WLS Center E-Newsletter

A FREE publication from
http://www.WLScenter.com

Hosted by Barbara Thompson
Author of:
Weight Loss Surgery:
Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You.

Hello Everyone,
Our number of subscribers for this newsletter is almost at 10,000. That’s a huge number.  But even with so many people, I often think of you as 10,000 of my closest friends. I have gotten to meet many of you from my speaking events.  And those I haven’t met, many of you are in my Internet Mentoring Program. And there are others that I occasionally correspond with over email.

I say 10,000 of my closest friends, because I am always so touched at how many of you are willing to open your heart to me and through me to all of the other subscribers. Four weeks ago I asked for stories from people who are having trouble with alcohol following surgery.  I received many responses to this very personal question.  I hope you will enjoy the article on this topic below.

In This Issue

* Barbara Thompson Speaking in Pittsburgh PA
* Alcoholism Following Weight Loss Surgery
* Oprah Magazine Article
* Attention Nurses
* Walk From Obesity
* Recipe: Tomatillo and Chile Pepper Salsa Salad
* Success Story: Emily from Boise

Contact me at Barbara@WLScenter.com or 412-851-4195.

This recipe comes from the American Heart Association.  Serve it with grilled chicken for a very tasty meal.

Tomatillo and Chile Pepper Salsa Salad

1 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber
3 ounces tomatillos, finely chopped (or substitute tomatoes)
1 1/2 ounce reduced-fat Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cut into ¼ inch cubes
1 medium Anaheim pepper, seeded and ribs removed, finely chopped (or substitute ½ medium green bell pepper)
1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro (or substitute parsley)
2 Tablespoons finely chopped green onions (white and green parts)
3 to 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Serves 4
Nutritional information for each serving:
47 calories, 4 g. carbs, 4 g protein

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

I want to offer Emily from Boise special thanks. Here is her story:

It has been just over a year since my laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and even though I have not yet met my goal weight, I know that it is no longer impossible and that I will get there in time.  This hopefulness and sense of accomplishment have probably been the biggest differences in my life, as I never had much of either before March 15, 2005. 

As busy as my life is, I sometimes have to stop and remind myself what has actually happened to me.  I tend to just move forward with whatever is going on in my life.  I don't dwell, but neither do I stop to celebrate or appreciate.  I will need to learn to do more of that. I am very reflective, however, and as I look back over the past year, I can’t even compare my life now to the life I had before.  I don't think it's something I can put into words, but I feel I owe it to myself to try.

I was 30 years old on the day of my surgery, but I believe that I never really lived until just recently.  It wasn't instantaneous; and I'm still learning how to live each and every day.  Yet, I'm reminded every day by those that know me of just how far I've come.

I weighed 375 pounds at my highest.  My story is every other morbidly obese person's story.  While it's personal and unique, the commonality still remains in the experiences.  I dieted and failed.  I hid, I hurt, I denied.  I used food for comfort and so on and so on.  I deliberately left a job that I loved for a job that had insurance which I knew would cover the surgery.  I sought and gained employment with the company, selected my benefits and waited.  It took 9 months before I submitted anything to the insurance company.  I was approved the first time, no questions.  I had surgery three weeks later.  It happened very fast for me and I know how lucky I am to have had it go so smoothly.  I remained employed with that company for eight months following the surgery and then returned to my former job, cutting hair.

The surgery itself was without complication.  My uncle died two days before I went into the hospital and his funeral was the day after I was released.  I made it to the funeral.  In a way, the focus on saying goodbye to him helped me to keep all things in perspective.  He was an alcoholic and died home alone.  He didn't take care of his body and it failed.  I was doing the same thing in another way.  I found it very symbolic.  I only wish that he reached for help when he needed it as I decided to.  His struggle was profoundly different, but just as harmful.  I miss his humor.

It is very true when people say that your body changes but you just become more of who you really always were, yet could not be.  That is either because you were limited physically or limited emotionally and spiritually.  I was all of the above.

I find myself doing things for the first time each and every day.  It might be deciding to eat something I never thought I would like, to an activity that I couldn't formerly participate in.  People do treat me differently which has been an eye-opening occurrence.  I never would have been able to understand just how it felt unless I was able to see both sides.  Now I see just how invisible others can make you feel even if you're the largest thing in the room.  People didn't look me in the eyes or start a random conversation with me in the grocery line.  I could see the look on some faces at times as I would introduce myself before cutting their hair --  unmistakable dread.  I don't necessarily believe it to be just because I was overweight.  Quite possibly, I am treated differently because I look and feel differently.  Regardless, I wouldn't ever treat any person how I was sometimes treated as an overweight person.

I suppose that I should mention a few statistics, aside from showing the photos.  Where I am today is 175 pounds less, coming in at an even 200.  The day I'm in the 100's is near and honestly, I can't wait.  I was in a 52/54 shirt and pants both, and now 16 shirt/ 18 pants -- darn hips!  Luckily, I'm tall.  My goal is 165 pounds but I'm finding that looking and feeling better is more important than any specific number.

Physically, I will never be that person again, though in my mind, I will always and forever be that same fat girl.  Those thoughts and feelings shape who you are as a person and losing weight doesn't just transform you into someone else.  It can either hold you back or set you free; and I feel truly free.

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Barbara for her book and for the work she is doing to help each of us on our journey to become the thin person inside of us.  You are deeply appreciated.

Emily from Boise, Idaho

Congratulations Emily

I love good news.  If you have good news, a success story to share, or inspiration, please send it to me at Barbara@WLScenter.com so that I can include it in future issues.