Bariatric Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Fall brings lots of temptations to Bariatric surgery patients as well as others who are watching what they eat. Weight loss can be difficult due to all the temptations but Halloween is especially difficult.

You’ve probably heard people use the expression ‘you gotta choose your battles wisely‘. It’s really good advice for life in general, but this is especially true for those who have underwent weight loss surgery.

Watching Your Bariatric Diet on Halloween

While celebrating Halloween this year, try to think about the holiday in a new way. After all, changing the way you think is part of what makes Bariatric so successful. As you throw tradition to the wind and look for healthy Halloween options, here are some tips that just may help.

Healthy Halloween Tips

#1 – Don’t celebrate Halloween just because it is a tradition, especially if it has the potential to sabotage your diet. Your weight loss journey requires a new lifestyle. Perhaps you would be best not to observe this candy inspired holiday. Instead, turn the porch light off and find other ways to celebrate October 31st.

#2 – If you have children or grandchildren and want to observe the holiday by handing out candy and treats, do not purchase candy and treats that will tempt you. For example, if you cannot stand licorice, that’s the perfect treat to buy for all the little ghouls and goblins who’ll come knocking at your door.

#3 – If you plan to hand out candy for Halloween, wait until the last possible minute before purchasing these little treats so they aren’t lurking around the house to tempt you. Additionally, be careful not to overstock. It’s better to turn the porch light out early than to have bags of candy taunting you from the pantry.

#4 – Consider an alternative to candy this Halloween, such as coins, small toys or stickers. There are other non-candy options such as fresh fruit, cheese and cracker packs, animal crackers or boxes of raisins, to name a few.

#5 – Perhaps you have friends who have undergone Bariatric surgery or struggle with weight loss. Say goodbye to remorse by hosting a healthy Halloween get-together with fun activities and an attractive food spread with nutritious options.

#6 – You will save a lot of money on candy and get in some much needed exercise when you decide to walk around the neighborhood with your kids as they trick-or-treat. Being active and social feels good, and seeing those spooky costumes and masks will probably increase your heart rate, helping you burn calories.

These are just a few tips to help celebrate Halloween without remorse. What will you be doing on October 31st?

The Dangers of Diet Pills

If you would like to know the scoop on diet pills and why they are considered to be dangerous, you have come to the right place. Here are some interesting facts about the dangers of diet pills, some of which you might have heard and a few side effects which may surprise you.

Downside of Diet Pills

Yes, there is most definitely a downside to taking diet pills, whether they have been prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. In some cases, taking diet pills can actually bring weight loss, but is it worth the risks, especially when those few pounds will eventually be returning? Here are a few of the many risks of taking diet pills.

You cannot trust or rely on product labels.

If you are purchasing store bought weight loss pills and products, you cannot trust the claims found on the label or box. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report which found that twenty percent of all supplement and weight loss labels are guilty of making illegal claims. Even if the pills promise to be herbal or all-natural, this does not mean they are truly safe to take.

There are often numerous side effects when taking diet pills.

Depending on the type of diet pills you take, there can be numerous side effects, some of which can become uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous to your body. Some of the more common side effects of diet pills include headaches, constipation and mood swings. In diet pills containing fat blockers, you can expect symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, gas and poor nutrient absorption.

The ineffective results of diet pills often lead to dehydration.

Due to the combination of caffeine and several diuretics, many diet pills are not helping you lose weight. Those first few pounds you shed was likely water loss, which is not a true type of weight loss. Sadly, extreme water loss while taking diet pills can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration.

Taking diet pills can be very addicting.

When you choose to take diet pills, there is always the risk of becoming addicted. Sure, it is only diet pills but they actually contain a plethora of addictive and dangerous ingredients including amphetamines, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.

Diet pills can damage your heart and other organs.

Many diet pills and appetite suppressants are designed to stimulate the nervous system, and the results can be felt relatively quickly. Most commonly, your heart rate will increase which also raises your blood pressure, which can lead to arrhythmia, cardiac arrest or heart attack – none of which are worth those few pounds you may or may not lose.

Diet pills can add stress to your circulatory system.

Ever taken a diet pill and experienced the rush felt when your heartbeat sped up, only to wind up with a terrible headache? Since the FDA made ephedra illegal in weight loss drugs and products, companies are working diligently to come up with a substitute. Why would companies want to offer a product that raises blood pressure and stresses the circulatory system?

