Live Life newsletter issue two

Live Life! is a newsletter for people at any stage of their weight loss journey, from those considering surgery, to those who have already had surgery and are looking to keep on track.

Kim
It was Christmas 2006 when I originally decided that it was time to take action, and find a solution to my life long battle with obesity. After looking at all the photos of what is supposed to be a merry time of celebrations I realised the opposite was true – I felt unhappy with the photos and the fact that Christmas was only one day, yet I had eaten huge amounts of food and gorged myself daily for the entire month of December. And for what? It didn’t help me in my battle.

This Christmas I will be celebrating what everyone else does on the day, but I will also be celebrating my new life, my 3rd year of being in control of my food intake, my weight and my life. I have never been happier, I will also be celebrating my first Christmas being married, a milestone I never thought would happen. Since losing over 80 kilos, getting married, doing marathons and triathlons and maintaining my weight for over 12 months I have so much to celebrate.

During the Christmas break I still have my glass of champagne at work and family parties and I still even have the crackle, but gone are the days of eating a plate of crackle and pork, and eating until I was ready to explode and needed a rest day. Now my Christmas day is a celebration of life, health and happiness, where I can still enjoy the Christmas feasts but on a much smaller scale, because no amount of pork crackle could taste as good as the taste of success and finally beating my obesity.

If I was to give one piece of advice for the festive season - when you go to grab that food, just remember why you got your Gastric Band in the first place… and how good it will feel when you reach your goal weight.

Angela
It’s been four years since I had my Gastric Band surgery and I can honestly say it is the best decision I ever made. Before the procedure like most of us I had tried every conceivable weight loss pill, potion or program without any long term success. If anything I was gaining weight with each failed attempt and becoming more and more depressed about my inability to control my eating.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still only a mere mortal - I give in to temptation and can buckle at the sight of a chocolate bar better than anyone. Yet now I have a constant reminder that over indulging leads to discomfort, both physical and mental.

As Christmas is approaching I don’t dwell too much on changing anything I do from day to day. I gave up alcohol when I had my band put in so I don’t have to worry about empty calories or having my resolve weakened by a few too many drinks. When going out I make sure I am not hungry before leaving and try to make choices that fit with my lifestyle. I realise our “eyes are definitely bigger than our stomachs “and the consequences of over indulging are just not worth it. I have now changed my focus from the food to the people, the surroundings and the reason for the season.

I am very proud of the decision I made to have a Gastric Band and the results I have achieved. Christmas Blessings!

If you have had weight loss surgery and would like to share your story with us please email your story of approximately 500 word length and a before and after photo to bariatricedge@its.jnj.com

50g green prawns
30g mango
1dt lemon juice
30g avocado
½ small clove of garlic
20g cherry tomatoes
black pepper/salt
sprig mint/coriander
5g red onion
1tsp lemon/lime juice
¼ small red chilli

Clean and devein prawns. Marinate prawns in lemon juice and chopped garlic for 10 minutes.
Peel and dice onion, cut mango and avocado into pieces and halve tomatoes (peel skin). Discard seeds from chilli and slice.
Chop coriander/mint and gently mix juice with salsa ingredients.
Drain prawns and quickly cook in a non stick pan. Place salsa on plate and top with prawns. Add pepper and salt to taste.

This recipe has been taken from BandFOOD by Helen Toouli, a book of mouth-watering recipes suitable for patients who have undergone a restrictive weight loss surgery procedure.

To purchase a copy for $28 (including postage + handling), please email helentoouli@optusnet.com.au, or contact Adelaide Bariatric Centre by calling (08) 8177 1503 or faxing (08) 8177 1357. Please note that credit card payment is preferred.

Your weight loss is a means to an end. It’s the means to a healthier, more active, more confident you. Setting and achieving goals is a critical part of your success.

Take a few moments to envision yourself healthier. What exactly will be different? What activities will be open to you or more enjoyable for you when weight is not an issue? Perhaps your child loves to swim, but you avoid the pool at all costs. When you are fit and healthy, this may no longer be an issue. Maybe you pass a clothing store on your way to work and wish you could shop there because you love the clothes in the window. Imagine what it will be like to be able to walk into that store and try on clothes.

Establishing these type of goals is based on a clear vision of the new, healthier you. Set goals focused on this vision. Refer to them often, and assess your progress. Remind yourself that each action you take either moves you closer to your goals or away from them. Acknowledge your progress in small steps, even if they seem insignificant. Slow progress yields big results over time. Meaningful goals help you celebrate each step of your weight-loss journey and keep you focused on the rewards to come.

How to Set and Achieve Your Goals
Goals are personal; they reflect what matters most to you. How you set goals is as important as the goals you set. Keep these guidelines in mind as you set your personal goals.

Be specific. Don’t say, “I want to play with my children more.” Instead say, “I want to be able to play football with my children at our annual family reunion.”
Set measurable goals. If you can’t measure the goal, you can’t know when you have reached it.
Be realistic. Set goals that are a stretch for you but are still attainable.
Set smaller, intermediate goals. If your overall goal is a big one, set smaller goals you can achieve along the way.
Give the goal a timeline. Timelines help keep you accountable to yourself as you work towards the goal.
Outline steps to reach your goal. If you know what action steps are needed to achieve your goal, it’s easier to turn your goals into realities.
Believe in yourself. You must believe you can reach your goal in order to achieve it. Be confident in your ability.

Remember, celebrating all the small victories that are stepping stones along the way is also very important!

When you focus on your personal goals, your journey will be a quest for personal growth and not just a trial of endurance. Remind yourself often why you want to achieve your goals, and reward yourself for each milestone along the way.