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Medical tourism—especially for bariatric surgery—can feel overwhelming. These are the seven concerns I hear day after day… and the real solutions no one talks about. 1. “Is it safe to have surgery abroad?” Yes—when your hospital is nationally certified and your surgeon is vetted. This is where my work becomes essential. I personally audit, certify,
🏥 2025 Price Check: What Patients Actually Pay in Mexico Author: Sheri Burke | Nutritionist & Medical Tourism Concierge Publisher: International Patient Facilitators (IPF) November 11, 2025 Medical travel to Mexico keeps rising in 2025 thanks to faster access, stronger safety standards, and predictable pricing. Below are realistic, line-by-line ranges from IPF’s vetted partner clinics,
The new year is approaching — and with it comes that beautiful, powerful energy of fresh starts, self-investment, and personal evolution. If you’ve been thinking about cosmetic surgery as part of your transformation journey, I’ve created a special opportunity for you to take the leap with guidance, support, and sisterhood For years, I’ve helped clients travel for
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I wear a few hats — but they all come from the same heart. Whether I’m helping someone board a plane for bariatric surgery in Tijuana, answering panicked calls from expats in Mexico who suddenly need an MRI, or reminding post-op patients to please take their vitamins,
My Vitamins Taste Better Than Yours Let’s talk about something we all know but don’t always admit: if your vitamins taste gross, you’re probably not going to take them. And if you don’t take them, they don’t work. Simple, right? So why are so many bariatric patients forcing themselves to swallow giant chalky pills that
Your Mexico Expat Plan: From “What If?” to “I’m Covered” Let’s be honest: we didn’t move to Mexico to memorize hospital maps. We came for sunshine, freedom, and a simpler life. But real life still happens. I’m Sheri, and through Mexico Medical Members (MMM) and International Patient Facilitators (IPF) I help expats turn that nagging
Why Bariatric Patients Should Choose Gummies Over Pills Recovering from bariatric surgery is a lifelong journey, and the foundation of that journey is proper nutrition. One of the most critical steps after surgery is ensuring you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. But here’s the truth: not all vitamins are created
Let’s talk about something that’s not super glamorous… but super important: nutritional support after bariatric surgery. I know — you didn’t have surgery so you could talk about iron absorption and B12 deficiency. You had surgery to change your life, feel better in your body, and finally walk up a flight of stairs without needing
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Bariatric surgery may change the size of your stomach, but it doesn’t change the fact that real food is your best ally. Eating whole, unprocessed foods not only supports weight loss but also helps you feel your best. Start by prioritizing protein. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins should take center stage on your
Every bariatric journey has its ups and downs, and hitting a stall can feel like a big bump in the road. If you’ve been working hard and the scale refuses to budge, don’t panic—you’re not alone. Stalls are a normal part of the weight-loss process and often mean your body is adjusting. The first thing
If you’re feeling stuck after bariatric surgery, don’t lose hope. Shoot me an email, and let’s get you back on track together. Did you have bariatric surgery and almost reach your goal, only to find yourself stuck at a frustrating plateau? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not stuck forever. Weight loss can be tricky, especially
Dear Bariatric Clients, To kick off the grilling season, I’ve curated a special menu of delicious and healthy grilling recipes just for you! 🌟🥗 Who can resist fresh veggies and lean proteins sizzling on the grill, seasoned to perfection? 🍅🍗 Enjoy these tasty and nutritious options as you celebrate the joys of outdoor cooking. Bon
The Low-Carb Movement: Are We Sacrificing Nutrition for Carbs? In recent years, the low-carb movement has gained significant traction, with many individuals adopting low-carb diets in pursuit of weight loss and improved health. While reducing sugar intake can indeed offer numerous health benefits, the extent to which some individuals are willing to go to lower
Hey Bariatric Warriors! I’ve created 12 meal and snack ideas for those people who are having a hard time eating meat/ chicken/ fish. These recipes have a solid amount of protein, taste great and will have you eating real food that comes out of your own kitchen. Enjoy HERE If you make one or any
Hello, to all my bariatric clients! Today, let’s dive into the world of meal planning and prepping—a game-changer for your post-surgery journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, fear not! I’m here to guide you through the process with enthusiasm and support. Embrace the Advantages I want to kick things
Hey there! Ready to cozy up with some delicious soups and stews this February? I’ve got you covered with my 10 bariatric-friendly recipes that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor! From hearty classics to creative twists, these dishes are sure to warm your heart and keep you feeling satisfied. So,
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending
Embarking on a bariatric journey is a profound commitment to health and well-being. While nutritional choices play a significant role, the synergy between a mindful diet and regular movement is a powerhouse for long-term success. In this blog, let’s explore the importance of “moving more” and how finding joy in physical activity can be a
Let’s eat! I’ve prepared a one-week menu and food plan for you to follow.This is a one-week plan but you can easily follow it for a few weeks. It is high in protein and low in sugar. It is a menu that follows my “whole, live, fresh, natural, good quality food” ideology.
