7 Bites_Jen

I JUST wrote an article about this right before I saw this post! We've had to lay down some pretty heavy ground rules with my daughter (10). She fought it for a while but when she realized these things were NOT negotiable, she gave in. I had to also talk to her school and let them know she is on a very strict diet (Dr. ordered) and that she is to only eat what I send her. While I can't guarantee that she isn't getting anything at school, one or two things at school aren't the end of the world. You also need to talk to her friends parents and explain the situation to them. Also talk to YOUR family and explain it to them. If they can't be supportive of what you're trying to do, you'll have to limit visitation with them.

It is a HARD struggle, but you HAVE to be strong and remember first and foremost YOU ARE HER PARENT. Not her friends' parents. Not your family. Not the school. Stick to your guns and stay true and if you have to, get a doctor's note. Be loving and supportive too!

food addiction runs rampant across the planet, and doesn't only affect adults. Children suffer from addictions to food as much as their parents do.

I started putting on weight at a fairly young age. Six, to be exact. It didn't dawn on me until much later in life that this was when my food addiction reared its ugly head - full force. Carbs, sugar, fat ... They all became a staple in my life. I ate three or more servings of favorite foods like pizza, Pasta, rice and more. After school, my "snacks" would include two packages of ramen, a full box of mac and cheese, or two min-pizzas. Both parents worked from home, so I had no one home to monitor what I was eating. By the time I was in high school, I was close to 200 lbs. I reached 220 just before I graduated.

There is no doubt in my mind that I had a severe food addiction. There is a reason I was so obese I had to resort to weight loss surgery.

I see the same addiction rearing it's ugly head in my daughter. And even though WLS has saved my life, I don't want to see her have to go through it herself as an adult.

My Food Addicted Child

At 10 years old, my daughter is sitting at 117 lbs at 4'6". Right now her BMI is 28. It wouldn't be a concern, except for the fact that my daughter has a food addiction. Every day, I see her peruse the refrigerator and cabinets looking for Snacks, and crying - actually being visibly upset - when something she craves is not there. I remember exhibiting the exact behaviors well into adulthood. Even now, I will want something I'm not supposed to eat and not find it in the house - and get very upset over it, being brought to tears.

Watching my daughter struggle through this addiction as I have (and still am) is heartbreaking, to say the least. But I also know that we are not alone. Millions of children in the US live with food addiction and obesity. I see it every day in my daughter's friends and classmates. Even my son (6), who is not overweight, has a severe addiction to sugar and carbs. It's a strong addiction, to say the least.

Why Are We Addicted

Why are we addicted to these things? Well, studies have shown that sugar and carbs (even the complex kind!) have endorphin-causing chemicals in them. We emotionally feel better when we eat these things, sometimes euphoric. This also explains why we often experience withdraw-like symptoms when we stop eating carbs (Atkins, anyone?). This addiction can be stronger in children than in adults. According to Dr. Lisa Merlo, PhD compulsive eating and lack of control when eating are the two most common signs of childhood food addiction. Her article, Exploration of food addiction in pediatric patients: A preliminary investigation, also suggests the link between childhood food addiction and their parents.

Which makes perfect sense. My mother is food addicted. I am food addicted, therefore my children are food addicted.

How Do We Help Our Kids

This has been the biggest struggle for me. Right now, my daughter is on a very strict diet. She feels isolated from her friends, in a way. And it is the hardest thing in the world to watch my child struggle with anything. But it's important in these cases to remember that we are the parents in this situation.

1) The simplest solution, and in some ways the hardest, is just don't not buy the "crap". It's so easy for us to say we're buying chips, crackers, candy and treats "for the kids" and think that our children "need them", when the reality of it is that NO ONE "needs" them. My kids don't like it, but I no longer buy it, unless it's a special occasion - and even then, I try to make it myself rather than buying it packaged.

2) Raise the level of fruits and vegetables in our children's diets. This is SO hard in many ways, especially for those of us with picky eaters. My daughter used to eat salad, carrots, sugar snap peas, broccoli, celery ... Just about any raw veggie she could get her hands on. Now, she won't touch them. In fact, she won't eat anything that comes from the ground unless it's a potato or a banana. So getting the "green stuff" into her is next to impossible. But it can be done. There are some great cookbooks on the market about being sneaky parents and putting veggies in their food where they might not notice it.

3) Be more aware of our kids eating habits. Do they eat when they're hungry? How about when they're bored? Sad? Happy? If they are not only eating when they're hungry, but also eating at other times, there might be a food addiction. Try to help your kids find other outlets when their bored and figure out ways to Celebrate successes - and mourn losses - without food.

