November support group was a great event! 6 patients shared their journey through weight-loss surgery, and the lessons they have learned, more on those below. Those in attendance also made this event a memorable one, as many stories were shared about participating in their first race, The Walk From Obesity, 5K’s, one was a half marathon! If you missed out this year, we’re planning next years event to be even bigger and better (if that’s even possible, I promise it really was that good!)

Before I post the handout that was available Wednesday night, I want to post about the next combined event. This is scheduled for March and will be the Makeover Event, A New, A New You. We are excited for this event, as it was a fun event last year. I will keep everyone updated with more details on our website homepage and our facebook page .

“Lessons Learned”

Aimme learned…

Build a support system. This should include people who are apart of your daily life; such as family, friends and co-workers.

Don’t get stuck in a rut. It may become easy to stick with a few choice foods that you tolerate well. Learn to expand and try new (on plan) items. Change it up! You’ll start dreading meals or your exercise routine if it’s the same thing you’ve been doing.

Aimme Waters
Duodenal Switch 2011
Blog: www.watersweight.blogspot.com
E-Mail: waterswife@gmail.com
Phone: 801-792-1092
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sean learned…

Break old habits. The magical 18-24 month weight loss journey is the perfect time to break old habits and form new ones. Stop looking to replace popcorn, fudgesicles or other foods that you loved pre-surgery. Those were the foods that got you here, now is the time to learn to eat different, better foods.

Learn how to deal with stress differently. Habits are cycles of behavior that only go away when you replace them with something else. Finding a hobby (such as exercise), other than eating, that allows you to effectively deal with your stress is important.

Sean Joyce
Gastric Bypass 2007
Blog: www.seanstransformation.blogspot.com
E-Mail: sean_joyc@yahoo.com

Joe learned…

Follow the program. Don’t rationalize, don’t cheat (you’ve been doing that your whole life)!  Be psychologically committed.  Your change is not temporary.

Find new ways to enjoy food, research new recipes. I can still enjoy food, I just do it differently now, and in smaller portions, but food is still allowed to be yummy.

Joe Christensen
Gastric Band 2010
Blog: www.thevoiceofjoe.blogspot.com 

Tyson learned…

Build an environment where you can succeed. Talk to everyone who plays a significant role in your life. Make sure they are prepared to make a change with you. No matter what, you’re going to experience some frustration about food that you’ll have to own and deal with, but, if you can get your friends and family aligned with you and your lifestyle change, that frustration will be so much more manageable.

Commit to changing your relationship with food forever. You have to be mentally prepared to continue your diet when cravings return. If you start cheating, it will only trigger more cravings, which is a slippery slope.  To help prevent this, try to find new low-carb, high protein recipes and foods that will help you keep your meals interesting.

Tyson Waters
Duodenal Switch 2011
E-Mail: Tyson@myheck.net
RMAP Forum: TysonDUB
Phone: 801-234-0447                                                                                                                                          

Chris Learned…

Get into a routine of daily exercise. Appreciate what you can do now, don’t overwhelm yourself with what others are doing. Set goals for yourself and enjoy what your body can do for you.

Weight-loss surgery is just a tool. You hear RMAP say that, but it really is just a tool in weight control, not a cure. Listen to your surgeon and staff, they can be a huge part of your support system, where you can ask questions or find advice.

Chris Stevenson
Gastric Bypass 2011
E-Mail: benevations@gmail.com
Phone: 801-791-9933                                                                                                                                   

Jeanette learned…

Enjoy the compliments. They will come and practice receiving them with grateful acknowledgement – don’t make light of your accomplishment. You’ve worked hard to get where you are today.

This is my journey. No matter how many people are supporting you, you are the one taking each step of your journey. Keep a journal about your journey. I found inspirational books and quotes really helpful, they helped me stay focused and committed.

Jeanette Marsh
Gastric Bypass 2011
RMAP Forums: Dollygrandma
Blog: www.dollygrandma-weightlossjourney.blogspot.com
E-Mail:dollygrandma6@hotmail.com
Phone: 801-875-3137      

Thank you to our panel who made this support group a great learning and inspiring event, along with those in attendance who shared their story. If you are interested in sharing your story please contact Carley at Carley.Mills@rmapinc.com

Our 2009 support group year has come and gone and we would love your feedback! From speakers like plastic surgeons and licensed clinical social workers, to activities like Walk From Obesity, what did you enjoy most? What did you find most beneficial? What improvements would you make to our support group for 2010?

For December’s support group, attendance was not as desirable. Was it the busy holidays interfering with the schedule? Was it the weather? Was it the topic (Clothing Exchange)? Or was it all of the above? As we look to 2010 and new changes that can be made, your input is vital.

However, one idea was further solidified during support group this month: Support from peers is vital. Whether it’s 5, 20, or 40 patients in attendance, knowing that you can interact with others who know exactly what you are going through is of great importance. We so value the efforts made by our patients this month to come and feel the support of others and RMAP. We strongly encourage you to make a new resolution to make support group a constant in your life!

E-mail your responses to Meredith@rmapinc.com

The reason why Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians (RMAP) has been performing weight loss surgery for 30 years all comes down to one thing: Success seen in our patients. It is why the surgeries are becoming better recognized as necessary procedures throughout our world; it is what keeps our medical practice running; and it is why we love what we do at RMAP.

Success can be defined in many ways, and to different degrees, but the ultimate definition stems from HAPPINESS received. And the support groups in Orem, Ogden, and Salt Lake City all offered their HAPPINESS from personal success stories.

