Bariatric Surgery Success

Latest Episodes:

#155 7 Powerful Ways to IMMERSE Yourself in Your Bariatric Lifestyle Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

There’s something about a new year…a fresh start, a time to reboot or tweak areas of your life that need an adjustment or a redo. Any decision to change habits, especially nutrition and health ones, takes work, right? The bariatric lifestyle is no exception. There’s a lot to learn and to know how to deal with. So this year, my focus word is IMMERSE. Let’s use the word ‘immerse' an a mnemonic to look at seven powerful strategies you can put into place for a successful bariatric lifestyle.

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****Stop dumping syndrome from dumping on your day. FREEBIE

Are you feeling a little worn out from the holidays? Has the scale ticked up a few pounds and you’re not happy about it? Did you over indulge a bit and feel frustrated with where you are right now? That’s ok. You’re definitely not alone. But let’s get past the things of last year that want to haunt you and hold you back from your potential NOW.

I love a new year and today’s a new day. Let’s approach it with hope and openness as to what you can accomplish…your expectations. As I just mentioned, this year, my focus word is IMMERSE. It’s easy to remember so let’s use it as a mnemonic for seven strategies to make this YOUR year, to live a successful bariatric lifestyle. But let’s get past the things of last year that want to haunt you and hold you back from your potential NOW.

Let’s approach it with hope and openness as to what you can accomplish…your expectations. As I just mentioned, this year, my focus word is IMMERSE. It’s easy to remember so let’s use it as a mnemonic for seven strategies to make this YOUR year, to live a successful bariatric lifestyle.

In this episode we'll dive deep into IMMERSE:

I: individual

M: mix it up!

M: morph over time

E: expectations

R: reality check

S: set up for success

E: enough

#154 Shift from Talking to Walking-the-Walk after WLS Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

Here we are…about to wrap up another year and embark on a new one. Where do you find yourself right now? Are you just talking the talk when it comes to living out your bariatric lifestyle, wishing you could walk the walk? Our focus word for next year is ‘immersion’. Immersing yourself in the life you really want after weight loss surgery. Bariatric psychologist Dr. Connie and I are going to help you do just that. Dr. Connie joins me to help you immerse yourself into the new year…where you truly walk the walk and don’t just talk about it.

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Website: http://www.conniestapletonphd.com

BariAftercare: The Podcast; available on phone podcast apps, Apple podcasts and most other podcatchers

Mind Prep The Book: How To Prepare for Bariatric Surgery and Live as a Healthy Post-Op: Mind Prep: The Book

BariAftercare Daily Progress Journal

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*** Protein freebie with 10 tips that work every day

Today we’re preparing for the new year and helping you immerse yourself in the bariatric lifestyle where you truly walk the walk. There is so much more to this journey than just the surgical procedure. We want you to be successful now and long term.

Although many people have heard these phrases, let’s get clear about what we mean when we say… talking the talk versus walking the walk.

Listen in as we explain how to both talk the talk and walk the walk. We get specific with tips and ideas that work as you commit to the new year and new lifestyle. We also get specific about what doesn't work and why not. It's an in-depth discussion you don't want to miss today.

#153 Top 10 Bariatric Surgery Success Podcasts of 2023 Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Can you believe that 2023 is almost a wrap? Maybe you’re feeling like you haven’t accomplished all that you’re capable of this year or that you missed learning things that could help you on your journey. Well this part I can help with. Below, I'm sharing with you the top 10 podcasts from 2023. Pick and choose the ones that will help you right now or have a binge night and listen to a bunch of them.