It is believed that some diet pills cause heart valve abnormalities.

While it is true that heart valves will eventually start to leak a tiny bit with age, there are some prescription drugs designed to help people lose weight which can also cause heart valve abnormalities, including leakage. This risk is a concern for those who have taken diet pills for three months or longer. This is why some medical doctors will prescribe twelve weeks of taking diet pills, followed by intervals where no weight loss drugs are taken.

Weight Loss Surgery vs Diet Pills

As a rule, most medical doctors will not prescribe diet pills to patients unless they are considered to be obese and many who will not prescribe diet pills at all, due to the above mentioned risks. Additionally, if you are obese, you would have to take diet pills for a very long time to see any real results, which means being at risk of the many side effects listed above.

When considering all of the dangers associated with diet pills, weight loss surgery is fast becoming the more popular and sensible option. Medical doctors are starting to agree that Bariatric surgery is safer than the prolonged use of diet pills and other drugs prescribed for weight loss. Unlike diet pills, weight loss surgery slowly teaches the patient how to make better nutritional choices for a lifetime of better habits.

diet pills ephedra weight loss weight loss drugs

How to Make the Perfect Bariatric Smoothie

Bariatric Smoothies are Great for Post Op Diets

For the first few weeks after surgery, it is vitally important to follow your post op instructions, beginning with the approved liquids. Your doctor has stressed the importance of a diet extremely rich in protein which is a necessity for Bariatric patients. There are many protein shakes and drinks as well as hot cereals and soups but eventually, your body may become bored with these choices, leaving you to look for new ways to add protein to your heavily restricted diet.

One way to curb the cravings is by drinking Bariatric smoothies, which is simply smoothies approved by your doctor or nutritionist. Another great benefit of these smoothies is the reduced cost associated with making your own drinks rather than purchasing those which are already made. You already know what your body needs so all you need is a really good formula to create a plethora of variations your taste buds will love.

Discover Whey Protein Powder

You will need to familiarize yourself with whey protein powder if you have not already. By adding whey protein powder to this Bariatric smoothie formula, your protein intake will be more than satisfactory. Here are the instructions needed for a healthy variety and adequate protein intake. By choosing one item from each category, you can make the perfect Bariatric smoothie every time.

Your kitchen should be equipped with a blender, food processor, Ninja or other small appliance to make the Bariatric smoothie. Using the formula below, blend your chosen ingredients in the blender until smooth. It is important to remember that this recipe will yield approximately ten ounces per serving. Be sure to sip the Bariatric smoothie slowly, as you will probably only drink about half of the formula at a time. Cover any unused Bariatric smoothie leftovers and store it in the refrigerator, opting to drink or toss the rest within the next twenty-four hours.

Categories for the Best Bariatric Smoothie Recipe

Whey Protein Powder:

Add one serving of your protein powder, using the measuring scoop usually provided by the manufacturer.

Your Favorite Fruit:

Choose one-half cup of any fruit you like, whether it is fresh, sugar-free frozen, or canned fruit that has been packaged in its own juice. Avoid fruit packed in High Fructose Corn Syrup. Note that frozen fruit delivers the best Bariatric smoothie while fresh or canned fruit will require a little ice.

Your Protein Base:

Choose an eight ounce glass of skim milk or soy milk. Next, add one of these products from the following list for your protein base: one-third cup of skim milk powder, six ounces of sugar free and fat free yogurt, one-half cup of ricotta or cottage cheese, one-third cup of silken tofu, or two tablespoons of smooth nut butter.

Adding Spice:

You can add one-eighth of a teaspoon of any spice, or combination of spices, to your Bariatric smoothie to heighten the flavor.

Need Sweetener?

If you don’t, that’s great. If a sweeter taste is required, opt for Nutrasweet or Splenda.

A Dose of Fiber:

Constipation can be an issue to Bariatric patients. Opt for one or two teaspoons of Benefiber or other fiber supplement to your shake for even more health benefits.