Our patients’ success:

• Fitting into clothes that haven’t seen the light of day since college. Or even fitting into size 14 of the little girl’s department!
• Running and playing with children, nephews, and nieces.
• Coming off of all diabetic, blood pressure, cholesterol, and sleep apnea (etc) medications/devices
• Flying on an airplane for the family’s annual vacation.
• Motivation to go to nursing school (Hooray for nurses! I am not biased or anything…)
• Seeing a 100 pound bag of potatoes during Idaho’s harvest and realizing that “bag” has been lost from the body.
• Being able to cross the legs when sitting, and not even think twice.
• Changing their family’s health: Teenage daughter losing 14 pounds simultaneously from healthier habits being established
• Has learned to love exercise. Yes, physical activity is now fun!

I cannot speak for all in attendance, but I certainly walked away from support group this month feeling buoyed and grateful for the opportunity to work with people who are changing their lives. Thank you for those who attended, for sharing a piece of yourself. It was rewarding and inspiring.

Many of you have come so far. And I look forward to seeing those same changes in patients to come. Enjoy this journey!

Meredith Mangum, RN

October’s support group has come and gone, but we hope the inspiration gained and information learned has stayed with you. The topic for the month was Vitamins and Minerals, with the discussion led by our three surgeons. Dr. Smith attended Orem, Dr. McKinlay visited Ogden, and Dr. Simper remained in Salt Lake. 

Topic: Vitamins and Minerals. The hope was to remind you what supplementation is needed, and WHY it is needed. We have 30 years of good data on gastric bypass patients specifically, and those who supplement do not have deficiencies. So, as a reminder, our recommended supplementation regimen is as follows:

1) Multivitamin: One/day, we don’t recommend a certain brand, but do know that Centrum is a popular one amongst our patients. For about two weeks after surgery, this pill should be chewable or liquid. Taking children’s vitamins is okay, as long as you take two pills (or the recommended adult dose as indicated on the bottle). Using a gummy bear multivitamin is okay, but do be aware of extra added sugar. Take it at a time that can become habit for you.

2) Vitamin B-12: 500-1,000 mcg/day. Take sublingually (a small pill that is placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream) daily or by intra-muscular injections, monthly. Take at a time that can become habit for you.

 3) Calcium: 1,200mg (pre-menopausal) — 1,500mg (post-menopausal) daily, but it is best to take in smaller doses 3x/day. Hence, 400-500mg 3x/day (at each meal). Do not take your calcium supplement until you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water. For the first two weeks after surgery, this pill will need to be chewable. Calcium Chews are okay to use, but be aware of any extra added sugar.

4) Iron: This may be prescribed by your surgeon at a later date, if needed. Usually only needed by menstruating women. Take at a time that can become habit for you, but with one stipulation: Iron must be taken at least 2 hours apart from the calcium supplement. They compete for absorption sites.

Not only was it a successful discussion on the assigned topic, but it was a good chance for our patients to connect with one another and get answers to questions that have arised since last month’s support group. I was able to attend to Salt Lake City’s group and so enjoyed meeting with our patients on a more personal level.

Look forward to seeing you next month! I need everybody’s participation, as the topic for November is:

            Success Stories. Bring your own success story to share and learn from others’  life changing experiences.

The annual Walk from Obesity was held Saturday, August 29^th, 2009 at West Jordan’s Veteran Memorial Park! The focus was on childhood obesity awareness, research, and prevention. We had about 60 participants, including several members from RMAP: Bette (Receptionist), Paula (Patient Advocate), Alicia (Dietitian), and Dr. McKinlay (Surgeon, duh!).

Best of all, we had many patients attend. A BIG shout out to those who gave up their Saturday morning to participate in this important event! We thank you!

Alicia had the following to say about the event,

“It was fun! Lots of kids and kid activity. I have a few ideas for next year to help us be more interactive with the population that will be there such as nutrition and activity games.”

Of course there are always things we can improve upon. The committee will be meeting at the end of September to discuss the Walk and to start planning for next year! We hope to make this an event that people will put on their calendar as something to look forward to! 

All proceeds from the event will go to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), as well as the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) for obesity research.

Come on ya’ll, let’s not just talk the walk, but walk the walk!

From the Orem Support Group, BYU football player Parker Mangum focused on finding your motivation for exercise, deemed as your “why” for being physically active.

We so often view exercise as something painful, difficult, sweaty, and energy-depleting, when, in fact, it can be quite the opposite. When you find your “why,” exercise can become meaningful, enjoyable, and energy-building. Here are some of the following “why’s” of fellow RMAP patients: 

• Be healthy enough to play with my kids
• Live a healthy life to see my children grow up
• Lower my blood pressure, pulse, and cholesterol
• Lose more weight
• Increase muscle and muscle tone
• Be a good example to my children
• Help clear my mind and focus on eating healthy 

Despite common stigmas, exercise does not have to be an arduous ordeal: We feel we must always dress in the appropriate gear, drive to the gym, run myself ragged on the treadmill, and drive back home. Exercise can be simple, quick, and just as beneficial.

Try this: Finish your dinner, stay in the same clothes, grab your children or your dog, and walk for 30 minutes in your neighborhood. When you come back home, the last thing on your mind is food, and it will promote a better night’s sleep.

If walking is not your Modus Operandi, find an activity that works for you: swimming, or even walking in a pool, running, water aerobics, join a city league softball team, rollerblading, riding a bike, or using an arm “bike” machine. After you have exercised, do you ever regret it?

Brian Sabey, a Physical Therapist, from the Salt Lake Orthopedic Clinic at Support Group in Salt Lake City, mentioned that if you do even 20% of the ideal amount of exercise, you still achieve 80% of the benefits. That is a pretty good rate of return!

Parallel to weight loss surgery, exercise is a lifestyle change. It is not a crash diet, or a temporary fix. Find a routine that is enjoyable and can be maintained for life. Strive to find your motivation, your “why” for exercise. If you struggle with that task, fake it ‘til you make it.

Enjoy this journey.