dinner or for  lunch, would be an understatment in itself.

Then, I had my surgery, and I lost my desire all together to be in the kitchen and cook. I would spend a few minutes just to prepare my Focus28 shake and leave as fast as I could. I honestly didn’t trust myself to be in there for any period of time.  Normally, this was strange considering that it used to be my favorite room in the house.

As I went food shopping one day, I saw a sign in the supermarket, they were offering cooking classes. This gave me a great idea.  I needed to relearn how to cook, because I had no idea how to do it properly and healthy, so why not give it a try.  At this point, I was 1 1/2 months out of surgery and doing well.  It was time I started cooking for myself.

I took 3 classes, which they offered and not only did I learn some great new recipes that were very simple to make and very little time to prepare, they were very helathy!   I was able to ask the instructor to teach me how to cook the foods I loved most in the healthiest way possible.  It was the best class I had ever taken.  I now had a new lease on life, healthy eating and cooking.  I felt great and so very confident.

Now of course my deep fried chicken was thrown out the window, but the instructor was able to give me some excellent grilled chicken alternatives.  I now have some new favorite dishes.  I cook them a few times a week and some of them I am able to change the recipe slightly for a completely different taste.

If you are or were a terrible, unhealthy chef as I was, I strongly advise you to check in your community to see if anyone is offering cooking classes.  Through my research, I found out not only do some supermarkets offer this,  some neighborhood resturants do as well.  It is a great way to learn how to cook new things that you can work into your diet, and to learn how to keep it Healthy, which is most important.

This will also give you back that sense of power you once felt!  While taking control in your kitchen, with your food, you will begin to see the major changes in your life, not only with your eating habits, but with everything that goes on around you.  It took me a bit to learn, but this is part of the “Lifestyle Change” that the Bariatric Community talks about.

I hope my little information and advise can help you.  Do not be afraid to try new things, it is the only way you will survive.  Good Luck to you all!

Katherine Adams

Focus 28 Customer

www.focus28wellness.com

When an individual decides to go through a Bariatric surgery they are well-informed about the entire process. This includes how their diet will have to change. They will not be able to eat the same foods as before. This can be the worse part of the surgery because eating habits can be hard to tame. Often, the patient will meet with a dietitian who will help guide them through the right path, but if they do not follow the advice they can suffer the consequences. Bariatric surgery alone will not lose all of the weight. The person cannot continue to snack or eat unhealthy. Following the dietitian’s rules will help to achieve optimal weight-loss. 

Malabsorption can be associated with Bariatric surgeries. This can raise the risks of protein and calorie malnutrition or mineral and vitamin deficiencies. The risk can be lowered by taking the appropriate supplements.  

Dumping syndrome is another issue that can occur. The typical symptoms include sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, diarrhea, and palpitations. The reason this occurs is if the person eats too much sugar. Even though they are aware that they should not be eating sweets, many are tempted into cheating and may eat their favorite dessert such as ice cream. Since people become very sick when dumping syndrome occurs, they are more likely to avoid sweets to be free of the uncomfortable symptoms. 

Even for people who watch their diet, they can be affected with unpleasant issues. It is important for the individual to eat each piece of food slowly. If they rush through their meal which can lead to the food not being chewed well enough, or if the overeat, they can experience vomiting and or plugging. Plugging is the sensation that the food has become stuck.  

Some people may find that they are not losing weight, and gaining it. The culprit might be that they are eating small snacks throughout the day which is affecting their regular meals and adding unnecessary calories. Since liquids are not limited after Bariatric surgery, some may drink beverages that are high in calories such as soda and juice which will work against losing weight.

It is important to stay motivated and focused when it comes to losing weight after surgery. When giving into unhealthy foods, the person will feel the effects and could even see the effects if they gain weight. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing opportunity which should be taken seriously no matter how difficult it can get. The end results are worth it since not only is the individual a normal weight, they are healthy and have a bright future ahead of them.         

Focus 28

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In most instances, individuals are successful with their diet changes following Bariatric surgery. Many studies have concluded that around 80% of patients are successful at sustaining a healthier lifestyle. They reap the benefits of not only losing weight, but also ridding themselves from weight-related issues such as sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, and other medical problems. Usually during the first 2 years after surgery the individual’s lifestyle changes come easy since they see drastic weight-loss results. But what about after the weight is off? It can become a challenge for people to maintain their goal wait without slipping back to their old habits.  

Once the individual is at a steady weight they may begin to slack at their exercise routine, and begin snacking on foods like before their transformation. Even though the stomach is not the same size as before, going back to old habits can result in gaining weight. For people who are trying their strongest to keep a healthy lifestyle there may be the challenge of dealing with food cravings. Their once favorite dessert seems to be taunting them by calling their name to purchase it and take a bite. If the person gives in to the craving they are more likely to encounter stronger cravings for it, this can result in them eating too much of the food and feeling guilty afterwards.  

It is best to altogether avoid the food being craved. Over time the craving will lessen and not be an issue. Fortunately there are ways to prevent the craving from threatening your diet. Since most patients have a Bariatric plan, they can discuss their obstacles with the specialists. There are also support groups that consist of fellow Bariatric surgery patients, which understand and can help give advice on coping with such an issue.  

