Magic Mojo

Weight loss surgery can be a godsend. Getting the surgery could be the best decision you ever make. It can give you your life back and help you become healthier than you have been in years – or ever before. But what you need to do to stick to your new lifestyle isn’t so different from what other healthy people need to do. If you want to be thin and fit, you need to think and act like a thin and fit person.


Bariatric Surgery: Necessary But Not Sufficient
Weight loss surgery is a significant part of the solution to surgery. If you can’t lose weight without it, it’s necessary. But, on its own, it’s not sufficient for weight loss. As every weight loss surgery patient knows, weight loss surgery only works when you add other components, like a healthier lifestyle, to lose weight permanently.
Don’t Give Up
It’s easy to start feeling sorry for yourself when regular diets don’t work for you. You may feel that your doctor’s recommendation to get weight loss surgery is official recognition that your obesity is out of your control. After weight loss surgery, it can seem like you’re still working harder than the “skinny” people, and you may feel like giving up. There’s no point in feeling doomed to obesity. Don’t bother resenting your “bad luck” with obesity. The truth is that most fit and healthy people need to work hard at it, just like you do.
Have a Plan
Don’t leave things up to chance. Skinny people may not have as many dietary restrictions and requirements as you, but you can bet many of them think carefully about what they eat. They plan what they’ll order at a restaurant, and you should, too. They’ll also compensate for oversized meals by exercising a little extra or eating a little less at the next meal.
Be Honest
Are you really acting like a skinny person? Their behaviors are the same as many of the rules you’re supposed to be following on your weight loss diet. If you’re not losing weight like you think you should be, look carefully at your habits.
Are you ending your meal when you’re barely full, or eating for another reason, such as eating to keep everyone else company while they eat?
Are you driving straight home, or passing through the drive-thru?
Are you drinking only water between planned meals and snacks, or are you getting in calories from juice and sweetened coffee drinks?
Are you eating only at the table, or are you nibbling while standing?

Watch your skinny coworkers and even housemates carefully, and you may start to notice some of their good habits. They may be lucky enough have those habits formed naturally while you need to work a little harder on them, but you can do it.
Ask Away
Yes, you’ll see a lot of skinny people doing a lot of things you wouldn’t dare try because you’d be afraid of gaining weight. They may pack away a hot dog, an ice cream sandwich, and a few beers at a baseball game, or munch their way through a bag of potato chips with dip while watching television.
Ask them how they get away with it if it’s your friend or someone in your family and you feel comfortable enough. You may get a frustrating answer (“I eat whatever I want and don’t worry about it.”), but you may get something helpful (“I eat very carefully six days a week so I can veg out and eat chips on Sunday” or “I knew I wanted to relax and enjoy myself at the game, so I worked out for an extra hour this morning to burn a few extra calories”).
These tips can reinforce the strategies you already know and add to your collection of strategies. They can also help you realize that everyone works hard at staying fit and thin – weight loss surgery or not. You may not be allowed to eat an ice cream sandwich and drink beer on your weight loss surgery diet, but you can exercise ahead of time as a strategy against
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
Until you hit goal weight, you may be most self-conscious about your weight when you’re at the gym. You’re likely to be surrounded by fit people with strong-looking and lean bodies. Don’t just think of these people as another species. Instead, use them to your advantage.
Strike up a conversation with them, being careful not to interrupt their workouts. Catch them while you’re both on the elliptical, bike, or treadmill, or when they’re done with their workout.
Some people will let you know that they’re not interested in making friends at the gym. Don’t take it personally – it has nothing to do with your fitness level, weight, or personality. Some people just go to the gym because they want to feel alone.
Other people will be delighted to talk to you. Most people love talking about themselves, including their workout schedule and goals. They’ll be happy to give you pointers. You can learn what they do to stay in shape, and how often they hit the gym. Possibly most inspirational of all is what you’ll learn about their dedication to their health. They had to get up just as early as you, they’re just as busy as you, and they worry about their diets just as much as you – and they make it a priority to get to the gym almost every day.
It Comes Down to Attitude
So much of your weight loss journey success depends on your attitude. When you feel like you’re working harder than everyone else, you may be tempted to stop trying. Once you realize that everyone needs to work hard to be fit and healthy, you’re more likely to stay committed. Act skinny, and you’ll hit your goal weight.

Caffeine is a part of daily life for millions of Americans. Some people limit themselves to a single mug of half-calf to help them wake up in the morning, while others depend on the drug at all times of the day. There’s the morning cup of coffee to wake you up, the travel mug on your morning commute as you fight traffic, the morning coffee break to help you focus, and the afternoon pick-me-up soda.


