LIOS Monthly Newsletter

Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Richard J. Strauss, MD FACS FACRS David Buchin, MD

SAVE THE DATE:

Support Group Meetings

· January 8th at 5:30pm

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr Michael Brickman

Plastic Surgeon

· February 12th at 5:30 pm

Free Informational Seminars for New Patients

· January 8th at 4:30 pm

· January 30th at 5:30 pm

· February 12, 2008 at 4:30pm

IN THIS ISSUE

Text Box: No one likes to think of themselves as an addict. When I first realized I was addicted to alcohol nearly 25 years ago, I was somewhat shocked -- even though my behavior with alcohol was clearly out of control. My Friend Lory Helped Me Get Sober Alcohol and life circumstances had turned me into a major depressive mess. Every time I got drunk, I cried. As you can imagine, I was not very fun to be around. When I showed up at Lory's apartment with my usual six pack, ready to share my woes, she said, "You can't come in if you bring that beer." I'll Always Be Grateful to Lory Thank God someone had the courage to set a limit with me. I don't know how long my misery would have lasted if Lory had not taken the risk to help me out of my denial. I got sober at age 23 I went through a month-long, in-patient treatment program. And have been sober every since. But I did experience a Transfer Addiction When I got sober, I turned to food for comfort. At first I didn't think anything of it. But, over time I realized I was as obsessed with food as I had been to alcohol -- and it was destroying my health. Many Who Have WLS Struggle with Food Addiction. It's like a dance. You spend a lot of time obsessing about who (which unhealthy food) you want to dance with, a lot of time getting ready for the dance (cruising the grocery aisles, reading cookbooks, snooping around in the kitchen), and then you "dance" with one of your trigger foods. Are You Dancing with an Addiction? I know the word addiction is loaded with meaning for people. A stigma exists, it's true. But it's insane to not address an addiction just because it's uncomfortable to do so. Once you seek help and get started on a program of recovery, you'll be amazed at how quickly your shame slips away. Addictions Are Physiological and Psychological Many people mistakenly believe addiction is only a mental problem. While there is a mental/emotional component to addiction, there is also a major physical component. Addictions have a strong physiological basis, even if you are addicted to shopping. Addiction Involves Wanting to Change Your Mood When we engage in addictive behavior, we are attempting to change our brain chemistry so we can feel better. Addiction, the way I look at it, is really self medication. There Are Healthier Ways to Make Yourself Feel Better The tragedy of addiction is that the substance (or behavior) that soothes you also harms you. If you don't want that substance or behavior to "own" your life, you have to let go. When you address your addiction(s) head on, whether it's food, alcohol, shopping, sex, or something else, you have a shot at overcoming it. If you suspect you have an addiction, here are some strategies you can use to begin to deal with it: 1) Admit you are doing the dance. All good recovering addicts know the first step is to admit you have a problem. So, admit it ... first to yourself, and then to someone who can help you. Please feel free to write to me if you would like to tell someone, but don't know who to turn to. 2) Find a new dance partner. It can help to substitute a healthy behavior for an unhealthy one. For example, I drink peppermint tea at bedtime every night instead of eating a bowl of chocolate ice cream. I know this doesn't sound like a very good trade, but after having the tea maybe 100 nights in a row (yes, it takes time) I love it, crave it, and feel very satisfied with it. 3) Find a new place to dance. Leave that dance hall of shame and find a new place to go. Try to avoid hanging out in the kitchen or in front of the TV with a snacking family. Instead, go for a walk, visit the library, or try a 12-step meeting. I do all three. (I love libraries because they are a grand distraction and they don't have food.) 4) Learn new steps. Being addiction free can feel strange at first. Awkward. You will have to learn how to cope in completely different ways. You will have to let go of some friends and make new friends. You will have to work at finding healthier ways to respond to life's challenges. This is why it's good to get help. You can learn from others who understand your situation. 5) Practice. Letting go of an addiction is not an event. It is a process that takes time and attention. Know that practicing new steps makes the dance of life less fun for a short while, but once you get the hang of it, look out! You'll be dancin' with the stars. Did You Have WLS Hoping for a Better Life? I know I did. If you are struggling with an addiction -- or if you don't know if you are addicted -- talk to someone knowledgeable about it. Warm regards,
Katie Jay— Director, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery

What You Need To Know About Transfer Addiction by Katie Jay

January 2008

Volume 2, Issue 1

L.I.O.S. - SUPPORT THROUGH THE JOURNEY WWW.LIOBESITYSURGEY.COM

Helping you on Your Journey to a healthier and happier life

Asian Pineapple Chicken

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY RECIPE

ASIAN PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

ALMOND MACAROONS

This marinade is inspired by the roasted salmon dish at the MGM Grand’s Shibuya Japanese sushi restaurant. This simple sweet and sour marinade made with Libby’s Splenda Sweetened Crushed Pineapple is perfect for salmon or chicken; and is excellent on the grill as well. Complete this delicious and healthy meal with spinach sautéed in garlic and sesame oil.

WLS serving, 4 ounces: Calories 185, fat 8 gr, carbs 5 gr, protein 22 gr Serves 4.

· 1 whole chicken, cut up, or 8 chicken thighs, skin removed

· One 8-ounce can Libby's Splenda Sweetened Crushed Pineapple

· ¼ cup soy sauce

· 1 teaspoon sesame oil

· 2 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Blend together the pineapple and juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger and pour over the chicken pieces in a

shallow bowl or plastic bag. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.

Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Drain the chicken pieces, reserving the marinade; arrange in a baking dish and roast 35-45 minutes, until the juices run clear and the chicken is golden. Reduce the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium high heat until a thick glaze forms. Spoon a little sauce over the roasted chicken just before serving.

Text Box: TIP OF THE MONTH: EAT ONLY HEALTHY SOLID PROTEIN FOODS. Protein foods will fill you up faster than junk food. Likewise, solid protein foods will keep you full longer than quick burning carbohydrates. Eat Protein first...kick unhealthy carbs to the curb. Consume Enough Protein—you need 70-120 grams of protein per day depending on your build. Taking in adequate protein will help prevent muscle loss, minimize hair loss, and will keep hunger at bay. Patients who consume adequate protein for their body size enjoy a much greater weight loss.

L.I.O.S - SUPPORT THROUGH THE JOURNEY WWW.LIOBESITYSURGERY.COM

Text Box: At last month’s support group we discussed ‘Coping with eating during the holidays.’ Everyone had the opportunity to address how we viewed food. In our culture, we use food for just about everything— to celebrate, to mourn, for holidays, for stress and for gatherings. One way to help to prevent overeating is to stick to solid protein meals as they will keep you full and satisfied for a longer period than softer or liquid foods. Also try to avoid no more than one snack between meals and of course NO GRAZING or continuous eating throughout day. Try to stick with 3 solid meals daily. It comes down to us making conscious decisions about what we eat at all times and being accountable for our choices. We can always enjoy the holidays and festivities because its not always about the food. Its about family and friends and just being thankful that we can all share the joy of our close ones’ company during the holiday seasons. Next meeting: Tues. January 8th, 2008 at 5:30pm at 1999 Marcus Ave. Suite 106C— Everyone was asked to write down what they have accomplished and their goals for themselves for the coming year Guest Speaker: Dr. Michael Brickman, Plastic Surgeon. He will be discussing excess skin and surgical options including body contouring after Bariatric surgery. New and lightly used clothing available—FREE **Please Bring New or Lightly Used Clothing that no longer fit For Our Clothing Exchange (Optional) .

What You Need To Know About Transfer Addiction	1
December Support Group Minutes	2
Tip of the Month: Eating Solid & Enough Protein	2
Recipe Of The Month: Asian Pineapple Chicken	2