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You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

*** Dumping Syndrome Freebie ***

Top 10 Podcast List:

EP 130 covers 7 things to know about Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss after surgery so you can ask smart questions. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/130-7-things-to-know-about-wegovy-ozempic-for-weight-loss-after-wls

Grab your digital note pad before you listen to EP 132. You’ll want to add these 15 tasty bariatric-friendly carbs to your meals

https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/132-15-bariatric-friendly-carbs-bariatric-nutrition-q-a

How about some bariatric-friendly foods that will help you fill up, but not fill you out? Listen to EP 133 for foods and tips on feeling more satisfied. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/133-bariatric-friendly-foods-that-fill-you-up-not-out

Don’t miss EP 129. Bariatric psychologist Dr. Connie joins me to help you deal with imposter syndrome. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/129-how-to-deal-with-imposter-syndrome-bariatric-mental-health-q-a

Listen to EP 131 and get the details on what fatty liver is, what it means to you and how diet can change it. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/131-does-weight-loss-surgery-help-with-fatty-liver

Bariatric psychologist Dr. Connie joins me on EP 134 to explain why relationships change after surgery and how to handle these changes. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/134-how-wls-affects-relationships-bariatric-mental-health-q-a

Bariatric dietitians Gayle and Isabel join me on EP 140 to answer your questions and explain why it’s beneficial to follow the 30-30 rule and for how long. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/140-do-you-really-need-to-follow-the-30-30-rule-bariatric-nutrition-q-a

Does turmeric have anti-inflammatory benefits for your body? What about in a supplement? Is it worth spending your money or not? EP 135 gives you the science-based facts on this popular spice. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/135-can-turmeric-help-with-inflammation

Dr. Connie joins me on EP 138 to talk about compulsive eating and how to deal with those feelings of guilt and shame. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/1-138-how-to-deal-with-guilt-and-shame-after-compulsive-eating-bariatric-mental-health-q-a

Do you think you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D since your surgery? How do you know? How much is enough? Bariatric dietitians Gayle and Isabel join me on EP 136 to make sense of it all, so you know what to do. https://www.breakingdownnutrition.com/blog/136-getting-enough-calcium-vit-d

#152: Conquering the Big C: Constipation after WLS Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Do you feel blocked up, you know, like there’s a cement block in your colon? What a pain, literally, constipation can be after bariatric surgery or any time. Bariatric dietitians Gayle and Isabel join me to share nutrition strategies that are specific to constipation to help prevent and relieve it…tips you don’t want to miss and can help you feel better.

Podcast Guests:

Bariatric Dietitian Isabel Maples, RD

Bariatric Coordinator

UVA Health in Haymarket, Virginia

Email: ggw5ud@uvahealth.org

Gayle Brazzi Smith MS, RDN, CSOWM, LDN

Registered & Licensed Dietitian

Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute

Orlando, FL

Email: gayle.brazzismith@orlandohealth.com

Website: OrlandoHealth.com/Bariatrics

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Mentioned in this podcast: Episode 132 15 Bariatric Friendly Carbs

Topics covered:

Do you think constipation varies with the type of surgery…do you think sleeve gastrectomy and lap band have more issues or what do you typically see?

Constipation can occur for a number of reasons. Run thru a checklist with me and ask yourself how many of these speak to you. Any or all of these items can increase the chance that you’re constipated.

Looking at constipation from the nutrition perspective Gayle, typically when do you start to increase the consumption of higher fiber vegetables, beans and lentils and do you have favorites to help prevent constipation?

Isabel, talk about the goal for fiber and what’s realistic. Plus secrets to help meet that fiber goal too.

Gayle, what about adding fiber supplements or a laxative when you feel block up? I’m not a big fan for rushing into this, are you?

Tip: start by adding high fiber foods slowly to avoid gas and bloating. As you add foods with fiber, increase your fluids…they are team mates. Spread fiber sources throughout the day versus loading up at one meal.

Gayle, is your protocol similar? Do you use a stool softener like Colace or a gentle laxative like Miralax?

#151 Thrive thru Thanksgiving with These 5 Tips Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

It’s here! The season of eatings, greetings and meetings. Kicking off with Thanksgiving. I can almost hear you moan as you say to me, “how do I survive Thanksgiving without weight regain? What do I eat without kicking in my cravings or imploding my nutrition plan that’s been working so well?” Ok, first thing. I hear you. Let’s change that word survive to thrive. You heard me right. I want you to thrive this Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season. I have 5 strategies to help you do just that…let’s get started.

