Body Image Issues

You may have a rather negative image of your body. The good news is that with your life after bariatric surgery this is something that you can overcome. Body image is psychological in nature and may have been influenced by your peers and family. Changing how you’ve thought of yourself for years can be done and your loss of weight is a great incentive.

Take the time to do something nice for yourself. Your body is changing and deserves some pampering. Try some of these ideas to show yourself some love.

1. Schedule monthly massages for yourself.
2. Get a manicure and/or pedicure.
3. Buy some new lotions with a soothing aroma. Use them frequently to feel and smell good.
4. Give yourself a facial. There are some great items you probably have in your kitchen to use. Egg whites smoothed on your face and rinsed when dry is a great one.
5. Take a long hot bath by candlelight.
6. Get a new haircut. Go out on a limb and try something totally different.
7. Give someone a hug or tell someone you need a hug.
8. Make a top ten list of what is great about you.
9. Do something by yourself like going to a movie or out to lunch. You may surprise yourself about how much fun you can have.
10. Celebrate your journey. While you are losing weight and still not at your goal weight always remember that your journey is now and needs to be treasured.

If you notice yourself having thoughts of negativity about yourself pinpoint those moments. Think about what situation triggered it. Sometimes it helps to hear another person’s take on the situation. You may have misinterpreted what was really meant. Your friends and family can help you see that you are a great and beautiful person.

You may be struggling with your body changes but you have a right to feel good about yourself. Your emotions will catch up with your new body. Soon you will be on track to enjoy the rest of your life feeling healthy and confident.

Getting ready to start your new life is exciting, but few patients prepare for the possible dairy intolerance that is common in approximately 10% of gastric bypass post op surgery patients.  Luckily, plenty of healthy alternatives exist.  With a little bit of foresight, you should be fine. 

What is Lactose Intolerance? 

Lactose intolerance is a dietary problem resulting in a lack of the enzyme, lactase, which is produced by the cells in the small intestine.  When lactase production is low, lactose cannot be broken down.  Lactose is a common sugar found in many foods, especially dairy products. 

The following symptoms may occur in someone experiencing lactose intolerance, usually within 15-30 minutes: 

• Bloating
• Cramping
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea  

While some lactose intolerance is genetic, bariatric patients have been known to acquire it after their surgeries.  The post op patient passes food such as milk directly through the gastric pouch into the small intestines at a much higher rate compared to the normal stomach.  The lactose simply overwhelms the available enzymes and lactose intolerance occurs. 

Tips for Coping with Lactose Intolerance in Bariatric Patients 

• If you are having a hard time giving up lactose, try to eat thicker products such as yogurt and cheese and avoid milks.   
• If you can’t live without milk, most grocery stores carry Lactaid as well as the generic store brand of lactose-free milk.         
• Make sure you are taking the proper supplements to provide the vitamins and calcium that you need in your diet.  
• Also, look for bariatric vitamin supplements that are lactose free.  Many nutritional supplements contain lactose to act as a preservative.  

Over 70% of the world’s population and 50 million Americans are affected by dairy intolerance.  Fortunately, plenty of solutions are available to make day-to-day living easier to cope.  Our next two posts will cover food to stock up on pre-surgery and common problem foods to avoid.

Two Effective Ways to Combat Obesity with Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Bypass 

This surgical process makes the stomach smaller and also allows food to bypass part of the small intestine.  Smaller stomach size makes it much easier for bariatric patients to feel full on less food.  In turn, patients eat less and absorb fewer calories and-voila!-gradual weight loss occurs. Thousands upon thousands of people have found their new selves via the gastric bypass procedure.  Those who have had healthy success have all relied on bariatric vitamins to supplement their somewhat limited diet.  A gastric bypass specific vitamin is necessary for optimal bodily healing and function.

Lap – Band

Lap-Band, or gastric banding surgery is another type of weight loss surgery that alters the capacity of your stomach to help reduce food intake.  It utilizes a silicone collar or band that encircles and tightens the upper part of the stomach.  The lap band is even adjustable, which allows for more or less restriction as you necessitate it! As with gastric bypass surgery, the diet portion of post-surgery life requires you to pay careful attention to quantity and quality of your food.  Food alone will most likely not provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the body.  A nutritional supplement is an excellent idea after undergoing Lap-Band surgery.

Find Quality Tested and Proven Bariatric Vitamins 

As you may have noticed in the descriptions of these two procedures, taking a bariatric vitamin is necessary for proper health.  These specialty vitamins are made to be easily absorbed in the restricted digestive tract.

Stick to the good stuff–i.e. the specialty stuff.  Don’t mess with vitamins that are designed for use by the general public.  Some doctors will recommend a general multi-vitamin– some have even recommended children’s chewables! Unfortunately, these usually contain fillers, dyes, and unnecessary sweeteners.  These fillers actually make a vitamin less effective, and your labs will suffer.  They contribute to malabsorption by giving your digestive system unnecessary matter to work with, preventing proper absorption. In combination with a well designed and healthy diet, a nutritional supplement can help you reap all the benefits from these cutting edge procedures.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbs Olive Oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• ½ lb lean ground turkey
• 2 tomatoes – chopped
• 2 zucchini – cut in ¼ slices
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ cup grated Romano or parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a non-stick skillet heated to medium high place olive oil and heat till hot.
2. Add onions and cook till almost translucent.
3. Add turkey, oregano, basil, and garlic and cook till turkey is beginning to brown.
4. Add tomatoes and zucchini and cook till zucchini is almost tender.
5. Add mushrooms and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve with Romano or parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

This yummy meal is full of nutrients and low in calories. If served in four equal portions one serving is only 177 calories. If you would like to further reduce the calories you might try eliminating the olive oil and spraying the pan with non-stick spray. Enjoy!