My Bariatric Life

They aren't as tasty as the sugar laden whey powders. However, I mix mine with coffee and some healthy ingredients to make them yummier. Dairy absolutely kills my GI tract with bloating.

Following bariatric surgery, it can be difficult to get the required amount of protein following from foods alone, so many patients supplement their diets with liquid proteins shakes. While this may surprise you, people develop sensitivities or intolerance to traditional whey protein drinks and don’t even know it. I was one of them! Following bariatric surgery, it can be difficult to get the required amount of protein following from foods alone, so many patients supplement their diets with liquid proteins shakes. While this may surprise you, people develop sensitivities or intolerance to traditional whey protein drinks and don’t even know it. I was one of them! It came to pass that I suffered extreme gas and bloating within 30-minutes of consuming a whey protein shake, even high-quality whey isolates. It took a while to this figure out because I’d consumed whey protein shakes for years without a problem. But I have observed that as time goes on, I develop more and more food sensitivities. As well, people have reported low-grade chronic head colds and stuffy nose or mucous-coated tongue after consuming whey protein shakes. These are possible symptoms of food sensitivities. Recently, I stumbled upon two really good protein powders that are not made from whey. They’re now staples in my bariatric pantry. Protein Powder That Repairs Joints, Too The first product is a collagen hydrolysate from Great Lakes — a powdered form of gelatin made from collagen with 11 grams of protein and 43 calories per tablespoon. I buy Great Lakes Unflavored Gelatin Collagen Joint Care on Amazon for about 50 cents per serving. Its also available to order from the Great Lakes gelatin website. Since I’ve been using this product as the protein base in my shakes, my knees no longer hurt when I run. I’m on my third container now and have noticed a major health improvement to my hair and nails, too. Read my full product review on MyBariatricLife.org. Protein and Amino Acids for Vegetarians and Vegans The other product is a vegan protein powder. It is low in carbohydrates and packed with amino acids. This is important because most plant-based proteins are void of certain essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. So what this means is that in order to get all the amino acids that are needed, plant proteins will have to be strategically combined. Read my full product review on MyBariatricLife.org. Garden of Life has done all the work for us with their Raw Fit Protein for Weight Loss. Each scoop packs 28 grams of protein and 12 carbs. I buy Garden of Life Raw Fit on Amazon for around $30 for 16 oz. It’s also available at my local health food store. Living life larger than ever, My Bariatric Life

I waited 10-years to have my plastic surgery. I had all kinds of excuses, and I have learned that I am one of the greatest procrastinators in the world (I waited years on my bariatric surgery, too)! The plastic surgery was life changing for me. I will quote another patient who said, "Bariatric surgery saved my life. Plastic surgery saved my soul." Yes. That is how I feel, exactly. Understand that my body contouring plastic surgery was not a walk in the park. I went through some egregious situations and more than two years out I am still contending with complications. And of course, I now have scars in place of the skin. My facial plastic surgery was a cake walk by comparison. Despite all that, I am glad that I did this. The plastic surgery was the completion of my weight loss surgery. If anyone is interested, I have begun to document my journey: Body contouring plastic surgery Facial plastic surgery Good luck to all of you on your journeys!!!

You could not be more right <We have to make the changes that can best fuel our bodies. Given our reduced absorption it is of the outmost importance to be smart about what we eat.> Good for you for seeing the light! I still recall a gal, and this was now 12-years ago, who at the bariatric support group proclaimed how she could now only eat a small fry at McDonald's!

I still use Protein shakes. For several months now I've been using Garden of Life. Its a vegan raw organic high Protein powder with lots of amino acids. Here's a product review that I wrote about it, if you're interested. I think it is far superior to whey-based protein powders: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/177450/protein-vegetarians-vegans (links to HealthCentral)

I interviewed the lead FDA investigator working on aspartame, which initially was developed for chemical warfare. He quit the FDA because of the corruption that was going on behind the scenes with that product approval. For one thing, the lab rats that developed cancer from aspartame were removed from the clinical trials. Really, a whistle-blower movie should be made about it. And there is lots of data that show artificial sweeteners actually increase appetite and thusly lead to weight increase.

