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Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Hi Friends!!! The next meeting of the NYC/Long Island Bariatric Pal Support Group will be held on November 1st from 2PM till 4 PM at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level. Looking forward to seeing all of you next weekend!!! If your stressing over Halloween...Here is a little reminder and some low calorie fun alternatives!! 5 Ways To Scare Off Halloween Candy It’s getting cold outside, the leaves are falling, October is drawing to a close — sounds like a good time to chow down on a heap o’ Halloween candy! Not! While Halloween can be a fun time of the year, it can wreak havoc if you’re trying to lose weight. Just a few wrong choices or one too many of the good, old “But they’re so tiny. One more won’t hurt!”excuse will be enough to send you screaming off the bathroom scale on November 1st. Here are 5 tips to help get you through Halloween with your waistline intact. (I did have “don’t eat any candy at all” as a first tip, but figured I’d be run out of town by an angry mob with pitchforks!) Read The Label If you’re going to indulge, at least know what you’re getting yourself into. Read the label on the bag of candy to find the serving size and the amount of calories. The amount of calories alone may be enough for you to stop overindulging. If not, you could trying cutting back on that amount of calories with your other meals. Granted, you’ll end up replacing good nutritious food with pure sugar — definitely not something you want to do on a regular basis! But if you’re otherwise healthy, it shouldn’t hurt just this one time – within reason, of course… Out of Sight, Out of Mind If you’re giving out candy, buy it as close to October 31st as possible and store it in a hard to reach place (or have somebody hide it). Having all that candy in the house is just too tempting. And you definitely need to follow this rule if you’ve ever had to go out and buy more candy because you ate most of your giving-away candy before Halloween. When it comes to the workplace, avoid people who put out candy or look away when you pass by that overflowing bowl of candy the well-intentioned receptionist has put out. And if YOU are that well-intentioned receptionist, take pity on people and move the bowl out of sight. Keep the Wrappers in front of you! Because it’s so easy to mindlessly pop Halloween candy into your mouth with no end in sight, keep every single wrapper so you know how much you’ve had. Your mind may say you’ve only had three mini-bags of M&Ms, but a big pile of wrappers won’t lie. Eat Only Your Favorites To me, there’s no point in taking on the extra calories of something you don’t like or only like a little bit. If you’re going to have Halloween candy, then you may as well enjoy yourself by eating only your favorites. Save calories by turning your nose up to anything else. Eat Protein This tip is a bit tricky. Eating protein will help counter-effect the rapid rise in blood sugar from all that candy. But you have to keep in mind all the extra calories you’re eating. Try to eat a piece of candy with a meal or a healthy snack. (I can hear a chorus of “Yeah, riii-iiight” just about now, as mini-chocolate bars are gobbled down across the country with nary a healthy food in sight… Well, don’t say I didn’t try to make you eat healthy!) If you decide to go all out with the Halloween candy, watch out for cravings after overindulging. You may come crashing down hard after the sugar rush and experience intense cravings. Whatever you do, don’t reach for more candy! Instead curb cravings with these 5 little words: Distraction Get your mind off of the doughnut and onto to other subjects. Leave the room if you have to. You can’t distract yourself if the doughnut is staring you in the face. Out of sight means you won’t be thinking about it. Take a short break. Start reading a book or working on a difficult project. The odds are you’ll completely forget about the doughnut, candy bar, or whatever food siren is calling to you, and the craving will disappear. Distraction is a great tool for your weight loss program. Delay Delay the gratification. Give yourself permission to have some candy in 20 minutes. 20 minutes is long enough that the craving for the candy will pass but not so long, an hour say, that waiting seems pretty much impossible. If 20 minutes passes go ahead and eat a few bites of the candy, then wait another 20 minutes before you finish it. Drink Substitute a long cold glass of water. The water gives your mouth something to do besides eat — plus the water will fill you up. Even though it’s only temporary, the feeling of fullness is satisfying. If you’re craving sweetness, add a splash of fruit juice to the water. Vary your beverage choice if you like, just be aware of sugary drinks like sodas and juice. Don’t add extra calories! Disgust Another way to curb your craving is to picture the candy for what it really is: fat. Ugly wobbly, slimy, disgusting fat. Fat that plans on sticking to you for awhile… a long while. Go to the grocers and ask them for a pound of fat trimmings from beef. That’s what the candy will turn into once you give in to the craving. A pound of fat takes up more space than you might realize. Freeze that pound of fat. Whenever a craving hits get it out of the freezer so it reminds you of what you’re really eating. Dance Dance instead of eating the candy. If you’re too embarrassed to dance that’s okay. The point is to exercise for a bit instead of eating. Take a walk, climb the stairs, or break out in a set of jumping jacks. The results are two fold, you’ve added a bit of calorie burning to your day and you’ve avoided the candy! Get out there and do the Monster Mash!!! Can't wait to hear your scary tales next Saturday!!! Happy Halloween!

