If you're interested in learning more about the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Dr. Jossart and Dr. Cirangle have recently published an article entitled "Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Mid-term Weight Loss Results". You can read this article online by going to "BaratricTimes.com", scroll down and on the right hand side you'll see a link titled "Second International Consensus Summit on Sleeve Gastrectomy". You'll find their article in this journal.

One of the most important adjustments you’ll make during your post-operative transition is how you see your reflection in the mirror. If you’ve been overweight for a long time, it will be hard to wrap your brain around the new you. You may feel uncomfortable accepting compliments on your new figure from your family and friends. However, you will eventually need to stop thinking of yourself as obese, but rather as a slim, healthy person.
If you are one of the many post-operative patients who find it difficult to accept or believe compliments, here are a few tips.

First, start by giving yourself compliments. Write down 3 compliments to yourself every day. Putting compliments in writing is more difficult and also more compelling. This technique will also help you on those “blah” days when you’re feeling particularly unattractive or unmotivated.

Second, when getting a compliment from others, refuse the urge to say it isn’t true. Even if you believe that the compliment is off base – this is OK. Over time, as you don’t verbalize your self-critical thoughts, they will lessen.

Third, if you accidentally shoot down a compliment, make up for it. If it’s too tough for you to accept the compliment at first, respond by saying “Thanks for your interest” of “Thanks for your kind words.” These responses feel a little less like you’re agreeing with the flattering remark (which many say is the hardest part) yet they still acknowledge the other person for having given you the praise.

During the work week, many people resort to getting lunch from fast food, restaurants, take-out, the deli, or the work cafeteria. Keep in mind, however, that eating out can result in a higher calorie intake, poor food choices, and/or a lack of healthy food choices. You do not have to resort to eating out. It takes just a little bit of planning ahead, but its a healthier choice to bring your lunch to work. Here are some lunch ideas:

1. Make more at dinner time. Put leftovers in tupperware and bring for lunch the next day. This is sure to be quicker and more cost effective than eating out.

2. Make salads topped with luncheon meats, chicken, turkey, tuna, and cheese. *See last weeks newsletter for salad-building ideas. TIP: If you have fridge access at work, keep a bag of lettuce and container of salad dressing.

3. Tuna salad. Eat with lettuce, cucumbers or celery. Wrap in a low calorie tortilla or pita bread for a sandwich.

4. Microwaveable food such as frozen Turkey Meatballs or microwaveable veggies.

5. Instead of going for the candy bowl, keep healthy snacks on hand such as turkey jerky, reduced fat motzarella string cheese, or Dannon Light and Fit yogurt.

Dr. Jossart will now be seeing patients at a new office located in Novato. He'll be there 2 to 3 Fridays a month. The new office location:

101 Rowland Way, Suite 320
Novato, CA 94945
(office of Dr. Warvariv, Dr. Steady, Dr. Denigris)

The habit of snacking between meals, boredome, or that 3 o'clock lull at work can lead to dipping your hand in the tempting candy dish sitting on your co-workers desk. Keep in mind that each trip to the candy jar leads to unnecessary calories and CARBS. If you want a snack, try keeping it a controlled snack versus grazing.

Jelly Beans (10 beans)
= 40 calories, 10 grams of carb

M&M's (1 ounce)
= 142 calories, 20 grams of carb

Jolly Ranchers (3)
= 70 calories, 17 grams of carb

Mini Snickers (4)
= 170 calories, 21 grams of carb

Many people have chosen to avoid the candy jar all together or tell their co-worker to keep it out of sight to avoid temptation.

Kauai Seminar & Support Group
Thursday, August 6th from 7-9pm
Hilton Kauai Beach Resort
4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue in Ginger Room

Honolulu Seminar & Support Group
Saturday, August 8th from 10am-12pm
Oahu Veteran's Center
1298 Kukila Street, Honolulu 96818

San Francisco Seminar & Support Group
Monday, August 10th from 6-8pm
2100 Webster Street, Suite 106 in the Spivey Room
*Amy Ingols, RD to attend*

Kona Seminar & Support Group
Monday, August 10th from 6-8pm
Royal Kona Resort 75-5852 Alii Drive, in the Discovery Room
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Petaluma Seminar & Support Group
Saturday, August 15th from 9am-12pm
Sheraton Petaluma, Western Meadowlark Room
*Amy Ingols, RD & Tara Griffith, MFT to do a joint presentation on exercise, staying motivated, and postop maintenance. Q & A sessionto follow!*

San Jose Seminar & Support Group
Wednesday, August 26th from 6-9pm
2425 Samaritan Drive
Located in the teleconference trailers in the East parking lot of Good Samaritan Hospital.
*Personal Trainer from 24 Hour Fitness to attend! Be there at 7pm sharp for work out tips!*

Sacramento Seminar & Support Group
Saturday, August 29th from 9-11am
Red Lion Hotel at Arden Villiage, 1401 Arden Way

Stockton Seminar & Support Group
Saturday, August 29th from 1-3pm
The Residence Inn Mariott- Pacific Room
3240 West March Lane

Maui Seminar & Support Group
Thursday, September 10th from 7-9pm
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
1 Cameron Way, Kahului, in the Alexa Higashi Room

Hilo Seminar & Support Group
Monday, September 14th from 7-9pm
Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel
87 Banyan Drive, Leilani Room

Monterey Seminar & Support Group
Monday, September 21st from 7-9pm
Hyatt Regency Monterey
1 Old Golf Course Road

click here for calendar of events