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

Bariatric surgery is a step towards changing one’s life for the better. It can either be an easy decision to go forth with it, or a scary one. This is why it is very important to have support to help before the surgery, afterwards, and through all the lifestyle challenges once the healing process begins. No one wants to be alone and not have anyone to listen to their fears and struggles. They need to be able to discuss their journey and get encouragement in some form of support. Having support from family and friends should be the easiest form. When deciding on whether to have Bariatric surgery your family and friends may either be very supportive with your decision or against it. If they are not supportive it could be over fear. They may not know all the facts of weight-loss surgery and feel it is too risky for you to go through. A good way to change their feelings is by taking the time to talk with them about why they feel this way and inform them of the aspects of the surgery and why you are leaning to go forth with it. Hopefully by doing this, they will understand that even though it is a major surgery and there are risks, the benefits are greater since it will lessen your chance of medical illnesses, and make help you achieve a healthy life. 

Support groups ran by Bariatric programs is another way to cope through the entire weight-losing journey. The programs are often times ran and moderated by a healthcare professional such as a dietician or psychologist. It is a great way to get support since they consist of other people who have the same goals as you, and will understand what you are going through. Even through struggles they can lend their support which will help you get through challenging times. With the internet becoming more and more popular, online support groups can be found. It is very convenient to turn on the computer and access online support groups that understand what you are going through. You’ll be able to make new friends and read their stories and encouragement. Since it is online, there are things to be watchful of. Some people will complain endlessly on the support group which can have a negative effect and should be avoided. It is best to meet people who are positive. There sometimes will be people who claim to be experts who are not, so their words should not be taken seriously as a real expert. 

Fortunately, your journey through weight-loss surgery does not have to be alone. You can have your family and friends to share your challenges and accomplishments with, join a support group where you go to meetings with fellow people in your situation, or log online and write and read for support. You could even do all of the options! Having the adequate support will give you the boost you need to stay focused and achieve your weight-loss dreams.      

Focus 28 www.focus28.com

I was reading a parenting magazine that had an article for mothers who were trying to get back into shape after just having a child. The ideas in this article were pretty good, so I thought to myself, well why can’t I revise them to fit into my schedule.

The plan I set for myself was to put one hour a day aside for me and my children to play. I then incorporated my workout into the play time and my children where none the wiser, and I really didn’t feel like I was working out until the next day when the pain set in.

I had my 4 year old sit slightly above my feet and slightly on my shin. While sitting upright,

 I would raise my legs slowly with him ontop to where my knees where almost level with my thighs. I did this till I could not do it anymore. The first week it was 10 times by week 4 it was at 25 times.

Next, I would take my one year old and lay him on my shins as I was laying down with my legs bent and raised. I then brought my legs into my chest a number of times and again, until I could not do it anymore.  After a few weeks I was able to increase the number of times I could bring him into my chest almost 4 times the amount from when I started.

Lastly, I again took my four year old, sat him down behind me with him facing my back while I was sitting indian style. I took one of his bouncing balls and we would play hot potato, with the exception of me being able to turn around. He would pass the ball to me on my right and then to my left which forced me to have to keep twisting my waist in order to get the ball from with each pass to give it back on the opposite side.

In about  four to five weeks, my legs where becoming slender and they were starting to show some muscle tone. From bringing my knees to my chest, my stomach was also becoming smaller and defined. Last but not least my waist size went down almost one and a half sizes from the twists and all this from playing with my kids.

Everyone is winner with this. You get to spend some real quality time with your children, they have a whole lot of fun and so do you, and to top it off, you will walk away from it with loosing inches from your waist and thighs and your stomach gets toned as well.

Good Luck to you!

Katherine Adams

Focus 28 Customer

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

www.focus28.com

“Live and Learn”! Now there is a great statement for you. It is the uttermost truth that you have to live by in order to learn.  For some of us, it takes a lifetime to learn things, but it is the information that we pick up along our journey that teaches us.

I might have spent a good portion of my life trying to shed pounds, but now at the age of thirtynine, I understand I am who I am.  I have learned that I am only myself, and nobody can change me but myself! Ha ha go figure,took me all that living and learning to come up with that.

I now know that my body is a temple and I should treat it with respect and love, and that means taking care of it and maintaining a healthy diet.  I still have a lot more living and learning to do , but at least I have my temple under control!