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Recipe Mentioned in Podcast:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Clusters

EP on Alcohol

EP 30 Bariatric Surgery and Alcohol Buzz: What You Need to Know

Today's episode covers:

permission to eat treats and desserts...what this means for you

a go-to dessert and why

sleep and hunger; why a nap is so important

how to prevent the hangry takeover

your action plan for success

#150 Dealing with Food, Grief and Transition after Bariatric Surgery Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

Wayne asked me to do a podcast on food, grief and transition. I bet you haven’t thought about these three going together. But ask yourself, are you dealing with any grief that might be tied to your surgery? Have you thought about how grief might be related to what you choose to eat and to the transition you’re going thru? Whether you’re preparing for surgery now or have already gone thru it, food, grief and transition typically get skipped over but taking a look at them can really be insightful to your success. Bariatric psychologist Dr. Connie joins me to dig into how grief is tied to food choices and to your transition. You don’t want to miss this.

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Website: http://www.conniestapletonphd.com

BariAftercare: The Podcast; available on phone podcast apps, Apple podcasts and most other podcatchers

Mind Prep The Book: How To Prepare for Bariatric Surgery and Live as a Healthy Post-Op: Mind Prep: The Book

BariAftercare Daily Progress Journal

Let me remind you to listen to EP 80, 3 benefits of the MIND Diet. Find out specifically what brain-health foods are so you can add them to your diet. EP 80: 3 benefits of the MIND Diet

Topics we cover in this episode:

Why do you think that grief, transition and then the tie to stress eating and food, seem to be left out of the discussion…what are some of the reasons?

Does everyone experience grief following surgery and I’m getting really specific here…grief as it relates to the loss of food, or certain foods, that they no longer or should no longer eat? I can see both sides for you may also be thrilled after surgery that you may no longer be as focused on food.

Do you think feeling grief over the loss of food is a “normal” part of the process following bariatric surgery?

When you say ‘label it’ do you mean call it out, call it grief and deal with it?

Let’s talk thru the TRANSITION that takes place after surgery…there’s a lot to we don’t think about…

a. Physical… transformation

b. Biological … internally… hormones…

c. Emotional… confidence…

d. Social…

e. Spiritual for some people

This might sound like an odd question but is the transformation process usually a happy time or a difficult time for people?

How long does this transition stage following surgery typically last?

#149 Just Add Mushrooms: 7 Bariatric-Friendly Benefits Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

I’m going to give you several hints and I want you to guess the vegetable…ready? It’s good for your immune system, fat free, low in calories, cholesterol free, gluten free, very low in sodium and may contain vitamin D depending on how it’s grown. What is it? What’s your guess? If you guessed the mighty mushroom, you’re right. There are at least seven big benefits to adding mushrooms to your bariatric-friendly lifestyle.

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Be sure and try our recipe for Magic Mushroom Burgers

Did you know that mushrooms are technically not vegetables? They’re included with vegetables in nutrition education but scientifically are classified as fungi. They have no leaves, roots or seeds and don’t need light to grow, so they are not a true vegetable. However, the United States Department of Agriculture or USDA considers mushrooms a vegetable when educating because they have so many of the same nutrition attributes as other veggies. So botanically they are a fungi and considered a vegetable for nutrition.

To look at mushrooms, you wouldn’t necessarily think of them as a nutrition powerhouse but don’t be fooled. Let’s look at seven health benefits to your body of adding mushrooms to your diet. And I’m talking about all varieties such as white button, crimini, portabella, shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane and oyster.

I'll cover topics including:

UV light and Vitamin D

prebiotics, gut bacteria

nutritional benefits

valuable nutrients including selenium and your immune system

sodium and blood pressure

umami the fifth taste

how to prevent GI distress from mushrooms

recipe for Magic Mushroom Burgers

#148: 5 Nutrition “Must Knows” for Weight Loss Drugs and Bariatric Surgery Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

It’s the dawn of a new era. First it was Ozempic and Wegovy and now there are more new weight loss drugs. They may be even better at treating obesity and achieving weight loss while also helping manage other diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. With some clinical trials promising weight loss of 20%, interest in these medications has skyrocketed! Along with the excitement of these new medications as hybrid treatments with bariatric surgery, there are side effects and nutrition concerns that you should be aware of and know how to handle. Bariatric dietitians Gayle and Isabel join me to share nutrition strategies specific to weight loss medications and bariatric surgery that you don’t want to miss and can empower your success.