4) Make rules regarding food. This sounds absolutely ridiculous in many ways, but it is VITAL that a child with a food addiction has rules that they have to adhere to. For example: "The refrigerator is closed after 8 pm", "healthy snacks only between meals", "one dessert per day" etc. These are rules we've implemented in our home, and they work well for us. To us, it is just the same as having rules for video games, playing outside, and homework.

5) Be supportive! Children need a support network just like adults do. We need someone to talk to about our joys and concerns, struggles and successes. So do kids! Even if it's just a bad day at school or a good grade on a test, they deserve to be heard. They also need encouragement now and again. Telling your child, "Hey, I'm proud of the food choice you just made!" can speak volumes!

Food addiction is a problem that millions of people live with across the globe. Adults and children alike share this problem and often times it results in severe obesity leading to health problems. In severe cases, weight loss surgery is necessary. But it is possible to help our children beat the food addiction monster and to prevent them from having to deal with the same issues we have as adults. Just remember that love, acceptance, and support are key components to helping our children be successful!

YEEEESSSSS!!! It was SO GOOD!!!

ALL of the above are normal! Nausea and fatigue especially. Be sure to keep drinking your Water and trying to get some food in every 2 hours or so (even if it's just a tablespoon, it will help!)
I stopped crushing pills fairly early on and switched to sublinguals and chewables where I could, and liquids when I needed, because i couldn't stand the crushed pills!

I am so sorry you're having to deal with that kind of pain level! Please keep us posted on how you're doing!

For right now, I like very flowey clothes that go past my belly. I am a HUGE fan of leggings and long tops!!

This week we go Back to Basics again to talk about Full Liquids! Are you about to undergo surgery? Have you JUST gotten out of the hospital? If so, this is the episode for you!

Something to consider would be your medical history rather than the full records. The history should be 1-3 pages with just a compiled list of all of your past diagnosis, etc.

Sounds like you're right on track! You should be able to eat close to 1/2 c of food about now, and it looks like that's about where you're at! Good job!

How completely wonderful!!! What a great feeling!

I think I was about 6 weeks out when I was okay'd for it.

Oh, girl, I'm close to two years and there are times that I'm a burping machine!! LOL

Oh yes - I've had it both ways - ON THE SAME DAY!!! As your body adjusts and gets used to the new foods it'll stabilize

Thanks for this post. I am pre op and one thing i am feeling is shame.Sounds weird I know. I don't want anyone to know I am going for surgery. I haven't owned it yet I guess. I am single and wish I had someone to share this with, but I can't think of anyone in my circles that I could count on as a buddy in this. Glad I have all of you. Which is a good forum/page for an everyday log in and support? there are many pages and I'd like to find one where I get to know some members and can check in daily. Still figuring the forums out....thanks

There are a ton of people here that have kept things on the hush-hush - but know you are doing something HUGE for your health, and there is NO SHAME in that whatsoever!!

I love going to the general forum - but you might start with one specific to your surgery. There are also some great "rooms" that have specific needs like weight to lose, age, location, etc. Just lurk for a bit and find one that you feel fits your needs - there is certainly no shortage of support here!

Thanks, guys!

I have searched and can't find any threads on clear Protein, even though I know there must be a lot!

I am doing some recipe testing and need some suggestions on what your favorite clear Protein powder is. I am specifically looking for ones that can be used in hot or cold recipes. What are some of your favorites?

Thank you in advance!

What prompted me to write this article is a conversation I was having with a fellow sleever a few weeks ago. Shortly after her surgery she started having symptoms that her doctor diagnosed as a gluten intolerance. Around the same time, I began having similar symptoms - I began getting a rash on my legs and arms, I started getting stuck in my weight and having bloating, even began getting canker sores at odd times. As it turns out, I also now have a gluten sensitivity. Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I've spoken with several other sleever friends that have also had similar problems. So I did a Google search and found this article and several others on just this subject. I also did a quick check on Web MD and read the book Wheat Belly. With this information in hand, along with a diagnosis from my daughter's endocrinologist that she may have a gluten sensitivity as well, I put myself and my daughter on a gluten-free diet (her's was doctor recommended). My rash, canker sores, and bloating have all disappeared, and some of my daughter's issues are also starting to dissipate.

I am curious as to how many others have developed gluten sensitivities after WLS? Have any of you? I'd love to hear your stories!

Cheryl this is very true! I was writing this from a culinary/food standpoint, but yes - you have to read EVERY label of EVERY thing you come in contact with!

That is so funny! If my surgeon caught me with Cookies, he'd probably ask me for a handful, LOL!

There are always complications possible with every surgery - that's just something that comes along with it.
I had a few issues including heartburn, severe shoulder pain, Vitamin deficiencies, and hair loss. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

Heartburn - you can take medication for. Shoulder pain - goes away in time. Deficiencies - as long as you take your Vitamins, you're good to go. Hair loss - it grows back eventually.