There are no special instructions and you won’t have to make a new grocery list every time you want to make some smoothies. Your palate will enjoy the endless combinations as you get creative in the kitchen, embracing your new diet and healthy lifestyle.

bariatric smoothie smoothie recipe

After Bariatric Surgery: Your After-Care Plan

After Bariatric Surgery

Your weight loss surgery is behind you and that’s great! However, the next phase of the Bariatric surgery process is equally as important. Your after-care is required so the doctor can monitor your progress and help you maintain your health while losing a substantial amount of weight. This is a pivotal time when Bariatric patients must follow a strict diet and work toward a healthier lifestyle.

Keeping close contact with your after-care doctor ensures that your surgery will be successful. Each time you visit the doctor’s office and discuss the details surrounding your decision to have weight loss surgery, or stand on the scale where your pre-op weight was recorded, you are reminded of your goals and how far you have already come. Speaking with your favorite nurse or another patient in the waiting room are all forms of support that will help you on your weight loss journey.

The After-Care Phase of Weight Loss Surgery

Typically, the after-care phase includes a dieting outline that must be followed after Bariatric surgery. This is the absolute most important part of post-surgery monitoring and your doctor must be there to provide support and help you make the right choices. These diet choices can speed up the weight loss process, whereas incorrect choices will further impede the weight loss you so desire.

Other ways your doctor can help is by assisting you with the right exercise routine, one that begins easy and slow. Gradually, under your doctor’s after-care, you will be able to participate in more physically demanding exercise and activities. Vitamins and supplements are also a way of life for the Bariatric patient. These will help you maintain a nutritious diet and keep you energized rather than run down or tired. Regular examinations by your doctor can prevent any vitamin or mineral deficits from occurring that might affect your health adversely.

Why Cant’ I Manage My Own Progress?

Bariatric patients who are in the after-care phase may think the hardest part is over. Many are surprised to learn that, after Bariatric surgery,more difficult phases will follow. After Bariatric surgery, the work is not over but rather, just beginning. Successful Bariatric patients will still require numerous follow-up appointments and progress reports, which might seem unnecessary at the time.

Patients should never try to conduct their own after-care treatment, as research has shown that those who are actively engaged with their doctor will achieve the greatest results. The statistics show that Bariatric patients who continued with their after-care plan were able to lose as much as 35% more weight than those who did not. In addition, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that those after-care patients were far m0re successful in keeping the weight off for good.

You have made it this far; why not see your Bariatric journey through?

after care Bariatric Surgery post-op care weight loss surgery

Five Cool Facts about Bariatric Surgery

Are you considering Bariatric Surgery as a weight loss option? You will find a lot of information about weight loss surgery which can take some time to research and read. However, there are some really cool facts for you here, extracted from years of research to help you understand the history of Bariatric surgery and how popular it has become today as a valid and safe weight loss option.

Five Bariatric Surgery Facts

#1 – The youngest known weight loss surgery patient to date was only twelve years old. In a small number of cases, a child could potentially require assistance with weight loss in order to treat other serious health conditions. Bariatric surgery is the last option for children who are dealing with comorbidities, and are at greater risk due to obesity. Weight loss surgery in children does not interfere with the body’s normal growing and developing processes, but it does reduce the chances that the child will become an obese adult. Only a doctor can decide if weight loss surgery is the right choice for a child.

#2 – The most obese country in all of the world is NOT the United States of America. You’ve probably heard this exaggeration for years but it simply is not true. While the U.S. does struggle with weight issues with more than 30 percent of Americans carrying around a BMI of 30 or better, the most obese country is actually an island in the South Pacific called Nauru. On this small island, more than 94 percent of the population is obese. Other obese countries include the United Kingdom and Mexico.

#3 – Japan and South Korea are the two countries with the least number of obese people. This is due to cultural differences and differences in what is considered attractive by a society as a whole. While the U.S. holds at number three in the list of obese countries, the average weight across America for men and women combined is about 180 pounds or 81.928 kilograms. This is approximately 20 kilograms higher than the average weight in 1970, nearly five decades ago.

#4 – In the U.S. and Canada, twenty-five weight loss surgeries are performed every hour, on average! This number is a bit larger than Europe, which averages 7.6 per hour, and Asia with only 1.5 per hour. Of these Bariatric surgeries reported in the study, nearly 90 percent were performed using a minimally invasive surgery technique called laparoscopy. This popular method is used for two types of weight loss surgeries: Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass. The least common Bariatric surgery was the Biliopancreatic Diversion with duodenal switch, according to these numbers.