I have not seen that documentary but I have seen quite a few others. I believe the first one to really open my eyes was food Inc. As for soy, reportedly it was a product of low value that they could not sell, so they rebranded it as a health food and charged a lot of money for it. Here is why I'll never eat soy: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/177213/ll-eat-soy (like to my article on HealthCentral)

That's such a great idea to prep food on Sunday. My husband and I used to do this on Saturdays when we got back from the CSA with our haul of fresh veggies and fruits.

Great advice, Lizcan! Thank you!!

I like this "Only eat things that are considered the ingredients for other foods." If it has a food label then I think twice about whether or not it is healthy for me. Thank you for sharing your perspective and thank you for your commitment to cook meals from scratch! Bravo to you!!!

I had a career that kept me away from my home, and my kitchen, 45-60-hours per week. I did not want to cook after a long day, but I wanted to serve a nice meal to my family. However, I learned to develop fast and simple recipes -- typically 5 ingredients that can be prepared in under 30-minutes. Our food is killing us. Today's families are fat and diseased from a diet of processed foods, and our children will be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. Time is of the essence: We must change course right now. It’s time to start eating real food and stop eating ‘frankenfood.’ This is not just another fad diet. It’s about saving lives. Gastric bypass weight-loss surgery was my wake-up call in 2003 to reverse my personal obesity epidemic and diabetes and hypertension — the death triad as I now call it (read my story). To borrow a phrase, I was sick, fat, and nearly dead in my 30s, a processed food junkie on ~10 prescription medications. Without bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes I would not be alive today. I would have missed out on my grandchildren. That’s a very sobering and humbling thought. Instead, I cheated death, I surely did, thank you, G-d. The problem underlying these health conditions is the modern American diet heavily-laden with grains, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and toxic food additives. Obesity is even harder to treat than the diseases/health conditions it causes. The low treatment success rate associated with obesity is likely because people need to commit to changing patterns deeply woven into social fabric, food and beverage commerce patterns, personal eating habits, and sedentary lifestyle. And if you think the bariatric surgery is an easy pass to skinny, then I’m here to tell you that it isn’t. My approach is one of replacing grains, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats with fresh, local and seasonal food that is chemical-free, sustainable, and nutrient-dense. That was a complete turnaround for me. I had a career that kept me away from my home, and my kitchen, 45-60-hours per week. I did not want to cook after a long day, but I wanted to serve a nice meal to my family. So I relied on processed foods, aka frankenfood, like frozen stuffed chicken cordon blue, frozen broccoli in cheese sauce, and a white rice pilaf from a box. However I learned to develop fast and simple recipes -- typically 5-ingredients that could be prepared in about 30-minutes. The food industry is very deceiving in their marketing. They craftily paint a picture of health and convenience for us, labelling processed food products as “healthy” or “all natural” and use words like wholesome goodness, when these claims in reality are not backed by truth. There are no regulations or standards that define “healthy” so just because something is labelled healthy doesn’t mean that it is. And generally-speaking, if a food was “all natural” it would not be packaged in a box with an ingredients label. The food industry also has somehow convinced us that it takes too long to cook a meal from scratch. I know, I used to believe that lie! It’s really not much trouble to grill a chicken breast and some vegetables and serve it with a salad. In fact, in the amount of time it took me to serve up a dinner of processed foods, I was able to serve up a much tastier and far healthier meal of real food to my family — and the rewards are tremendous. Dinner in my house typically is a grilled or roasted protein with fresh grilled or roasted vegetables and a salad. Sometimes I’ll make a stir-fry served over quinoa, or a homemade soup, or crockpot chili. These are all examples of how I make real food real simple in my home, and anyone can learn to cook like this. By the way, this is the way my daughter cooks for her family, too, as cooking skills whether good or bad are passed down from generation to generation. What cooking skills are you teaching your children? I use some minimally-processed foods. I try to avoid at all costs those foods with any chemical ingredients, or ingredients list that contains more than 5 items. And I never bring any processed foods desserts into my home, such as boxed cake mixes, frozen donuts, brownies from the supermarket bakery aisle. If I want dessert then I have to make it from scratch and that’s fairly involved. Because it’s so much work I won’t make dessert every day; heck I won’t even make it once a month! You won’t, either. Living larger than ever, My Bariatric Life www.mybariatriclife.org

Bravo, bravo bavo! May G-d continue to bless you, Robanne!