Kerry Timmins

Focus 28 Customer

kerrytimmins@yahoo.com

www.focus28wellness.com

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
 

Okay, so the summer is quickly approaching, and I am not ready,  physically or mentally for the season to be here so soon.

I can not speak for you, but I know that I use to dread the thought of having to, dare I say it, “Work Out”.  The time alone that I thought it would take away from my day just did not seem worth it.

As it turns out, there were some little tricks that I was lucky enough to pick up along the way, that now working out is not a chore. It is a daily routine that I have incorporated into my quite time, when the children are all fast asleep.

Here are just a few tips that have worked for me with helping me to LOOSE some inches around my waist line.

1.While sitting Indian style on the living room floor or where ever you catch up on your TV shows, grab a broom stick or a mop stick, which ever you have, rest it on top of your shoulders - behind your neck and just start twisting left to right with your upper torso only.  Do this for 5 minutes a day until you gradually get it up to a half an hour per day. This worked great for me.

2.Once you are half way through your show, start doing some sit ups or crunchs. Don’t feel like you have to concentrate on counting how many your doing, your body will let you know when its time to stop.

3.By the time your  program is over, you have just worked out for one full hour without over thinking it. Another benefit to this is that you have just given your metabilism a jump start from all that moving, not to mention you also just lost calories and are working towards losing inches too.  How great is that?  

I suggest that you measure your waist the first day you start this, then again in a week and so forth. I promise you will be pleasntly surprised at the out come, just as I was.

It does not matter how much you workout initially, as long as you are doing something. Your body will respond to what ever you do as long as you are doing it!  Exercise is not supposed to be a task or something that you hate to do everyday.  It is meant to help build endurance and of course, help you physically.  By exercising on a regular basis, it will help us look better in our favorite outfits.

Make sure you enjoy whatever workout you put together for yourself, if you are not thrilled with it, you will not continue it.  Don’t allow yourself to fall into that pattern. You are better then that, I am better then that.  It’s time we show the world that very same thing.

Katherine Adams

Focus 28 Customer

www.focus28wellness.com

Everyone who meets with a surgeon to discuss Bariatric surgery will be well-informed about the importance of following specific health guidelines. Doing so will allow the patient to reap success. Whether you follow every word, or begin lacking in the advice, you can be at risk for encountering a number of health issues following a Bariatric procedure. This can happen for patients who have a regular Gastric Bypass surgery, or for those who have a Gastric Banding surgery. It is crucial to having the knowledge of all the problems that could arise so that steps can be made so the issues can be altogether avoided. 

For people who have Gastric Bypass surgery one of the concerns that can arise is nutrition deficiencies. Keeping track of your intake of vitamins, protein, minerals, and fluids is extremely important to successfully losing the weight and maintaining it. Since the surgery allows the body to eliminate calories, vitamins, fat, and minerals from the food you eat, you will have to substitute it to avoid other health issues that can arise from efficiency. Supplements for iron, calcium, multivitamin as well as others must be taken.  

Another health problem that can occur following a Gastric Bypass surgery is Malnutrition. Fortunately this issue is not very common. It occurs when the person has lost too much weight. The culprit is the placement between the stomach and the small bowel. Patients who suffer from this problem will be hungry but only able to eat small amounts and tend to vomit frequently. An outpatient procedure can fix the issue, but if the problem is left untreated the person will suffer severely. 

With both Gastric Bypass and Banding surgeries, gaining weight or not losing any weight is another post-op issue. For people who had Gastric Bypass surgery, the culprit for gaining weight is often times overeating. Even though their stomach is smaller which gives the feeling of being full rather quickly, the person can take breaks between eating, but continue to eat throughout the day which is not lowering their calorie intake. For those who have failure with Gastric Banding surgery, it is usually because of their intake of calories from liquids such as sodas and juices as well as easily digestible snacks. The band works by limiting the portion size, but not the calories. Overeating can cause vomiting which may tamper with the surgery. This can cause the band to slip, which will need to be fixed through another procedure. 

Luckily the problems that may occur with Bariatric surgeries can be avoided by following the program given to you. People who eat the recommended foods and change their lifestyles will not have to endure the problems associated with the surgery and are more likely to have successful and healthier results.      

Focus 28 Team

www.focus28.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