#5 – The very first recorded weight loss surgery was performed in ancient Greece. The patient was a man named Dionysius, who was believed to have lived a very extravagant life. These early records suggest he was quite a tyrant …and quite obese due to his lifestyle. You would not want to trade places with Dionysius though, because today’s easy in-and-out laparoscopic method is amazingly painless when compared to the method he endured, which called for the insertion of long needles through the belly and hips. Bariatric surgery became a valid choice for Americans starting in 1954, changing the way people viewed obesity treatments.

These are just five of the many interesting facts about Bariatric surgery, which is just the beginning of all the cool and interesting details that surround obesity and weight loss surgery. Put those fabrications and false facts about Bariatric surgery to rest when you learn the real facts.

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13 Year Old Girl Receives Weight Loss Surgery, Looses 60 Pounds & Runs 5K

13 year old Texan, Alexis Shapiro, was a normal little girl prior to age 9, when a non-cancerous brain tumor had to be removed near her hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Although it was well-known that weight gain would be a likely side effect of the surgery, it seemed that Alexis just got the worst of it.

Where Her Story Started

On average, the little girl was gaining about 2 pounds a week. Over the next 2 years, Alexis went from 52 pounds to approximately 203 pounds. In addition to the fact that her 4 foot 7 frame was not built to carry so much weight, she was continually hungry, which only made things worse.

That was when the Shapiro family was introduced to Dr. Thomas Inge, from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, who was willing to provide Alexis with a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. However, the Shapiro’s insurance was not willing to cover the cost of the procedure due to the fact that Alexis was only 12.

In order to cover the cost of the surgery, the family began a crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to the news and media attention, they raised approximately $70,000. In addition to this, the family’s insurance company also decided to reverse their decision on the Shapiro case. So, the funds raised have been put towards paying the family’s travel expenses between their home in Texas and the Cincinnati hospital.

While it was initially hoped that Alexis would receive a gastric bypass, it was ruled unsafe due to the fact that her liver was so enlarged. In March of 2014, Alexis Shapiro received a sleeve gastrectomy. Her stomach is now one quarter of its original size.

Where Her Journey Begins

Since having the weight loss surgery, Alexis must now eat 60 grams of protein per day, in addition to only eating small amounts of food in any one sitting. While it is a major adjustment, Alexis is already used to it by now.

Since having the surgery, Alexis has had a huge improvement in her energy levels and has lost about 60 ponds (however, she has gained about 10 back). With more than 13,000 likes on their Facebook page, Jenny Shapiro states that her daughter has felt supported by sharing her journey with the public.

Where Is She Now?

Today, Alexis Shapiro has been participating in her first ever 3K and 5K races. Although Alexis walks in the races, the fact that she can now cover 3.1 miles on foot shows her improvement.

Even though no one in her family had ever taken part in a road race before, whenever Alexis expressed interest in running one, they immediately found the Carnival of Venice 5K in San Antonio, Texas. On top of that, they also joined her in participating in the race.

Jenny Shapiro told Runner’s World Newswire, ““She was proud of herself, I was proud of her. We were just all surprised and amazed.” According to her mother, Alexis is definitely planning on continuing to participate in the road races.

YouTube offers Epic Support for Bariatric Patients

There are many sources of support and inspiration for those who plan to embark on their weight loss journey such as Bariatric groups, clubs and social media platforms, to name a few. There is another excellent source for support and inspiration online: YouTube. Would you have ever guessed?

YouTube Channels that Inspire and Educate

If you have been contemplating your options for weight loss and considering Bariatric surgery, you have probably scoured the internet for information. You might have searched Facebook and Twitter for groups or forums that provide the inspiring weight loss stories of real people. One of the best sources for detailed information is YouTube.

Speaking from experience, there are many Bariatric patients who have and are currently keeping video journals on YouTube , sharing their week by week or month by month progress. These people are quite candid, sharing weight gains and losses and talking about the highs and lows that follow weight loss surgery. You will easily become addicted to these channels and find a connection with these ladies.

Here are some personal favorites that are sure to inspire you and help you make important decisions regarding your own Bariatric journey. If you don’t have a personal YouTube account, you will want to sign up for a channel and follow these weight loss role models.