Podcast Guests:

Bariatric Dietitian Isabel Maples, RD

Bariatric Coordinator

UVA Health in Haymarket, Virginia

Email: ggw5ud@uvahealth.org

Gayle Brazzi Smith MS, RDN, CSOWM, LDN

Registered & Licensed Dietitian

Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute

Orlando, FL

Email: gayle.brazzismith@orlandohealth.com

Website: OrlandoHealth.com/Bariatrics

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

We go in-depth on the podcast and look at 5 nutrition ‘must knows’ and how to deal with them:

nausea and vomiting
constipation
loss of appetite
protecting your muscle mass
bariatric supplements to prevent malnutrition

#147 How to Find the Added Sugars in your Food Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Ok, what do you think? How many teaspoons of sugar does the average soda contain? What’s your guess? Try 8-12 teaspoons of sugar per soda. Shocking isn’t it? Just for the heck of it, grab your sugar bowl and a teaspoon. Measure out 8-12 teaspoons. Can you believe that one average soda has that pile of sugar in it? I want to share with you how to find all the added sugars in your food.

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Freebie: I developed a tip sheet to help you find the added sugars in your food using some of the tips we talk about today. Here’s the link for you to grab your free copy https://bit.ly/36YvdfQ

Did you know that added sugars are basically empty calories? What the heck is an empty calorie? It means that the sugar provides you only calories and zero…zilch when it comes to providing any nutrition benefit to the maintenance of the body. Typically, added sugars are used as flavor enhancers and preservatives. And, don’t miss this…their carbohydrate-dense nature makes them a trigger for dumping syndrome.

Topics covered in this episode:

Science 101 of carb basics

Added sugars versus naturally occurring sugars

Glucose use in the body/brain

How to read the Nutrition Facts label

Ingredient list, what to look for

How to convert grams of sugar to teaspoons

Many names for sugar

#146 What’s the Difference between a Distorted Body Image & Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

Do you worry and obsess about how you look? Over something in your appearance that bugs you, but yet to others, is minor or not even noticed? Does it bother you so much that you can’t stop thinking about it? Maybe you feel so anxious about it, that you even avoid social situations. Bariatric psychologist Dr. Connie joins me to explain the difference between a distorted body image and body dysmorphic disorder. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Visit Procarenow.com for all of your vitamin, calcium and protein needs. Use Code: Susan10 to save 10%

You can share the message of hope, healing and transformation with your purchase from NewHopeGirls.com Use code TRANSFORM to save 15%

Website: http://www.conniestapletonphd.com

BariAftercare: The Podcast; available on phone podcast apps, Apple podcasts and most other podcatchers

Mind Prep The Book: How To Prepare for Bariatric Surgery and Live as a Healthy Post-Op: Mind Prep: The Book

BariAftercare Daily Progress Journal

Questions that Dr. Connie and I discuss in this episode:

People talk about having body dysmorphic disorder after bariatric surgery as they lose weight quickly and no longer recognize the person they see in the mirror. But is this an accurate description of what body dysmorphic disorder or BDD is?
I want to focus on the words ‘imagined defects’. Other people don’t notice this issue while you totally obsess over it. This is specific to BDD, right?
What are the main causes of BDD?
Let’s look closely at some of the warning signs that you might have body dysmorphic disorder.
Dr. Connie, what symptoms do you most frequently see in your practice?
What about muscle dysmorphia in men?
At the beginning of our chat, I mentioned that people lose weight quickly after WLS and often struggle to recognize their smaller body as their own. This is NOT body dysmorphic disorder. What do you call it?
How would you describe the differences then between BDD and distorted body image?
How does treatment vary between the two and what type of help should you seek?
What important message do you want to leave us with?

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