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Ah OK I love the challenge, IDK how much of the 6 miles I'll get in before the week is over but I'll work on it! @@Bandista thank you for all your encouragement!! I'm totally down with the ice packs! I wish I had more time to rest and relax and use them. I did take some time last night to use the tense unit and that helped I brought it to work with me so I can shock myself while I'm working! @@JustWatchMe I am right on top of these anti-inflammatory meds. My bariatric Dr. has me on prescription medication to protect the stomach and the band so I can take the meds I need to take. They are on the ball it's good to know that I can call them up and work with them and my regular Dr.'s to get back to feeling great again. Today I proud that I walked up a couple of flights of stairs this morning, even if it was a bit of a pain. I'm grateful that the sun is shining even though it's a cold winter sun and the 4 letter word is the forecast for tomorrow, I"m not going to let it stop me!

Hi all!!! Checking in to catch up on everyone and your all looking good. Bandi sorry to read about your loved one. Your a strong lady, and so kind. Love the red pants idea!! I'm so short I usually stick to the darker colors to make me look taller. In the summer I'll do white or light beige but I'm going to have to give Red a shot it's my favorite color!! Dare to be daring this summer! I'm looking forward to Spring though it's promising to be a frigid start this week!! I'm working on some issues with my back and my head...I really need an all expense paid vacation to Hawaii...seriously after all the scripts the doc wrote I asked her to write that one too. Maybe I'll have to play lotto tonight and I'll get lucky?! It's been a bit too much and sometimes when I lay it all out there when people like the doc ask...ugh it makes me bone BONE tired. I don't know how I am still standing up right...and maybe that's why my body is screaming at me now....I don't know but I'm listening!!!!

it is hard to keep up every day...and I am guilty of not reading every single post. What's this challenge I'm reading about? I just went to the Dr. today..been having some serious headaches pretty much every day and I was chalking it up to me being me and over doing it. I have stopped going to the gym for more than one reason but one of them being this pain my leg. I thought maybe shin splints or just me being me again and over doing it...so I hung back and the pain went away and then it came back and again yesterday. It's this shooting electric feeling pain shooting down my leg from knee to shin and hip joint kind of aches. It's so bad and when I'm driving oh boy!! That is the worst cause it's my driving leg. Doc thinks could be compressed nerve in my back and or neck so I'm waiting for authorization and going for MRI's for back and brain. Yep lovely right, could also be neurological. This gives me some concern since my mother passed from a brain tumor at 50...but I'm not gonna dwell on that. I got some anti-inflammatory meds to take and some muscle relaxers to take at bedtime which I am sure are going to zonk me out but at least I will get some sleep and if it stops this leg pain all the better!! Thinking it might be time to get back in the pool for some exercise just to take the stress off my back but get this body moving...today I am limping a bit from the sharp pains that come and go and that can't be good for the back either. Oh well...thanks for letting me share. Eating has been pretty good, though it could be better but one thing at a time

Noooo don't think that!!! Seriously give your doctor a call. Having gas like that even with out WLS is a sign of digestive issues. If your bariatric Dr. does not have a gastroenterology Dr. as part of his team ask for a recommendation and go see them. You do not have to live with flatulence.

Sleeve surgery has a bit of a mal-absorptive component to it. You are eating food but your body is not absorbing all the food and nutrients you are eating. So your need to Vitamins is higher then it would be if you were not sleeved. You were probably prescribed vitamins by your surgeon or bariatric group. Even though you are seeing your PCP for bloodwork and the like you should really call your surgeon and/or bariatric group as there are specific blood work testing that they order for bariatric patients that a regular PCP might not. Hidden in there could be the cause of your fatigue, and you may need to supplement something. I am banded so I don't have an malabsorbtive component to my WLS, but at one point I had eliminated all sugar from my diet. I was using artificial this and that to add flavor and no carbs, vegies or fruits it was all high Protein food or artificially sweet things like Protein Bars or shake. NO sugar and no carbs was throwing my body out of wack and I was tired all the time dragging and weary. It was just a simple remedy to add in some "natural" sugars in the form of fruit or juice that was needed and I was better. Now I make sure to always add in some carbs and simple sugars from fruit and veggies as I can, but that was "me" you need to find out what's going on for you and everyone could have something different going on so give your Dr's a call and I hope everyone is feeling bright and sparky again soon!!!

@@Leoakie86 if you are eating a high lactose diet or things that contain lactose such as milk or dairy products, high Protein shakes, powders or bars it could be caused by a lactose intolerance. If you never had that before, you could have developed it. I had a similar issue after surgery, the cure is to get some Lactaid chew able tablets. Trust me they will help you out, and it wouldn't hurt to add a probiotic to your diet for a while as well to get the flora in your tummy and intestines feeling good Gas is usually caused by our food not fully breaking down and hanging around too long...this should help you out.

