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WLS Center.com E-Newsletter
A FREE publication by
http://www.wlscenter.com
Issue # 21
January 2003
Circulation: 7,308

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From the Desk of Barbara Thompson
Author of "Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You"

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** In this Issue **
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* Not Feelin' Groovy? Some Thoughts on Depression
* New Research Article: National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
* Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
* Spreading the Word in Denver
* Poetry: Untitled by Karen Klotz
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Dear Subscriber,

As far as I am concerned, this is the absolute worst time of the year. The holidays are over, and, at least in Western Pennsylvania where I live, we are heading into that gray, cold time of the year that seems endless.

This is the time of the year when I can really get depressed. So I thought I would deal with that problem in this issue.

For those of you basking in the sun in southern California or Florida, I hope this issue doesn't end up depressing you. And by the way, please remember to invite me to speak some place warm this time next year!!! I will be eternally grateful!!!

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** Not Feelin' Groovy? Some Thoughts on Depression **
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"Slow down, you're movin' too fast. Got to make the morning last. Just kickin' down the cobblestones. Lookin' for fun and feelin' groovy." It's the Simon and Garfunkle 59th Street Bridge Song. Whenever I have been really down, I have tried to remember that song. For some reason it works for me. It reminds me of a time when I was truly young and also reminds me how it feels to be carefree. It's just a song, an old song at that, but it's my own personal treatment for depression.

I get many emails from people about depression. It is a condition that rears its ugly head at many times during our journey. First, let's take a look at what causes us to be depressed.

We are initially depressed because of our lack of self-esteem from failing at dieting. We wonder what is wrong with us that we cannot control what we eat.

Depression number 2 hits as we contemplate surgery. We long for that control yet fear the unknown. Will I survive the surgery? How can I give up the role that food has always played in my life? If your family is not supportive, that adds additional stress that results in depression.

For the rest of the Depression article, go to:

http://www.wlscenter.com/ResearchArticles/depression.htm

Send me your thoughts on how you handle depression and I will be happy to share them in the next issue of this newsletter.

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** Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms**
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Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:
20 medium mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
2 cups finely chopped fresh spinach
1/2 cup yogurt cheese*
Salt
Pepper

Wash and dry the mushrooms. Remove and finely chop the stems.

In a small skillet, sauté the garlic, onions, and vinegar for a minute. Add the chopped stems and soy sauce and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the chopped spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and the liquid is absorbed. Remove pan from heat, let cool a few minutes and stir in the yogurt cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Stuff the mushrooms.

Place the mushrooms in a baking pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Each mushroom has only 11 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates.

* To make yogurt cheese, place plain yogurt in a paper coffee filter suspended over a plastic container. Drain the yogurt in the refrigerator for 3 to 12 hours. The result is yogurt cheese.

If you have a recipe that you would like to share in future issues of this

newsletter, please send it to me at Barbara@wlscenter.com

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**Spreading the Word in Denver, CO**
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On Saturday December 14th, I spoke for Dr. Michael Snyder in Denver, CO. at the Adams Mark Hotel. What a great experience it was for me. Dr. Snyder is known for his candor, energy and his truly caring and close relationship that he has with his patients.

He is also known for his strong family ties. Naturally, the day that I spoke Mrs. Snyder was there along with their 2 little children. I received a wonderful compliment from Dr. Snyder's 4-year-old daughter, Sage. As I was speaking, apparently she turned to her father and said, "Wow, she's a good speaker, Daddy." If I can entertain a 4 year old, then I am happy!!! I look forward to returning hopefully this summer.

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**Poetry Corner**
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Untitled
by Karen Klotz

Somewhere inside me
hidden under layers
She
kicks
and screams
to get air.
She
can't stand to be locked inside me anymore.
I used to know her so well...
Now I can't even remember what her skin felt like...
How shiny and innocent her eyes were...
What she liked
Who she loved

It's not fair for me to end my life when
inside the body I'm killing
She
is held prisoner.
She waits to escape, waits to reclaim her life...
Waits to be dragged out of the darkness of
overgrown flesh
embarrassing rolls
stretch marks.