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
As we bid farewell to the past and stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect, reset, and rekindle the flame of determination on our bariatric journey. The turning of the calendar brings not just a new year but a canvas of opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and triumphs.
In the transformative journey of bariatric surgery, there are days that challenge us more than others. On those tough days, having a mantra—a guiding phrase or affirmation—can be a powerful tool to navigate the hurdles and keep moving forward. Let’s explore five motivational mantras that can serve as beacons of inspiration on your bariatric journey.
Greetings, Bariatric Warriors! Whether you’re on the cusp of a life-changing bariatric surgery or navigating the post-op landscape, there’s one nutritional hero that deserves a spotlight: Protein! Think of it as your sidekick on this incredible journey towards a healthier, happier you. Why Protein, You Ask? Muscle Marvels: Pre-op or post-op, maintaining
Thanksgiving is more than a feast; it’s a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and for those on a bariatric journey, it’s an opportunity to embrace gratitude for the transformative path they’ve chosen. As we gather around tables filled with gratitude and traditional dishes, let’s explore the spirit of Thanksgiving and how
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, a feast. For those who have undergone bariatric surgery, navigating social events like Thanksgiving can bring unique challenges. However, with a bit of planning and mindful choices, you can enjoy the holiday without compromising your health goals. **1. Plan Your Plate: Before filling your plate,
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Navigating the Journey Bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision that goes beyond just physical transformation. It also involves a profound emotional journey. Let’s explore the emotional aspects of bariatric surgery with suggestions on how to navigate this transformative process. The Decision The decision to pursue bariatric surgery is not one that is taken
Hello, my wonderful bariatric clients, In the journey towards better health and wellness, protein is the cornerstone of success for many of us. Protein shakes have become an essential part of our daily routine, aiding us in meeting our protein goals. But not all protein shakes are created equal. Today, let’s explore the importance
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
In the realm of bariatric health, the journey to comprehend vital nutrients often leads to questions about one powerful player: Vitamin D. Today, it’s my plan to simplify the significance of this sunshine vitamin and its critical role in the context of bariatric health. Why Vitamin D Matters: Vitamin D is like a supportive friend
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Hello, friends and bariatric warriors, I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits on your unique journeys to wellness. Today, I want to delve into a topic that has personally resonated with me – mindful eating. When you embark on the path of bariatric surgery, you make a profound
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending
If you need any assistance with bariatric recipes or food plans, download the App “Bariatric Expert”. I’ve uploaded free recipes and menus to help you along your journey with all the macronutrient breakdowns there to support you and your goals. Navigating the path of bariatric surgery involves making conscious choices that support your health
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending
Embarking on a bariatric journey is a transformative experience, and one that requires dedicated attention to your health and well-being. One critical aspect often overlooked is the role of vitamins and minerals in supporting your post-surgery success. Today, we’re delving into the importance of vitamin D3 for bariatric patients, and I’m excited to introduce you
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with
I invite you to give my “Bariatric One Pan Meal Plan” a try. It boasts a high protein content and is ideally portioned for the bariatric pouch. This approach not only minimizes food waste but also trims down your grocery expenses. Additionally, we’ll prepare a surplus for the following day’s lunch, streamlining your cooking
Embarking on a bariatric journey is a transformative experience, and one of the key components of success lies in how we nourish our bodies. It’s not just about what you eat, but how you approach every eating opportunity. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of making the most of your meals by choosing nutrient-dense