Way to go, Stevehud! There are so many ways we can live life to the fullest. My personal branding statement, "living larger than ever," has real meaning to me. I don't let fear (or fat) hold me back any longer from doing the things I want to do or saying what's in my heart. It's also really important that we show others the way. How to do what we have done. That they, too, can live a life free from obesity and disease and processed food addiction. We all can wake up and become the greatest aspects of ourselves! Good luck with the 5k and guitar and all else that you aspire to do. And enjoy the journey!!!

I got to thinking, now that I was not spending all those precious moments eating, how would I fill-in my dash? Do you know what I mean by the dash? It's that short line that will appear on my tombstone and sums up my life. And along that dash are the many moments in time that make up my life. What would I do to make this life, my life, a life that is worth living? Years ago I came to the realization that my life is the dash between the date I was born and the date I die. Do you know what I mean by the dash? It's that short line that will appear on my tombstone and sums up my life(span): 1964 - 21XX (yes, I’ve set my intention to live long). And along that dash are the many moments in time that make up my life. So, I got to thinking, now that I was not spending all those precious moments eating, how would I fill-in my dash? What would I do to make this life, my life, a life that is worth living? And so, I acknowledged my gratitude to G-d, my healthcare providers, my coaches and mentors, myself, and those who joined me on this journey of lifetime weight loss and obesity management. I became able to live my life fully, filling my dash with moments -- each one precious in its own right -- and making a difference in my relationships, my community, my organization, and society. How did I do this? Well, with my relationships I learned to put the past in the past, to stop holding resentments in the present time from things that happened a long time ago and which I could do nothing to change. I found that I was being held a prisoner by my past because I kept putting it in the present time. In this way, I was not able to move forward. So I made a conscious decision to create every moment... I chose to be who I am with someone, not based on what happened in the past, but on who I want to be in that moment, which is usually a delicious and loving relationship. To make a difference in my community, I volunteered. As a member of the Shade Tree Commission in my town, I was able to get many street trees planted in my community, and in my neighborhood, and even on the street that I live on. This improved the beauty of our neighborhood and thereby increased home values, and also improved energy efficiency by way of reducing heating and cooling costs for homes. I also worked with the mayor to get three street lights installed on my block so as to improve safety and security. In my organization, I was a much better employee now that I was no longer miserable and hating myself and everything because I was obese. I was no longer held back by my obesity -- let's face it, there’s an unspoken discrimination of obese people in our society. Once I lost the weight, I was immediately promoted and continued to see my career soar over the many years since my weight loss surgery. And I contributed to society by writing as an obesity health activist under the avatar My Bariatric Life so as to share my experience — please see links below this article. And in the past, I have written other blogs, and a newsletter, and have hosted a forum on an Colleen Cook’s BSCI weight loss surgery patient web site. I want others of the “formerly fat” like me to come to know for themselves what I have come to know for myself and for my life. There are many more things I will do to fill in my dash... I have only one life -- this moment right here, right now, followed by the next precious moment. I give up the acts of the past and declare my independence from food obsession. What I am creating for myself and my future is the possibility of harmony, joy, abundance, and greater possibilities. And THAT is who I am. How will you fill in your dash? Living larger than ever, My Bariatric Life Visit me on MyBariatricLife.org, Flickr, Vimeo, Twitter, YouTube, StumbleUpon, Google+ View my Borne Appétit recipe collection on Pinterest

You are very welcome, Kate. I find that wherever I am in my journey that I still have lessons to learn.

Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. So following an Eastern philosophy to keeping healthy, I try to please all three aspects of my being in order to keep it in balance. Where applicable, I’ve added my real-world experience using techniques that have helped to transform emotionally and mentally in areas where I’ve experienced a loss of power. I hope these words of wisdom will inspire and strengthen you during your weight-loss journey. 1. Stop doubting Observe and assess your thoughts. Do you notice habitual patterns of negative thinking? If so, make a conscious decision to replace those negative thoughts with kind or positive thoughts. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” I took the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction 8-week course (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Scientists have proven that meditation strengthens the immune system, increases heart health, reduces stress, slows biological aging, strengthens coping skills, even changes brain chemistry - and can be instrumental in helping us create positive behavior changes. A study by Davidson and Kabat-Zinn et al showed that after training in MBSR for eight weeks, study participants process information in a more positive way, using more optimistic sides of their frontal cortex rather than negative sides. 2. Stop limiting yourself See in your mind’s eye what you want for yourself and your life. See, imagine, dream of the person you want to be. See, imagine, and dream of the life you want to live. Act as if you are that person. Live into your dream. It's not who you are that holds you back, rather it is who you think you're not. I was taught a visualization technique by Rev. Mark, my spiritual guide. He told me to visualize three TV monitors playing a scene from my life that I want to transform. This could be any one issue, from a relationship that was not serving me well to a lifestyle choice that was not completely healthy. I would mentally watch that scene play out on each of the three monitors then take a steel ball bearing and throw it through the screens to shatter the images. I would then turn around and visualize one large screen TV playing out that scene in the way I want it to be — depicting me behaving in a manner that is completely healthy inside and out. Do this for 30-days straight to bring you closer to achieving that state. 3. Stop waiting Being strong sometimes means facing the need for positive life changes head on. Live positively for your health and happiness. Not only you, but your loved ones, friends, and associates will be inspired. Today, we accept that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors directly affect our health. I recently became reacquainted with the practice of meditation, specifically as a spiritual practice. Meditation allows me to clear my mind of emotional debris such as sadness, lack of forgiveness, lack of self love or self care, blaming, and anger. It also helps to release any emotions I may be holding on to that may 'weigh me down' emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I believe that meditation helps me to release negative energy like sadness and anger, instead of turning to food as a coping mechanism. Self soothing with food was my pattern of behavior when I was morbidly obese — a habit that likely played a pivotal role in my becoming morbidly obese in the first place. 4. Stop making excuses You cannot just sit and wait around for someone to solve your problems. You’ve got to get out there and make what you want happen. Otherwise, if you change nothing, then nothing will change. It’s OK to seek the help of others, just don’t expect others to do the work for you. 5. Stop quitting The pessimistic mind will stay stuck in inaction, perhaps afraid to change, thinking that his or her situation cannot change, or that change is too hard to be had. An optimistic mind notices the opportunities, things to be grateful for, and that even though things may be hard or bad right now they will change once again. Rev. Mark also taught me to do positive affirmations. This is a daily practice that has no ending because the pessimistic mind can easily overtake the optimistic mind if given the chance. Facing east, look into a mirror and into your left eye (east is of the mind and the left eye receives). Concentrate and set your intentions that you are creating your reality; this focus is similar to a meditative state. Now say your affirmations in the present tense. For example say, “I eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body,” rather than, “I will eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body.” Gregg Bradon, New York Times best selling author, says the universe takes your words very literally. So if you say something in the future tense then the universe will manifest this in your future; however, the future never comes now does it? It’s like saying “someday I will eat healthy…” 6. Start believing It is not the future that you are afraid of. It’s repeating the past mistakes that makes you anxious. Stop putting your past in the present and ruining your future. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step. I completed the Landmark Forum, as have many of my professional colleagues and friends. It is a powerful personal development program designed to bring about positive, permanent shifts in the quality of your life in just three intensive days. Participants are given a technology for putting the past where it belongs – in the past. Then begin to design their lives as a free and authentic expression – from what is possible, rather than what has been. This dramatic shift enables participants to think and act outside existing views and limits, and to redefine themselves and the reality they have known. These are just a few techniques that worked for me so feel free to try whatever resonates with you. We each must find what individually keeps us in balance as each of us is a being as unique as our fingerprints. You also may enjoy my series of interviews with Lori Rosenthal, MS, RD, CDN, a bariatric dietitian, and Susan Harrow Rago, MS, RD, LDN, who has been involved in health programming for more than 25-years. Read more at HealthCentral: Keep the Weight Off for Life Long Term Weight Loss Eating Habits Controlling Emotional Eating After Weight Loss Surgery Support is Key to Maintaining Weight Loss Weight Loss with Nutrition Counseling, Q&A with Susan Harrow Rago

We are aligned in our spiritual beliefs, Louisa. Thanks for raising the vibration!