Follow the Weight Loss Surgery Leaders on YouTube

Shelley and the Band

Shelley underwent Bariatric surgery, opting for the Lap Band approach to weight loss. She started her Pre-Op diet on December 13th of 2012 and had weight loss surgery on December 27th of 2012. Her starting weight was 283.3 pounds and you can follow her as she sheds the pounds, laughs and cries, purchases new clothes and learns to add exercise to her daily regime. She shares tips and tips to help make the weight loss journey a little easier and talks about the Bariatric diet, including which foods she eats and avoids. Shelley is an inspiration to anyone who desires to lose weight and take charge of their life.

Billie’s Journey

Billie and her physician chose the Gastric Sleeve when she began her weight loss journey. She covers everything from symptoms and pain to regrets and goals, making her story an excellent one to follow if you are thinking about or have had weight loss surgery. Billie had numerous obstacles including hypertension and PCOS which was primarily caused by her obesity, requiring her to take medication on a daily basis. She remained on her medications for one month after surgery and has not taken any since, enjoying a normal range blood pressure. Her YouTube story begins at approximately 446 pounds and her first video is recorded and shared three days post-op, on November 11th of 2013.

Heather K

Heather and her Bariatric doctor chose the Lap Band with Plication when it was time for her weight loss journey to begin in early December of 2012. Her very first video is posted just one and one half weeks before her surgery date, giving followers an opportunity to learn about pre-op procedures as well as the pre-op diet, when Bariatric patients usually lose a significant amount of weight. 35 year old Heather talks about her family’s views on Bariatric surgery and the reasons she opted for weight loss surgery. She was 260 pounds prior to considering weight loss surgery and was approximately 230 pounds when she began her Bariatric journey.

LapBandJussy

Located in the UK, Jussy talks about her starting weight of 232 pounds and her goal weight of 130 pounds, which she hopes to reach with the Lap Band surgery. Like other Bariatric patients, Jussy speaks about her hopes and fears in relation to the Bariatric procedure. As of the date of this publication, she has uploaded one hundred weeks of weight loss updates to share with others who are considering this same journey, sharing her current weight of 182 pounds and counting.

Finding Your Muse on YouTube

Depending on which weight loss surgery you and your doctor decide upon, you will easily find support on this popular platform. The voices of those who have undergone these surgeries will prepare you for the days, months and years ahead like no other research will do. Remember that, while these women speak from experience, everyone who undergoes weight loss surgery will see different symptoms and results. If you have any concerns, you should make a note and discuss them with your Bariatric doctor.

Don’t Forget to Follow National Bariatric Link on Youtube!

Eating Fruits after Gastric Bypass Surgery

When you have had weight loss surgery, especially Gastric Bypass, it is important to watch what you eat, especially when it comes to fruits. Gastric Bypass will help you lose a significant amount of weight quickly, reducing the size of your stomach while blocking calorie absorption a you go through the dietary stages after weight loss surgery. Within a short amount of time, you will be on a solid food diet composed of high proteins, low sugar, and low carb options. While learning how to eat healthy, you will likely turn to fruits for some vitamins and nutrients.

What Fruits Can You Eat After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

After weight loss surgery, you may find yourself craving something sweet, reaching for fruit rather than sugary sweets. Since there is an abundance of natural sugars in fruit, which should you eat and which should be avoided? These fruit-choosing facts may help you on your weight loss journey.

Whole Fruits

Directly after weight loss surgery, you will need to avoid whole fruits as you will be expected to follow a clear liquid diet, followed by a full liquid phase. As your body heals, you will go through the pureed food and soft food stages and at that time, you should be able to enjoy small quantities of soft fruits. Even fruit can be high in carbs and sugar so you must be careful, or you may experience ‘Dumping Syndrome’, a common symptom of taking in too much fat or sugar.

Dumping Syndrome can be quite unpleasant, bringing such symptoms as dizziness or sweating, nausea and vomiting, and even shakiness and chills. Know which whole fruits offer the least amounts of sugar and carbs to avoid Dumping Syndrome. Most berries such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are better choices than other fruits, making them a fairly good option for Bariatric patients.

You should avoid bananas which are high in calories and can easily prevent you from reaching your goal weight and cause intestinal discomfort. To aid in the digestion of oranges, apples and grapefruit, you should always peel and trim the fruit. If you decide to try new foods, you should proceed with caution taking a small bite and chewing well. By paying close attention, you will learn which fruits, and foods in general, you should avoid, causing you stomach issues and/or sickness.