For most people, this drug is about as harmless as a drug can be. It wakes you up, keeps you mentally sharp, and even helps you burn a little extra fat. There aren’t many serious health risks, as long as you don’t have too much.
For weight loss surgery patients, though, caffeine is a bit of a bigger deal. Find out what it can do to your body, how much is safe to have after surgery, and where to find it.
Caffeine and Your Digestive Tract
Caffeine is an acid, and it can irritate the lining of your stomach pouch or sleeve. This is true whether you have the lap-band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric bypass. One way to prevent symptoms is to make sure you don’t have your caffeine on an empty stomach. However, that’s not really possible when your weight loss surgery diet doesn’t allow you to have beverages at the same time as solid food! Limiting your consumption is the best way to avoid trouble.
Caffeine and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach comes up into your esophagus or throat, causing symptoms like heartburn or an acid taste in your mouth. Acid reflux is considered gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) if it persists. Weight loss surgery often helps with GERD, since obesity is one of the main factors. However, you can still get GERD after weight loss surgery, especially if you have the lap-band.
What does all this have to do with caffeine? Coffee and other source of caffeine are among the foods beverages that make acid reflux worse. There are plenty of other risky foods, such as citrus fruits, spicy foods, fried foods, and garlic. If you do choose to have caffeine, just be watchful for signs of acid reflux and ask your doctor if you think there may be a connection between caffeine and your symptoms.
Does Caffeine Dehydrate You?
Staying hydrated is a big deal after weight loss surgery because it’s so important and so tough. It helps keep you full and healthy, and you can only do it if you plan carefully and pay attention to your fluid intake.
Coffee and caffeinated diet iced teas and other drinks may seem like a great alternative to water, which can get pretty boring. Unfortunately, caffeine is a diuretic. That means it increases the amount of water your body loses. That means it helps dehydrate you.
It’s not a serious problem if you don’t have too much caffeine and if you’re drinking plenty of other liquids, especially water. If you’re already struggling to hit your 8 to 10 cups of water a day, though, you might want to think seriously about skipping the caffeine so you don’t get dehydrated.
Caffeine and Your Nutrient Status
One of the most serious problems with too much caffeine for bariatric surgery patients is that it interferes with nutrient consumption. This comes at a time when you’re fighting hard to give your body the nutrients it needs through healthy eating and supplements.
Caffeine reduces your body’s absorption of two key nutrients: calcium and iron. Miss out on your calcium, and you’re at risk for developing osteoporosis and a high risk for bone fractures later on. Skip the iron, and you could get anemia, making yourself tired and weak. If you do choose to have caffeine, make sure it’s not at the same time you’re taking your nutritional supplements.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe?
There’s no single recommended amount of caffeine that’s best for everyone. The right amount for you depends on a variety of factors.
How it affects you.
The type of surgery you have.
Your surgeon’s recommendations.

A good amount for many bariatric surgery patients who can’t face the thought of quitting might be a cup in the morning to get you awake.
Cutting Back on Caffeine
If you’re addicted, cutting back on caffeine can be challenging. You can get some headaches, feel groggy and cranky, and get constipated. These symptoms only last a few days, though, and you can use them as motivation to take good care of yourself. That’s because healthy behaviors like getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking enough water can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
If you’re trying to have less caffeine, it’s helpful to know the sources. Everyone knows about coffee, but there are plenty of other places where you might find caffeine.
Hot and iced coffee and coffee drinks.
Hot and iced tea.
Diet and non-diet energy drinks, including 5-Hour Energy.
Some over-the-counter migraine, pain, and cold and flu medications.

Caffeine has a lot of uses in everyday life, and it’s not necessarily a bad drug. But, after weight loss surgery, it can be a problem if you have too much. If you love your coffee, ask your surgeon how much you can have to make sure you don’t harm yourself while you’re working so hard to get healthy and fit.

Weight loss surgery is a big change, to say the least. If you’re lucky, you have a few – or many – family members and friends who are doing their best to support you at every step of the way. It’s no different when the holidays roll around, and they may be wondering what they can get you to support your decision to have weight loss surgery or your new, healthy lifestyle.
This gift list is a good start. If any of these items end up in your pile on Christmas Day or during Hanukah, you’re bound to have an easier time losing weight and staying healthy. Of course, these are also great gift ideas for any of the people in your life who are thinking about weight loss surgery or who got it. See what you think, and any of your suggestions in the comments section below!