Thanks so very much! I am glad you enjoy the real life stories of these inspirational people whom I have interviewed across the years. They truly make my heart swell with pride of their accomplishments. Life is meant to be lived fully!

Obesity surgery helps people take back their lives. Meet 10 patients who've reclaimed their lives through the gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and gastric band alongside healthy diet and exercise! Click the hyperlinks to read each patient's awe-inspiring story (will redirect to HealthCentral). Jassira: From infertility to motherhood In hopes of solving her infertility issues, Jassira tried a gastric band and duodenal switch to lose weight. The procedures were at times life-threatening, but Jassira said she would not change a thing. Today, she feels strong, and proud that the journey made her dreams of two healthy boys come true. Read more… Mikimi: Triumph over challenges Mikimi fought with her health insurance company to appeal for plastic surgery after gastric bypass complications. She won, and had an apronectomy and breast reduction, but there were still more complications to follow. Today, however, she is proud of her body and views her surgery scars as badges of honor. Read more… My Bariatric Life: Challenging fitness and fears It took a decade after gastric bypass to reclaim my life, undergo plastic surgery, and start living boldly. One victory was conquering an advanced four-hour ropes course, pushing myself beyond physical limits and overcoming a fear of heights. I learned that at any moment you have the power to say, “this is not how the story is going to end.” Read more… Jonathan: From obesity to bari-athlete Jonathan lost 200 pounds after gastric bypass surgery and now competes in endurance events such as the The Great Ohio River Swim, a 38-mile bike ride, and the Disabled Veterans 5K. He says after abusing it for so many years, he’s got his body back and wants to see how far he can push himself in a positive way. Read more… Jen: Finding love after obesity In order for Jen to have happy dating relationships after the gastric sleeve surgery, she first had to find self awareness and love herself. She later found Mr. Right and they’ll be married this year. Jen says if she had skipped any of the mental work, she would not be where she is today. Read more… Kristin: Between hopelessness and hope Kristin was a size 32W before having gastric bypass surgery in 2002. She knew surgery wasn’t a cure-all for poor eating habits, but was a tool that made all the difference between hopelessness and hope. Now a size 4/6, Kristin says everyone deserves a life where weight doesn't hold them back. Read more… Bill: Hero behind WHS-NewLife Thanks to carefully planned weight management strategies and guidelines prior to gastric bypass, Bill has successfully maintained a 200+ pound weight loss since 2010. He believes, “Too often we sabotage our own best interest.” Bill now shares his inspiring action plan on WHS-NewLife. Read more… Terri: Bariatric vitamin queen Terri achieved permanent weight loss with the gastric band. But with that success came a set of obstacles. Terri couldn't tolerate some nutritious foods or swallow her vitamins. So she was faced with deteriorating health. Not one to give up, Terri and her husband, Fred, worked together to develop Ameriwell Bariatric Vitamins. Read more… Sandi: Losing and finding herself Sandi reached her heaviest weight at 424 pounds. With a BMI of 68.5 and wearing size 28 clothes, Sandi knew she had to find a permanent weight loss solution. On May 28, 2004 Sandi underwent the LapBand weight-loss surgery. Just over two years later, Sandi weighed a healthy 174 pounds and went on to become a bariatric educator and support group leader. Read more… Alex: Everyone’s BariatricPal Alex is not only a success at weight loss, he’s also the man behind the success of BariatricPal. Its an online social network for the weight-loss-surgery community, where patients support each other before and after weight loss. BariatricPal grew out of Alex’s desire to give back to bariatric surgery patients and help them write their own success stories! Read more…

@arkenny thanks so very much for such a lovely compliment! I am glad that my article was useful to you! As for me, I am very fortunate to have a wonderful teacher who has been very influential in this area of my life.