So yes this can be a slippery slope for insurance companies, doctors and for patients. There are many things that are covered, As @@Bufflehead mentioned, large breasts yes you are covered for a reduction, nose yes you are covered for nose job. Most of the time these things are covered by saying they impact some form of physical being with the patient. Large breasts impact body frame and walking damaging spine causing back pain etc. In the long term it's cheaper to reduce your breasts for you then for them to treat all the related probable symptoms and affects of being top heavy. Same could be said for a nose job if it affected your septum and your sleep and productivity and sinusitis. etc. The very same could be true for skin surgery if it is impacting your walking or sleeping or moving. If you are experiencing rashes or other trauma from having this excess skin. Most of the time this is what is needed to be documented by your Dr's so that the insurance company can validate the claim for surgery. Sure in someways it's cosmetic, but as some of you have mentioned its a mental and emotional thing as well. Should you gain all your weight back because you don't like to look at that skin? The treatment of your obesity and the co-morbidity from obesity could be used as an argument. As well as all the physical affects you "might" suffer from if you have a belly that's hanging. Sitting, standing, walking can all cause discomfort and lead to gait issues and spine issues and foot problems and we could go on and on...so just like everything else. It will come down to a case by case decision. So document often and early if you have symptoms and you may have a stronger case when you advocate with your insurance company....

@@Jaxxx take action into your own hands! Call your insurance company and call the Dr. office and keep on top of them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease...so start squealing and make them hear you. When I went through this process, I did it for my husband and myself and we each have different and dual insurance so we had to get double the paper work and approvals etc. I just stayed on top of all the Dr.s for testing and got copies of test results and kept copies of our paper work and kept calling the surgical coordinator and the insurance companies to be sure all the documentation was approved. We both were scheduled 3 days apart in less then 3 months from the time we started the process I wish you all the best!

@@Sherr1963 my husband had a full hip replacement last May. We were banded the year before and he lost about 60 pounds before the hip replacement. I have to tell you that he is a new man. He will tell you he feels like he is 15 years younger and the "pain" he was living in is GONE. Go to see your orthopedic surgeon and see what they think is the best course for you. My hubby is 47 and though he is young resurfacing was not even an option for him due to the damage of the hip joint. Not even one year later he is literally running down the streets of NYC and up flights of stairs with me. Where before he could not even sit in a chair or sleep at night without being in pain or even walk. The best advice will come from your surgeon, but my friend you are most definitely NOT alone.

@@joatsaint I understand. We all have friends or know of someone for whom the band or sleeve or bypass didn't work or failed. When the truth is that the surgery it self is not a failure it is only a tool. We have to choose to work with the tools that we have and sometimes we need a different tool sometimes you need a phillips head screw driver and not a flat head screw driver or you need a drill and not a hammer. However if you don't try with the tools you have you don't discover that something else and/or nothing else is required. My point is that especially to a new person who has not had surgery and who is at the mercy of the program as to which surgery she will have placing further anxiety and doubt on that person is not the best way to start. We all have enough anxiety about our issues with food we would not be here if we didn't, so starting off in the right frame of mind is very important. It's that first year after our surgery that we find the most success with our tools as we learn them and learn to live a new life with them. We are only as successful as we want to be. There are those here who have lost tremendous amounts of weight with the band and not one single fill, and then there are those who are like me and lose slowly and work their band to their lifestyle and not to the optimal potential. It's up to YOU how you choose to work with your tools and how you navigate your journey we are all here to support that and each other. Happy St. Patty's to you!!! Look for your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!!!

@@staceymeaux don't listen to the band busters. There are plenty on the site that have been very successful with the band as many as there are that have not been successful with the sleeve or other surgery and vs versa. No matter what surgery methodology they choose for you the key is to work it and work it out for your self. It is a tool, as with any good tool we can move mountains and build bridges and get us where we want to go if we just use it. Good luck!!

@@lapgal40 congrats on your surgery!!!

