Dear Friends and Family of LapSF and the Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii,

This newsletter includes a couple of recipes for those who are looking for some new, yet simple, cooking ideas. Our readers are always looking for more ideas so if something works for you and you enjoy making it, send it our way so we can share it!

The Importance of Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is necessary for the body's metabolism of iron. If it is not present in adequate amounts in your body it can lead to iron deficiency anemia. It plays a key role in the function of the brain and nervous system. Dietary sources of Vitamin B12 are meats, eggs, and dairy products. Often Vitamin B12 is included in many multivitamins but it is additionally available in liquid, spray, sublingual pills, or injections. We recommend taking 500 micrograms daily via sublingual pills which are available over-the-counter and sold on our eStore. click here for our eStore

Pesto Egg Scramble Here's a new recipe to try. It is a different spin to your basic scrambled eggs. Give it a try and enjoy! Always feel free to send in any recipes that you like. Respond to this email and we'll share your ideas with others! 1. Spray a small pan with non-stick cooking spray. 2. In a small bowl crack an egg or add 1/4-1/2 cup of Egg Substitute from the carton. 3. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pesto (add more if you prefer) 4. Pour into pan to make scrambled eggs. 5. As eggs start to cook, add in a sprinkle of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese. 6. Add a small spoonful of salsa for flavor.

Turkey with Garlic Crock Pot Recipe Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs skinless, boneless turkey thighs 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 6 cloves garlic, left whole (smash and remove skin) 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon chopped parsley salt and pepper or lemon pepper to taste Directions: 1. Season turkey with salt and pepper or lemon pepper. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. 3. Add turkey thighs; brown for about 10 minutes. 4. Place turkey in crock pot and add remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until turkey thighs are cooked through. 5. Remove garlic cloves from pot. Mash a few and return to the slow cooker if desired. 6. Serve and enjoy. *The good part about crock-pot cooking is that you can make large quantities so you will have enough for the family, or save for meals later in the week.

Add Music to Boost Your Workout Bring music with you next time you are taking your outdoor walk or jog. Fill an MP3 player or a portable disc player with your favorite up-beat music to keep your workout energized! Feel like quitting?...stop watching the minutes and push yourself for 2 more songs to keep you going!

Start your vitamins before surgery! Three recent articles in our obesity journals have highlighted the fact that many obese individuals have vitamin deficiencies. Up to 30% of individuals tested had deficiencies in the following: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, zinc, folate and iron. Based on these recent results, we strongly recommend that all of our preoperative patients get started on vitamins right away. Start by taking a multivitamin (one with folate and iron) .

Seminars & Support Groups Maui Seminar & Support Group Thursday, March 5th from 7-9pm Maui Arts & Cultural Center (in the Alexa Higashi Room) 1 Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732 For more information, please call Nicole at 808.561.5511 Honolulu Seminar & Support Group Saturday, March 7th from 10am - 12pm Oahu Veteran's Center 1298 Kukila Street Kona Seminar & Support Group Monday, March 9th from 7-9pm Royal Kona Resort, 75-5852 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 *Kimberly Haweks, Personal Trainer will be attending* San Francisco Seminar & Support Group Monday, March 9th from 6-8pm 2351 Clay Street, Stanford Building, Room #309 *Amy Ingols, Registered Dietitian will be attending" Monterey Seminar & Support Group Monday, March 16th from 7-9pm Hyatt Regency Monterey 1 Old Golf Course Road San Jose Seminar & Support Group Wednesday, March 18th from 6-8pm Good Samaritan Hospital, 2425 Good Samaritan Drive in the teleconference trailers in the East parking lot. *Tara Griffith, MFT will be attending* Sacramento Seminar & Support Group Saturday, March 28th from 9-11am Red Lion Hotel at Arden Village, 1401 Arden Way Petaluma Seminar & Support Group Saturday, March 28th from 9am - 12pm Sheraton Sonoma County Petaluma, 745 Baywood Drive New Patient Seminar at 9am, Support Group at 10:30am *Amy Ingols, Registered Dietitian will be attending* Stockton Seminar & Support Group Saturday, March 28th from 1-3pm Courtyard Marriott 3252 West March Lane in Stockton Start time is 1pm. click here for calendar of events

Sincerely,
--The Team at Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco and the Surgical Weight Loss Center of Hawaii