More severe complications can and do happen - that's a definite reality - but know that those situations ARE rare and are NOT the norm.

Gluten-free living is running rampant across America these days. In this article, we explore the top 5 myths about going "g-free" and who should - and doesn't have to - live this dietary lifestyle.

It’s no secret that one of the most prominent diets-of-the-moment is the gluten free diet. Millions have jumped on the gluten free bandwagon, including many bariatric patients. Some sing the praises of the diet, claiming the health benefits are intensive. Others claim the diet is a fad and there is absolutely no nutritional benefit to eating this way. Here we will discuss some of the myths and truths of the gluten-free diet, and how it can affect someone with WLS.

Myth #1: A Gluten-Free diet is a very healthy way to eat.

FALSE: There are just as many UNhealthy gluten-free foods on the market as there are healthy ones. A trip down the gluten free aisle of any supermarket will prove that - Cookies, cakes, pretzels, pastas, chips … There are as many gluten free choices in junk food as you can possibly imagine. And here’s the biggest problem with that: many gluten-free products have added sugar and/or fat to compensate to make the texture and/or flavor more palatable. It's also important to note that gluten free does NOT mean organic or GMO free, so if these are concerns for you, be sure to check for organic, non-gmo labels.

Myth #2: Only people with celiac disease should follow a gluten-free diet

FALSE: While celiac disease is the #1 cause for going gluten free, it’s not the only reason. There are millions of people that share a gluten sensitivity or intolerance that would greatly benefit from removing gluten from their diets. This can be characterized by bloating, digestive issues, rashes, Migraines, and other health issues. The only way to be sure if you have a sensitivity or not is to undergo an elimination diet which completely removes gluten for a time period. After a period of time (generally a month or more) gluten is slowly reintroduced into the diet with notes made on any reaction that occurs.

Myth #3: EVERYONE can benefit from a gluten free diet.

FALSE: If you DON’T have celiac or an intolerance, there really is no health benefit to removing gluten from your diet. It won’t HURT you, to be sure, but it won’t necessarily HELP you either.

Myth #4: You can’t go gluten-free without buying expensive products at your health food store.

FALSE: It’s actually quite simple to eliminate gluten from your diet without having to buy anything special. Focusing your diet on fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy will automatically put you on the right track. It’s also possible to find several Breakfast cereals, snack crackers, and other items in your regular grocery store for not a huge amount of money - just be sure to read labels!

Myth #5: Gluten is only found in wheat items, and if you eat corn, oats, or rice, you’re safe.

FALSE: Many items made with corn, oats, and rice DO contain wheat or wheat by-products (such as dextrose). This is used to improve texture in many products. Additionally, some oat and corn products do contain gluten! It’s very important that if you’re going completely gluten free that you read labels. Of course you know to look for items such as wheat, but it’s also very important to look for other ingredients you might not think of. Dextrose, barley, rye, dextrin, vegetable Protein, etc. For a full list of ingredients to avoid, do a google search - there are a multitude of great sites with this information. The simplest solution is to look for items that are labeled “gluten-free” right off the bat.

While a gluten-free diet isn’t for everyone, there are still many people that benefit from it. Studies are showing that some WLS patients, especially sleevers, begin to show signs of gluten intolerance after surgery (along with lactose intolerance). If you think you might be gluten intolerant, try a gluten free diet for a time, then re-introduce wheat products slowly to check for a reaction. If you think you might have celiac disease, check with your doctor - they can run extensive tests to find out if you are.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance include weight gain, bloating, depression, skin conditions, digestive issues, and a myriad of other ailments. Celiac disease is characterized by similar conditions, and also includes canker sores, numbness in extremities, and joint pain. .

Sources of this article include Web MD, Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, Go Gluten Free magazine, and various online websites. For a complete list of sources, contact the author at Admin@7BitesShow.com

Brilliant!! Thanks for the recipe - I actually have all that on hand right now! I know what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow!

Congratulations!! Love to see how positive and upbeat you are about it! You're going to do a great job

Sex reassignment. Tell them you now have the penis they've always hoped for.

Best. Response. EEEEVERRR!!!!

If you're so adamant about them not knowing anything - just don't tell them anything. If they ask where you've been just say, "Oh, I've been busy. Hey how's *insert child's name here* been doing on the field?"

Ask for a sample first. I have many friends that sell it and it's an amazing product BUT - some WLS people can't physically tolerate them. Also, some of the flavors are really gross like their greenberry and chocolate, LOL. But IF you can tolerate it and like the taste, yes it's worth the money, I'd say.