Processed Fruits

After weight loss surgery, including Gastric Bypass, you will reach a stage where mashed or pureed fruit is an acceptable choice. During this phase, you will need to read labels and watch for fruits that are high in sugar content. This is usually due to being canned or processed in light and heavy syrups, which can also lead to Dumping Syndrome. Choose items such as naturally sweetened applesauce and fruits packed in their own natural juices, avoiding sugar as much as possible.

Fruit Juices or Dried Fruits

After Gastric Bypass Surgery, there will be things you have enjoyed your entire life that your body will no longer be able to digest without discomfort. You will also have to give up some things that may seem healthy such as fruit juices, which are actually high in sugar content. About half of all Bariatric surgery patients can dilute fruit juices such as apple and orange juice and enjoy a glass now and then. Keep a close eye on your goal weight though, as these juices can quickly send you backwards on the scale.

Your stomach may not be able to handle dried fruits after Gastric Bypass or other weight loss surgeries, most particularly dried cranberries, apricots and raisins. Again, this is due to the high amounts of sugar used to cure these dried fruits. After some time has passed after your Bariatric surgery, you may be able to indulge in and tolerate dried fruits again but use caution, watching for sudden weight gain.

Gastric Bypas

Facing Weight Loss Myths

Whether you are trying to lose weight before or after your weight loss surgery, you have probably been researching the facts and looking for new and innovative ways to improve your health and look great. There are many websites across the internet touting new breakthroughs and innovative research for those seeking weight loss but how do you know which are reporting facts and which are posting only myths.

It can be hard to tell whether the newest weight loss facts are fact or fiction. How do you recognize the truth when there are so many myths being published and shared? Of course, research is the only way to know and understand weight loss. Here are some of the most common weight loss myths that people believe as truth today.

Myth #1 – You Have To Start Exercising Like Crazy to Lose Weight.

When people start focusing on losing weight, they often start exercising like crazy in order to shed those extra pounds. Sadly, the reason most people fail to maintain the weight loss they worked so hard for is due to binge exercise sessions that are discarded once they reach their ideal weight.

Ideally, it is best to aim for making small, healthy lifestyle choices that are achievable and sticking to those goals. One fact about weight loss is constant. Calorie counting is key to losing weight and shedding pounds. Exercising helps build stamina and speed your metabolism but nothing keeps the weight off like lifestyle changes and new eating habits.

Myth #2 – Healthy Foods Are More Expensive than Other Choices.

It is true that most of the time, consumers pay a higher price for items that have been branded as healthy or all-natural. It can be aggravating to shop for groceries, only to find that items containing less actually cost more. With some dedication and attention to detail, you can make smart diet choices on a limited grocery budget.

Aside from investing in budget-smart choices such as beans, rice and base foods, you could also look at your local community for fresh organic offerings. Farmers markets can be found all across America, supporting local farmers while offering better choices for those seeking weight loss.

Myth #3 – Starving Yourself is an Acceptable Form of Dieting.

When it comes to losing weight, many people tend to starve themselves rather than actually change their dietary habits. Binge fasting usually leads to a cycle of starving your body and then regaining the weight, sometimes with extra pounds added on. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst things to do as during fasting, your body will actually ‘hang on’ to unneeded nutrients and calories for fear of starving.

By implementing smaller, healthy lifestyle changes, you will find that the weight starts to come off, leading to a smaller body and healthier you. Unlike starvation which teaches your body nothing, changing your diet will help you take off the pounds and control your weight for life.

Myth #4 – You Have To Stop Snacking to Lose Weight.

Many people believe that if they truly want to lose weight, they must completely stop snacking. The problem is not actually the snacking, but rather whats is chosen to snack on and the time of day in which the craving is satisfied. Snacking between meals can be an excellent way to speed up your body’s metabolism when done properly. After weight loss surgery, your Bariatric doctor or nutritionist may advise you to eat five or six small meals daily rather than three larger ones.

