7 Bites_Jen

I know several people that have used Dr. Stowers and have done beautifully. I do recommend finding a support group, however, as they do not offer one face-to-face. We go to one in the Dallas area (we're in Wise and Montague counties) and I am about to start one in Bowie (if you're close).

GREAT article. I had no idea this was even an issue with ACA. I wonder how they treat aftercare by people that have already had the surgery? Interesting that Texas doesn't cover it. Although the Medicaid program DOES cover the gastric bypass (after several hoops). You would think that the ACA would as well! I agree 100% that each of these states needs to rethink this!! To find your representative: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ Or you can go to your state's website!

Are you for or against smoothies and protein drinks? Here are a few reasons why blending it up might not be such a bad idea for some people! Among the bariatric community there is a raging debate going on: Smoothies vs. No Smoothies. Or, Protein Drinks vs No Protein Drinks. There are many that believe that once you get past a certain point in your bariatric life, you should be able to set aside the protein drinks and focus on actual food instead. Others think that keeping in the protein drinks and smoothies are a good and healthy way to make sure we get our protein count. Those that are the No-Drink advocates believe that protein from food sources such as meat, tofu, and dairy are more easily absorbed and digested, and that the protein count from drinks can be inaccurate because of how much our bodies actually absorb vs. how much the product contain. There is also the fact that many protein powders and drinks on the market are filled with chemicals and artificial flavors that wreck havoc on the body and the digestive system. Something else to consider from this perspective is that many of us become intolerant of things such as lactose, soy, and other foods that most protein drinks contain. Consuming these drinks can cause digestive distress and other allergic reactions. Despite these thoughts, there is a strong case for the benefits of continuing smoothies and protein drinks well after we begin our lives on solid foods. First off, our bodies are actually able to absorb about 30-40 g of protein per hour. If we are drinking a 25-30g protein drink over the course of a half an hour, we’re likely to absorb the majority of that protein. Second, when we make a smoothie using our protein drinks (adding fruits and vegetables to the mix), we are adding vital vitamins, nutrients, and fiber to our diets. For some of us, there’s no way we’d be able to eat what we need in one day, much less in one meal. Smoothies are a great way to get those things in. Third, if you have a food intolerance to whey or soy, there are other amazing alternatives that are just as easily absorbed. There are many great vegan protein powders on the market made with flax, hemp, pea, rice, and other ingredients that contain almost as much digestible protein as whey( look for a good powder that contains a combination of brown rice and pea protein). As someone who personally cannot tolerate whey or soy, these were a godsend to find! Lastly, there are some of us, especially those that may have a band or a sleeve, that have issues with meat and protein. For example, I’m two years out from my vertical sleeve, and often still have problems tolerating chicken and beef! When this happens, we are left with little choice for protein then to turn to drinks and smoothies. The choice whether or not to continue with protein drinks or smoothies is a personal one. Many people tolerate meat and other high-protein foods well, while others might still have problems with them. In these cases, protein drinks and smoothies can be a viable and important dietary supplement! Sources: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/rr-whey-too-much http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wheys-vegan-alternatives-combining-pea-and-rice-protein.html http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-much-protein-can-the-body-absorb/ http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/know-your-nutrients/how-much-protein-can-the-body-absorb

That is a great tip, Miss Mac!! Thank you for sharing!

You know, that's a great point! Try it out and let me know if it works the same! If it doesn't, I'll adjust the directions on the web site for it!

If you're still losing, then you're just fine!

At 4 weeks I was about 28 lbs down. Is your ticker since surgery? If so, than it looks like you're right on track! Don't worry - be patient. It might go slower than you think it should or than you want, but remember that you didn't gain it overnight either!!

I think you are on such a great start!! Removing those things now will make the transition so much better for you later! I did the whole "eat whatever you want" thing before surgery and I really think that was a huge mistake. Good luck to you! I would also suggest getting into the habit of drinking water all day - that was another one that I had issue with - and still have a problem with to this day!