There are some simple ways to win over the cravings. Distracting yourself is a good way to forget about the craving. This can be done in various ways such as going for a walk, doing a hobby, or reading a book. Another way to avoid succumbing to cravings is by not even purchasing the food. This may be difficult if other people in the household are not following the same diet. Finding healthier alternatives that are low in sugar, fat, and calories is a better solution. Changing activities that make you want to snack will lessen cravings. Watching a movie on the weekend may make a person crave for a bowl of buttery popcorn. Instead of watching the movie on the weekend, perhaps watching it during the day with a healthier snack will ease the urge to get a bag of popcorn popping.  

Everyone knows that dieting is a challenge. Luckily there is a lot of support for people who have Bariatric surgery. Taking advantage of the resources will help keep the patient on the right track and win over cravings.    

Focus 28 Team

www.focus28.com

I always try to keep healthy foods and snacks in my kitchen at all times. I keep out a bowl of fresh fruit for everyone to pick on throughout the day.  I know I must look like a crazy lady when I go food shopping due to the things that I do when I am there.

When I am doing the grocery shopping, I make sure that I take the time to read absolutely everything that I want to pruchase. Not only do I read everything, of course I have to compare products too.  I carry around a calorie counter as well.  This just makes it easier to decide on what items I really need to purchase as opposed to the items I really do not need. 

My friends, at this point, now refuse to shop with me! They think that I have gone off the deep end and lost my mind. The reason they think this is simply because they do not have the patience to read the important nutritional facts on what they are buying, and probably because most of them do not have weight problems.

I want my children to eat the healthiest of foods, and if that means that I wil have to look a like a crazy woman while I shop, well then so be it. They deserve the best and I have to give it to them. Years ago, when I would go food shopping , I put no effort into it and that is why I ended up as big as I was. Now, I know better, and I take my time, follow my list, eat before I go, and actually shop for what I went there for and nothing more.

When we take the time to treat ourselves to the better things, we will see results.

Kerry Timmins

Focus 28 Customer

kerrytimmins@yahoo.com

www.focus28wellness.com
 

I know firsthand how hard it is to stay on track, especially in the beginning of your weight loss journey.  I have put together just a few helpful tips that have helped me through the hard times, and keep me going to this very day.  It’s all about the changes you make to your daily routine.  The smallest change can make a huge difference.   

Here are a few tips I stick to on a daily basis in order to maintain my current weight.   I would like to share them with you, just to show you that they are small changes, but they work. 

·         I do not eat past 7pm

·         I drink plenty of water throughout the day

·         I eat 3 healthy meals a day and two healthy snacks.  These meals consist of Focus 28 Soups, Oatmeal, Cereals, and the snacks are Focus 28 healthy snacks.  It is very important to get the proper protein and nutrition

·         I walk everywhere I need to go

·         I exercise for 25 minutes, in the morning after breakfast is the best time for me

·         I put time and effort into my meals, I think it makes them taste better and keeps them healthy too! 

There are so many little things that you can do to help you in your journey.  

Good Luck, Stay Healthy, Stay Motivated!

Kerry Timmins

Focus 28 Customer

kerrytimmins@yahoo.com

www.focus28.com

Bariatric surgery offers patients more than just a tool to successfully lose weight. It can be the cure for a variety of diseases that commonly occur in morbidly obese individuals. Not only will the person begin living healthier, they will diminish or lessen their risks of diseases that can hinder their life. Some people do not even know they have some diseases, while others suffer daily from the consequences of being overweight. This is one of the determining factors when deciding if Bariatric surgery is the best option. 

One disease that can be cured with a Bariatric surgery is obstructive sleep apnea that often occurs in morbidly obese individuals. The typical symptoms of the disease include loud snoring and long pauses of breathing. Many people who have it are unaware of how they are sleeping until someone else tells them. This type of sleeping can lead to serious diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even drowsiness during the day which can cause accidents. After Bariatric surgery, patients often find their obstructive sleep apnea to diminish and all other side-effects are completely cured or greatly lessened.  

Another common disease that can be resolved after Bariatric surgery is acid reflux which is also known as GERD. Acid reflux occurs when the valve between the stomach and esophagus is not normal. Acid from the stomach can splash into the esophagus which can damage the area and cause painful conditions. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can lead to cancer if not treated. Fortunately, a high percentage of individuals who undergo a Bariatric procedure can resolve acid reflux. 

Women who are morbidly obese often will encounter fertility problems. Menstrual dysfunction is often the culprit. Once Bariatric surgery was completed and the patient began losing weight, their menstrual cycle became normal and they had a higher chance of becoming pregnant. It is important to lose the weight before having a child because babies born to morbidly obese Mothers have a greater chance of suffering from heart defects and neurological problems. Once the weight is lost, Mothers-to-be also lessen their risks of developing pregnancy-related illnesses such as diabetes, as well as lowering their chances of having to have a cesarean.  

All the benefits of going through Bariatric surgery are why so many people decide to do this weight-loss option. They want to lose the weight while changing their health for the better. Not only does their outward appearance change, so do the crucial body parts that keep them alive. This allows them to live a longer and healthier life.    

 Focus 28 Team

www.focus28.com