A few days ago I was told by my naturopathic doctor that my body is digesting my lean tissue and I needed to add more Protein to my diet. This was shown in a chemical analysis that I had done on my hair. I am using a supplemental collagen in lieu of whey protein that he recommended as I am very excited about the nutritional profile of the collagen. It is 90% protein and has a lot of amino acids One TBS has 6g protein, 0 carbs, 25 calories, and it is easily absorbed by the body. It also seems to be manufactured under very strict conditions. ​To me it looks like a fabulous product for bariatric patients, especially when recovering from surgery owing to the amino acids and the easy assimilation of the protein. But I am not a clinician so do check with your nutritionist. Again, I hope this is helpful! Here is the manufacturer's description Hydrolyzed collagen helps regulate the body's metabolism by providing pure protein of low molecular weight that is quickly absorbed in the digestive track. The rapid absorption and distinctive amino acid groups in this formula will positively impact a large number of metabolic pathways. The body's natural ability to repair supporting connective tissue (bone, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails) diminishes after the age of 25. Collagen provides the source in supplying additional amounts of amino acids like glycine, lysine, and proline, which are specifically needed by the body to build connective tissue structure and to regulate the functions of the cells. Hydrolyzed collagen is the same collagen found naturally in bones, skin, and cartilage. it is a bioactive product containing 90% protein easily assimilated by the human body. It promotes rapid Cell growth producing synovial fluids to first lubricate joints, then build tissue. Recommended dosage: Take one rounded tablespoon (10-12 g) in the morning, and the same amount before going to bed in the late evening which will help reduce appetite. This product has a low molecular weight so it will dissolve in cold, warm, or hot liquids. Collagen, the precursor of Gelatin is used today in many pharmaceutical or biotech products to better improve mankind's health condition. The best deal that I found on Amazon included a jar of the hydrolyzed and a jar of the regular collagen (the difference being that the hydrolyzed will dissolve in cold liquids whereas the regular will need to dissolve in room temp or hot liquid). Plus the deal includes a shaker bottle and free shipping. Cost is $39. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Great-Lakes-Collagen-Hydrolysate-Unflavored/dp/B00UNPJEUY/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=bornappe-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=C7AQEWZODLBHV5FS&creativeASIN=B00UNPJEUY

This is very good info, Alex. Thank you. I wanted to add a few things that people may want to consider. I am 12-yrs out from gastric bypass and I believe can speak to some of the long term effects on nutrition of the altered anatomy. Several years ago, I cannot recall when, I developed celiac disease and then lactose intolerance, both with causal links to gastric bypass. I also suffered Iron deficiency anemia about two years after I stopped taking iron supplements under the advice of a bariatric surgeon (not my surgeon). It took a very long time for me to begin feeling normal and an even longer time for my blood work to normalize. More recently I was having very disruptive digestive issues which went on for 4-months or so and are yet to be diagnosed -- although I have received lots of theories -- but there is no doubt in my mind they are related to my gastric bypass. There were times that the pain was so bad that I nearly went to the ER or felt as though I would pass out. I should add that all of my nutritional labs were good, I even tested trace minerals, because I take a boatload of supplements. What seemed to help were the following: Two different digestive enzymes and an herbal hepacleanse from a naturopathic doctor as well as energy work/massage to release blockages. I also added Probiotics, zyflamend, powdered magnesium citrate that gets added to Water, psyllium husk that gets added to water, and super aloe in capsules. And I upped my consumption of mineral water (versus spring water). And lest I not forget that I added prayer and meditation -- the mind body spirit connection is real. Finally the inflammation, bloating, upper abdominal PAIN, constipation, abdominal distention, lower bowel PAIN seem to be resolved. I hopes this helps someone!