Protein Gift Basket
A gift basket is always a nice way to say “I’m thinking of you,” but the “gift” usually includes thousands of empty calories from fat and sugar. The sausages and popcorn can cause trouble with the lap-band. The chocolates and dried fruits can give you dumping syndrome. You just don’t need the cheese, crackers, and cookies.
Instead of ordering a ready-made basket with unhealthy foods, why not assemble your own gift basket for that special weight loss surgery patient in your life? It’ll be more special because it has your own personal touch, and you can hand-pick the goodies you put in, depending on what the recipient likes.
These are some ideas for a High-Protein gift basket.
Beef jerky
Salmon jerky
Dried edamame (green soybeans)
Sugar-free protein powder
Sugar-free protein shake mixes in favorite flavors
Protein pancake mix with oats, wheat flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon – just add almond milk and some egg whites to cook!

Protein Shake Plus Kit
There’s no question that the holidays can be difficult if you’ve just had weight loss surgery. You’re stuck drinking liquids or eating pureed foods while everyone else is eating the holiday foods that you used to love. A protein shake plus kit won’t take the sting out of missing these goodies, but it will help you stay on track and will let you know how much the gift giver cares about you.
Consider including the following in the kit.

A shaker bottle for protein shakes.
Different flavors of sugar-free protein shake mixes.
Powdered skim milk.
Packets of high-protein products, like Unjury chicken soup and cheese sauce.

IOUs
What do you get for the weight loss surgery patient who has everything? Give a few coupons or IOUs. Here are some ideas.
Host a weight loss surgery-friendly dinner for the patient, including measuring the ingredients and portions accurately, and letting the guest take home the leftovers in prepackaged containers or baggies. Preparing special, approved meals day after day can be draining. Going over to a friend’s house for a break without going off of your diet can be a wonderful break.
Offer to be a good workout partner for a week. This may include getting up early to walk or go to the gym together. Give it at least a week, because you may end up making a healthy and fun habit out of being a workout buddy.
Taking care of the kids (or another chore). Weight loss surgery places demands on your time. You need to cook special meals and measure your food, and make time to exercise. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone helped take care of the kids for a while, or helped you clean the house or garden?
Notebook for Recipes
After weight loss surgery, recipes change. You’ll make healthy modifications to old favorites, and find a ton of new ideas that fit into your diet. A pretty notebook is an ideal place to collect your new recipes. For more artistic weight loss surgery patients, the gift can include colorful pens and stickers to decorate the pages and take notes. As a bonus, fixing up your recipe book is a healthy alternative to cooking mac and cheese and baking brownies when you’re bored.
Kitchen Helpers
Every weight loss surgery patient needs a few extra items in the kitchen, and there are tons of cute ones out there. From measuring cups shaped like geese and babushka dolls and measuring spoons shaped like gingerbread men and hearts to small plates and spoons in all kinds of designs and children’s themes, you can certainly find the perfect kitchen helpers for anyone. They’re super fun to shop for, too.
Other practical kitchen gifts include:

Reusable water bottles.
Small containers to store and transport food.
A kitchen scale.

A “Big Book”
The “BIG Book” series includes four books to help you go through every part of your weight loss surgery journey. The first three books each focus on one of the major types of weight loss surgery: lap-band, gastric sleeve, or roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The final book is filled with tips on life after weight loss surgery…including how to eat and live well during the holidays. These books are also good for anyone living with a weight loss surgery patient who wants to be a better source of support.
These are the “BIG Books.”
The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The BIG Book on the Lap-Band: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Adjustable Gastric Band
The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery
The BIG Book Bundle: The complete set of “Big Books” has the information you need.

Whatever you give or ask for, keep in mind that it really is the thought that counts. Give it with the best of intentions and appreciate everything you receive, and you will be well on your way to becoming happier.
Happy Holidays!

When you make the life-altering decision to undergo bariatric surgery, it also affects the people around you in a big way. Most of us are uncomfortable when the people we love the most change before our eyes. Here are some tips and tools to help you both stay on same course during the journey.