Looks like everyone is doing great! I have to say this weekend was not the "best" weekend ever but you know what it wasn't terrible. There are things I have eaten that sure I could have done without but you know what...why? If you eat in moderation there is no reason you can't have what you want. That said I read @@bacon post and I'm glad you are feeling better. Slow and steady will win the race my friend. 1000 calories a day for a man is not enough. You need at least 1500-2000 and that's at LEAST. Go heavy on the Protein and eat carbs that are good for you with some nutritional value to them. Like fruit and vegies. Breads, pastas, and flour products don't do a darn thing for us on a nutritional level. I have been struggling with many things over the past few weeks. New increased high levels of responsibility at work, and my middle son struggling with and in rehab for addiction, not to mention having 4 other older children one who is disabled to deal with my hubby 3 dogs, 2 cats, a tank full of fish my own issues!! Things like what the heck am I gonna wear can throw me into a tail spin!! Sounds like such an insignificant thing, and yet it's just that one straw that breaks the camels back. So I have been getting some support for myself, and taking the time (because i have so much of it...NOT) to study and learn and understand addiction. This is me...super type A personality. I need to know and if I don't know I need to ask and I need to learn. So in doing all that I learned that I too needed help to understand that it's not my fault, and I don't have to suffer or make myself suffer because of what is happening in my life. It is my choice how to "react" to things that happen to me and around me. I forgot that for a second and a half. I was so busy beating myself up that I was actually hurting myself with the choices I was making in my life. I stopped going to the gym, I stopped watching what I was eating, and how much..and I just was doing and going and going and this weekend. Ping. that all just stopped. Hubby and I went to the city on Saturday and had a grand time seeing the Spring Spectacular at Radio City. We were late (yeah that's a flaw of mine so busy doing I'm usually about 10-15 min late.) so we literally ran from time square to the hall and then up 8 flights of stairs to our seats. A year ago they would have needed a stretcher when I reached the top and hubby would still be standing on Broadway we would have never been able to do what we did!! Today though we can and we did, and then after we walked around shopped and then walked back up to Time Square to have dinner at the Hard Rock. Not a bad day even in the rain, and it reminded me that I love being banded, we had a great dinner and enough to take home for him to have dinner at work the next day and we even shared dessert. It was enough, and it was wonderful. I need to do more things like that and not "stress" so much about what, how and how much and just go with the flow of life. I realize that I can eat, and I can overeat if I'm not mindful but if I am in the moment that band tells me OK enough, and I have learned where there is just enough to enjoy something sweet without overindulging. Now lets see how this week goes.....

Finally have some time to catch up here....Thank you Liz for pulling me out of my haze. I have been working and running around like a bit of a loon over the past few weeks with little time for anything but sleeping and even that I think has been cut into in the past few weeks. This weekend I took some time to just get out of the house even though it was raining, the hubby and I went into the city to see the Spring Spectacular at Radio City. It was AWESOME! Of course because of the weather we were a bit late getting to the theater. We parked in Times Square and ran about 4 blocks to Radio City and then we ran up about a million and one flights of stairs vs walking all around the theater to catch the elevators. I won a lottery at work so our tickets were Comp, and they were in the balcony of the theater which meant way way up there...and we ran yes literally ran up all the stairs. If you talked to me a year ago, Ken would have never made it out of the car to walk the 4 blocks to Radio City never mind up up up up to the their mezzanine seating!! While my legs might have made it, I would have been panting for breath and about to die of a heart attack, Saturday though...no problem. We made it and enjoyed a great show. Then we walked back in the rain, to Time Square and went to the Hard Rock for dinner. I don't love high top tables being a shorty but you know since my arse fits so nicely on the seat now...I can put my feet up on the bar under the chair and it was A.OK. I had the bbq chicken and Ken had the pulled pork, and we took enough home for him to have dinner at work the next day! Don't you just love being banded?! I sure do!! Hope everyone is doing well, feeling happy and healthy!! Spring is on the way!!! Finally!!!!!

Yesterday is gone...it wasn't so bad. I did make a few subs to what I put down but nothing major. A couple of pretzel rods added to my day. I don't need the carbs but they aren't gonna kill me...and I was on plan and running around most of the day. Today I brought all the essentials with me to work! B-Greek yogurt/Coffee L-Turkey Chili (hubs made last night!) S- String cheese D-Tuna on Vegie crackers So far got in my 4 flights of stairs, and I do hope to make it out of the office if it doesn't rain, I'd like to get a new top for my birthday tomorrow The girls from the office are planning to take me to lunch. I think we will go to South of the Border...I'll check the menu and then dinner tomorrow night we will do a nice fish dinner at our favorite place so I'll keep the calorie/fat intake low and this weekend back to the gym!! Booking a session with the trainer now.

Happy Monday all! Took a nice break from electronics this weekend. I am on the computer all day everyday as part of my work/life so it's nice to have that break when I can take it. Still coming out of my "funk" so to speak. I have to tell you all that the weather changes in NY and this whole time change thing really do a number on my body. I do not adapt as quickly as I would like no matter how I try to flip it. Anyway, my belly is still not forgiving me lightly I'm sure the antibiotics are helping in one way and not so much in others. Today...working on keeping up the Water. Not falling asleep and hitting my head on the desk. B-protein bar L-Soup S- string cheese D- Hope the hubs makes some turkey chili for us!