Those just beginning to explore weight loss surgery are wondering if we really can manifest our heart’s desire of a thinner healthier body. While the vets, who having manifested those thinner healthier bodies, have newfound desires in other areas of our lives. What is it that your heart truly desires, that something so irresistible that it consumes your dreams at night and invades your waking thoughts, what is it that you must have? Those of us on this forum are all at different points along our “path to self.” Those just beginning to explore weight loss surgery are wondering if we really can manifest our heart’s desire of a thinner healthier body. While the vets, who having manifested those thinner healthier bodies, have newfound desires in other areas of our lives… perhaps we now might bear the children we’ve always wanted… or unite with the love of our lives… or get out of a loveless relationship. We wonder if we, again, can manifest our dreams. Yes, we absolutely can. We can manifest anything we truly desire for ourselves and our lives. The opportunity lies before you. The choice is yours and yours alone: Will you step up and go for your bliss, will you dare to create heaven on earth and live a life so wonderful that others will aspire to do as you have done? Or will you take the fallback position and merely settle for what you have already, rationalizing it is good enough, or worse, lying to yourself that your dreams are foolishness? We who have defeated our obesity and its related diseases did not get here by merely settling. No. We were the brave, the risk takers, the believers. And we were rewarded for that: We actualized the thinner healthier bodies that we once only dreamed of having. If you fall back into familiar patterns of behavior and, like most people, simply “settle” rather than going for your bliss, then you are going to be miserable and miss out on living a life you love. If you keep on your rose-colored glasses and think everything is going to be okay then you’re going to find out the hard way that its not. Its your life and you are only going to live it once, not twice or more. You deserve to live a life you love. Consider the attractive middle-age woman who recently asked me if she’d ever find true love. I replied that I believe she’d already found the man she loves but is afraid of communicating her feelings to him. Indeed she admitted that she had all these feelings for this man, like she’d never had for anyone before, but had so many reservations. There were complications — both were in loveless marriages, among other things. Of course there were complications, because nothing worth having is ever easy peasy to obtain. If it were then everyone would be living their dreams! I said my piece and noticed that look of “ah ha” on her face when I concluded with, “You never want to go to your grave with regret thinking what if… What would my life had been like if I’d just told him that I loved him?” We are sometimes so afraid to risk going for our dreams that we never even try. How dumb is that? Don’t ever make bad choices based on fearful thoughts. Now consider a pretty young woman that I know who had been trying for years to have a baby. It was what she wanted most for her life. But she was met with tragic heartbreak after heartbreak time and again. And when she was about to declare she’d given up, she and her husband tried again. This time they had a baby boy. Yes. Dreams really do come true. Many years earlier in high school, she had secretly loved her husband back then when he was just a boy. She was in a dating relationship with someone else at the time and she and the boy whom she really desired were merely friends. But she would doodle her name with his surname on paper, dreaming of one day being “Mrs.” married to him. They went away to different universities that were states apart and most would have thought that was the end to a dream unrealized. But fate brought them back together when this boy, now a man, did a semester as an exchange student at a university near the school she was attending. And what happened was that this young woman manifested her heart’s desire. She created heaven on earth with this man whom she had secretly loved for years, all because she “went for it.” After graduation they got engaged, then married. They now live a life so wonderful that most people would envy: owning homes on the east coast and west coast, living abroad all over the world, and traveling extensively with their two beautiful children. She truly lives a life she loves. We have to be willing to go for it, what it is that we desire, then orchestrate our minds to focus on manifesting our bliss. Think about it, dream big: If you could write the story of your life what would it look like? Visualize yourself healthy, happy, beautiful inside and out, fully giving and receiving love, being your authentic self, living your truth and doing the things you want to do; your life is blissful and you are living heaven on earth. Now bring your story to life. Understand this: The only thing holding you back is you. Manifesting that which we truly want for ourselves and our lives involves mastering the mind and finding the truth within our hearts. Fear and ego cannot exist there, nor can anger, shame, or inaction. Let go of the old and rebirth into the new. You have within you the power for magical transformation in your life. Today, right here, right now, identify one small change that you’ve been postponing that would bring you closer to attaining that which you desire. This could be any action from clearing your home of unhealthy foods to sending a nice card to the person you secretly love inviting her/him to coffee. Small changes will propel you along your journey and ignite powerful ones. Your goal is not to settle. Rather you are to be brave, take risk, and believe until you manifest what it is that your heart truly desires, that something so irresistible that it consumes your dreams at night and invades your waking thoughts, that which you must have. Your life really can be heaven on earth. In the comments section below, please identify your desire, your fear related to attaining it, and commit to a change(s) you’re willing to make to bring your desire to life. Please also inspire us with your stories and advice for how you’ve manifested your dreams. As for me, I’ve conquered my obesity and transformed the physical. Now I’m on the path to transforming mind and spirit and the journey is just as amazing as the journey to transform my body. Change is not easy but one thing I know for sure is that the outcome of actualizing your dream is worth it; this I promise you. I invite you to read my story.