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Bariatric Journey Bumps: Embarking on a bariatric journey is a courageous decision that can bring significant positive changes to one’s life. However, it’s normal to face challenges along the way, such as weight regain. If you’ve experienced this setback, know that you’re not alone. In this supportive blog, we’ll explore practical and compassionate strategies to
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with
Embarking on a bariatric journey is a life-changing decision for individuals struggling with obesity. While vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) has shown remarkable success, some individuals opt for revision surgery, transitioning to the mini gastric bypass (MGB). In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this choice and how revision surgery can offer renewed
Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Tips for Dining Out and Events Embarking on a bariatric surgery journey can bring about significant changes in your lifestyle, including how you approach social situations involving food. Dining out at restaurants or attending events with friends and family may require some adjustments post-surgery. In this blog, we will explore helpful tips to navigate
One Pan Cheesy Tomato Zucchini - Bariatric Edition 8 Ozs Pork Sausage (casing remove)Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)4 Garlic (clove, minced)1/4 Tsp Chili Flakes2 Cups Tomato Sauce4 Zucchini (large, thinly sliced lengthwise)2 Cups Baby Spinach (chopped)3/4 Cup Cottage Cheese4 Ozs Mozzarella Cheese (grated, divided) Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once
Emotional eating is a common challenge that many individuals face, including those who have undergone bariatric surgery. Bariatric patients often experience a significant transformation in their relationship with food after surgery, and addressing emotional eating becomes crucial for long-term success. Let’s explore effective strategies to help manage emotional eating and maintain a healthy lifestyle
Stronger Together: The Significance of Solidarity in Weight Loss Surgery Embarking on a weight loss surgery journey can be both challenging and life-changing. It involves significant physical and emotional adjustments, making it crucial to have a strong support system in place. One form of support that stands out is the power of solidarity, where
Getting Back on Track with Your Diet: Embracing the Basics We all have those moments when our diet veers off course, leaving us feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. However, it’s important to remember that a few bad days of eating don’t define your entire journey. By returning to the basics and refocusing on healthy choices,
The Power of Simple Healthy Habits: A Guide for Bariatric Clients Embarking on a journey towards weight loss and overall well-being can feel daunting, but the key to success lies in the power of simple healthy habits. For bariatric clients, adopting and maintaining these habits becomes even more critical. By focusing on small, sustainable
Strategies to Curb Your Sweet Tooth As bariatric patients, you all understand how wonderful it is to feel the freedom of not being chained to the fridge. It truly is freedom, not to feel hungry all of the time. You cruise along on the post-op pink cloud, the weight is coming off and
I often have clients reach out a few months post op to ask me what their daily meal plan should look like. Those of you who know me, know what I am going to tell them …. Eggs for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, meat or fish with a veg for dinner. Rinse and
Maintaining motivation throughout the journey is crucial Embarking on a weight loss surgery journey is a significant decision that requires dedication, commitment, and perseverance. While the procedure can provide a powerful tool for achieving sustainable weight loss, maintaining motivation throughout the journey is crucial for long-term success. In this blog, we will explore effective strategies
I want to see the recipes that I’ve created for you come alive in YOUR kitchen! Cooking can be a time-consuming and daunting task, especially after a long day at work or school. However, with the rise of one pan or skillet recipes, meal preparation can be simpler and more efficient than ever before. These
Did you have bariatric surgery? Did you almost get to your goal but you are having a hard time making it all the way? Continued weight loss can be a frustrating process, especially when you’ve hit a plateau and the scale seems to have stopped moving. Despite your best efforts, the numbers just won’t budge.