People generally prefer for things to stay the way they are. Change can be unsettling -- like walking into a dark, unfamiliar room where you can’t find the light switch.
More often than not, as time passes, the people in your life will adjust to the ‘new you’ during you weight loss journey, but there will probably be a few bumps along the way.
Your significant other is the person with the most at stake (other than you) during this new stage of your life. They love you, but they are also “losing” the version of you that they know and love. And the “new you” may be viewed by them as someone they don’t really know. At all.
The Relationship Dynamic Changes With Weight Loss
If your significant other has taken the lead in your relationship due to low self-esteem or physical restrictions due to your weight, that dynamic may equalize or even flip.
Over time, losing a significant amount of weight and garnering more vigor for life due to increased energy can open the door to several significant life changes — a better-paying job, different hobbies, new friends, or a new way of dressing or wearing your hair. Your spouse may be caught off guard by all these changes, especially if they take place in a short time frame.
Find Solace in a Support Group
I recommend spouses and family members attend Bariatric Support Group meetings with you so they can get a clearer perspective of what you are experiencing during your weight loss. It affords them the chance to listen to others who have achieved goal weight and observe many of the changes and benefits firsthand.
Keep Talking
Nearly 50 percent of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, and weight loss surgery patients are not immune.
Mental health professionals say that strong relationships grow under stress, weak relationships grow apart or fail. Don’t hesitate to seek couple counseling even if things are going great from your point of view; your partner may be feeling stressed or confused and need an outlet to express his or her feelings about your life change and how it affects him or her.
A Little Patience is Needed While Loved Ones Adjust
I always tell bariatric clients that patience is probably the most useful tool they need post-op. Even with the speed of weight loss with a bariatric solution, it’s never feels fast enough. In addition, people around you can unknowingly say or do the wrong thing that may seem thoughtless or insensitive. We’re all human, we all say the wrong thing sometimes.
Stay gentle, stay engaged and stay in touch with your closest companion — and all your supporters. Time changes everything, and most difficulties will resolve themselves sooner than you think.
Remember, you are in the driver seat during your weight loss transformation, but your partner is also along for the ride.
Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net and courtesy of David Castillo Dominici.

I've performed 1,000+ bariatric weight loss surgeries here in central New Jersey. Because the nature of this surgery necessitates a long-term patient/doctor relationship, I now have a fairly large number of Facebook patient friends as a result!
Last month, I posted a timeline request for my clients (at all stages of post-op weight loss) to share their favorite tips for new patients just beginning their bariatric journeys.
I received a plethora of great ideas that I think may be helpful to many of you as well. (The first one is my obvious favorite!)
Have your own ideas to add? Please feel free to share your tips and recommendations in the comments section below:


Follow doctor's orders
“I was very diligent in following ALL instructions from my doctor− quit smoking, fast pre-surgery, follow the after-surgery schedule of introducing foods, eat high protein foods first, drink lots of water, start walking the day after surgery and keep going when you’re home.”
Don't rush back into eating solid foods
“I didn’t rush into eating. Four weeks of liquid and two weeks of a pureed diet worked really well, but it was hard mentally as I just wanted to chew something. Listen to your doctor and the nurses. They know what is best for each individual patient.”
Be honest with yourself
“About four years after gastric sleeve surgery, I was feeling exhausted, fat, grumpy and unattractive. I did some honest self-evaluation and realized I'd forgotten or ignored what I had to do to take care of my tummy, my whole body, and my mind. I started back to the gym, taking my vitamins, drinking two quarts of water every day, and slowly being aware of my food intake.”
Have the right attitude
“I really believe if you have a relentlessly positive frame of mind and come to terms with the fact that this is for LIFE, you can be successful. And it’s so worth it. I feel joy in feeling full again, which was missing prior to surgery.”
Drink water like there’s no tomorrow
“I drink a minimum of 64 ounces every day, even though I’m at goal weight. Keep in mind—I’m not talking about caffeinated drinks—I mean plain or carbonated water. Orange seltzer is my favorite.”
Change your eating habits. For good. Long term. Permanently.
“If you are willing to change your lifestyle, this surgery will help you become the person you dreamed of being. Bottom line—be committed to completely changing how you eat, taking vitamins and getting physical activity—every day.”
Join a support group
“For me personally, the biggest key to my success is a monthly support group I attend. My wife and I started going even before my operation. Even though I am close to my dream weight, I still attend to share my experiences and learn something new from the nutritionists and doctors who also attend. Not all bariatric doctors provide support group support, but I think it's key to find one. Try your local hospitial if you doctor doesn't offer it.”
Realize that bariatric surgery is only a tool, not a miracle
“#WLS is not a miracle, there is still a lot you have to do and be committed to forever. It's up to you. This is a lifestyle change in every sense of the word. Want to live a longer life? Have this surgery and get healthy and strong. ”