When you snack, fight the urge to eat potato chips, sugary sweet cookies and cakes or soda pop, reaching instead for fresh carrots, nonfat yogurt and nuts or healthy low salt trail mixes. Replacing your snacks with fruits and veggies will boost your body’s metabolism, promote better digestion and help burn excess fat quickly. The time of day in which you eat is also important, as it is important to avoid eating after seven p.m. when the body’s digestion process occurs at a much slower rate.

Myth #5 – Water Makes You Lose Weight.

While this is true in a round about way, the truth is simple. Water alone does not actually make you lose weight. Water keep your body hydrated (which is an essential part of weight loss) and prevents you from feeling the urge to snack, and is also required for a healthy digestive tract. Whenever your body is dehydrated, you can often mistake that feeling for hunger which leads to unhealthy snacking and consequential weight gain.

Every day, you hear new stories, fact and fiction, regarding all of the latest weight loss claims, methods and breakthroughs guaranteeing to deliver a “new you”. Anytime you hear these stories, it is always best to double check your facts and see what the experts are saying. If you undergo or have already had weight loss surgery, it is best to discuss any questions or concerns with your Bariatric doctor so you can realize your goal weight quickly and effectively.

Top Tweeters for Weight Loss Surgery Success

When you look and feel great, you just gotta share the news, right? Thanks to today’s technology and the many choices in terms of social media, it is now easier than ever to share the good news about weight loss after Bariatric surgery. In fact, social media can be a great form of support when your schedule won’t allow time to join a group or attend meetings.

Weight Loss Surgery Success and Twitter

Twitter is one of the more popular choices for those who tweet after weight loss surgery, motivating others with inspiring stories, quotes and personal milestone updates. If you are considering weight loss surgery as an option or if you have already undergone Bariatric surgery, here are the top tweeters that we recommend you follow for inspiration and motivation as well as tips, tricks and recipes.

Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories to Share and Follow

Log into your Twitter account and follow these fascinating weight loss surgery success stories! When you surround yourself with success, you will be successful! Here are some of our personal favorites, some of which have gone on to become authors and others who have found ways to achieve greatness in their personal lives.

FatDoesn’t DefineMe – A great act to follow, this Bariatric candidate from Orlando, Florida decided to have Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery on September 19, 2014, and has already lost 150 pounds in approximately eight months.

In following her on Twitter, you can easily see that this vivacious and vibrant gal’s weight loss surgery was a life-changing success and she says it’s the best decision she ever made! Enjoy her motivational tweets, videos and before & after photos! Congrats, Stefaeni! #stefaeni2600 #FatDoesn’t DefineMe

Cindy Virden – Describing herself as a leader and mentor to others, Cindy happily shares her weight loss surgery success story with her Twitter followers and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

With a loss of 91 pounds and 59 inches thus far, thanks to the Bariatric surgery called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and healthier food choices, this gal is certainly one to follow for motivation and inspiration! Great job, Cindy! #cindyvirden

Ali Porto – Weight loss surgery is no easy fix, as Ali will tell you. Having lost 60 pounds after having LapBand Bariatric surgery, her goal weight is drawing closer and closer but she still “has a long road ahead”.

Using hashtags such as #livinglonger and #livinghealthier, weight loss surgery has Ali looking toward the future and taking control of her health. Keep up the great work, Ali! #TicaFox

Karen Gillman – A long term weight loss surgery success story, Karen had LapBand Bariatric surgery in 2004 and has written a book titled ‘It’s Never too Late‘ to share her story with others. Ten plus years and 145 pounds later, this vibrant and beautiful lady motivates and inspires followers on Twitter and other medias.

Be sure to follow Karen for great information and motivational tweets! Thanks for sharing your weight loss surgery success story, Karen! #aftertheband

Lap Band for Men – Follow him on Twitter for the inside scoop describing both good and bad experiences associated with Lap Band Bariatric surgery, told from a man’s perspective. A Christian, author, entrepreneur, blogger, nutrition & fitness expert, he also has a blog to motivate and support others who battle with weight loss.

His story began at 361 pounds and is striving for a goal weight of 235 pounds, a weight loss surgery success story that’s inspiring! #LapBand4Men

Utilize Social Media to Fuel Your Weight Loss Surgery Success

Whether you are a stay at home mom or the CEO of a large company, your weight loss surgery success story can help motivate and inspire others who struggle with their weight. Surround yourself with support before, during and after Bariatric surgery using social media, and help is never farther than your cell phone, tablet or laptop.