Big hugs to you and let me just say that you have a WEALTH of support here!! I am so sorry to hear that you have little support at home - but it is wonderful that your husband backs you up 100%! Remember that he (and YOU!) are the only opinions that matter here. And to have that support is so important. Congrats on your decision to take control of your life and your health! Keep us posted on your progress!

Very excited for you and glad you were able to make an informed choice! Good luck and keep us posted! <3

We teach you how to boil an egg this week, so if you've been putting off adding eggs to your diet, you can stop now!! We also show you a REALLY tasty egg casserole that can be done full-size or in bites! Enjoy and let us know what you think!

I read a similar article recently - I certainly think it's interesting to think about. The article I read also discussed the fact that a lot of doctors are now putting people on antibiotics before test results come back for infections "just in case". IDK if there's enough research to support a link between antibiotics and obesity, but it certainly is odd that they've started handing out penicillin like it's candy ...

What an amazing idea! Wish I had seen this when you posted it, LOL!

It is a very personal decision - I would talk to your doctor about it and see what his recommendation is for you. For me, my doctor wanted me to do the sleeve because of the weight I was at. He said that if I had been about 50 lbs. less he might have done the band on me instead. That being said, I've seen people over 400 lbs get the band and do beautifully with it. There are complications with the band, true, but there are just as many possible ones with the sleeve as well. It's good that your doing your research on it!

Hey y'all! 7 Bites will be launching our newsletter next month and we are wanting to include success stories once a month. We'd love to hear from everyone from every walk of life and every type of WLS. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, please let us know! You can email us at 7BitesShow@gmail.com or Admin@7BitesShow.com

Yes, when done incorrectly it can cause immeasurable harm! That's why it's SO important to focus on the positive as much as possible - especially with kids. The rules are in place, and my daughter knows them, but we don't harp on them either. Fact is, the junk isn't in the house so if she goes to the fridge and gets an apple or a piece of cheese it's not a big deal. It's also important to TALK to your children and EXPLAIN to them why these changes are happening. Kids are more intelligent and responsive than a lot of parents give them credit for. Telling them what food addiction is and how it's impacted your own life is especially important - so is being an example! It's important that the transition is done in a very loving supportive manner.

Oh my goodness I LOVE this!!!

Good luck to you and your sweet daughter. When you find your surgeon, I strongly encourage you to visit with a doctor here in the states that will be willing to take her after-care on - that is so important especially in the first few months.

It was actually her endocrinologist that ordered it - we've been going through some serious blood work for her so we've been told to eliminate everything except whole foods (meats, veg, fruits, dairy) from her diet for now. The hardest thing is when people "feel sorry" for her and try to give her things anyway. If it hadn't been for the doctor telling us to do these things, I probably wouldn't either just because it goes a teeny bit against my parenting philosophy. But I also know that my daughter's health is at stake and she's gotten to a point NOW where she's beginning to understand more. I do try to encourage her and support her positively rather than focus on the negative, and I think that's helped a lot.

YEEEESSS!!!!

Nope! I followed your recipe exactly!

I wish we could give standing ovations on forums, LOL! GREAT article!! This is something we can ALL learn from!

I do think this information is important to anyone who is researching each procedure. I do NOT believe it was anyone's intention to disparage the band at all - in fact, one of the articles was PRO lap-band. We all chose our surgeries for a purpose - and I think we all have a bit of a bias toward our own surgeries. This was good information - don't turn something like this into something it wasn't. ALL surgeries have their benefits, and ALL surgeries have their downfalls.

Those are really interesting stats - and a little surprising! I would have expected Texas (my home state) to be one of the top states - obesity is everywhere around here. I have to wonder if there is a correlation between obesity and income? It looks like the top income states are the least obese and the lowest income states are the most obese ... My mom and I are working with the county to educate those on food stamps and other government assistance on diet and nutrition. I think this is something each state should consider implementing!

Hmmm ... Good question! I might have to ask my hubby on that one, LOL!!