Spring = fresh produce, fresh food, and SALADS. Turn your side salads into main courses. No need to add a salad on the side. Make your salad the complete dish with this collection of salad recipes I’ve put together for you. They are low in carbohydrates, high in protein and the perfect size for the
Sheri's Ham & Cheese Egg Cups 1/2 oz Sliced Ham (one slice per eggcup)1/2 oz Cheddar Cheese (shredded)1 Egg (large)Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)1 tsp Chives (chopped)1/2 Tomato (sliced) Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease or line a muffin tray or use a silicone muffin tray.Line each cup with a slice of
Your Bariatric surgery is a tool. How you decide to use that tool makes all the difference between you reaching or not reaching your goals – short and long-term. I promote eating “real food” post-weight loss surgery. I cannot stress this enough. What’s “real food”? It’s what you find on the outside aisles of the
We’ve all been there: the excitement of starting a new health and wellness journey, the dedication to the process, the willpower to resist temptation, and the satisfaction of seeing results. We’ve had our bariatric surgery, we have our tool. It’s clear sailing from here … here we come weight loss and wellness! But then,
June 16-18, 2023? Hey! It’s beach party time. Who’s coming? It’s great to have a big online support group where we chat, send likes, heart emojis, uplift each other, and share personal stories, triumphs, downfalls, etc. Wouldn’t it be great to actually meet up once a year or even twice a year? Imagine how important
Hey Gang. Want to do a real food experiment? It’s happening this Wednesday and Thursday….. you can continue for more time if you like. This is how it goes: You will follow the exact menu I provide you with for two days. Tuesday night you will write down how you are feeling, if you have
. Healthy Hugs, About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with
I specialize in bariatric nutrition. Most of my clients have blood sugar issues, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. My outlook on carbohydrates focuses on keeping insulin levels low, in order to allow my clients to improve their blood sugars. If I was specializing in teen athletes, my dietary recommendations would be different. If I
Lifestyle changes, after bariatric surgery The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Post-bariatric surgery, we are going to “change things up”. It’s my job to teach you how to do this. I educate my clients about what lifestyle changes to make and how to
Home cooking for your health. I want you to be the healthiest version of yourself. If you’ve been brought up like I have, with Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee lining the cupboards, creating healthy kitchen habits can be complicated and challenging. Cheese Whiz and Fruit Loops were also in my kitchen pantry. To this day,
Why soups and salads? Well, it’s February and it’s cold in a lot of places and the last thing on our minds is eating vegetables. Vegetables are more of a Spring/ Summer craving. This is why so many of my clients experience “stomach issues” in winter. They are not eating enough fibre-rich foods. Let’s do
About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with
Taking a Daily Walk: The Simplest Way to Get Moving. I am always blogging about exercise and how much I want this for you. It’s one of the most important lifestyle changes I want you to make post-bariatric surgery. It’s not enough to “want” to do it. You “need” to do this. I want to
About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
What started with a BANG ….. You reach out to me, we talk about the bariatric journey but we focus more on the logistics: How do I know I qualify for bariatric surgery? Now that I’ve qualified, how do I decide to have weight loss surgery? Now that I’ve decided to have the sleeve (or
About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time
Take charge of your kitchen I’m so proud of my clients. They are learning new skills in the kitchen. They are finding ways to remake their old favorite recipes. They are sharing them online and allowing us a peep into their kitchens. We are all learning together. Taking control of your kitchen is a very
Nutritional buzz-word Protein … and how to increase it in your diet. “Protein” is the buzzword when it comes to nutrition today. We hear it everywhere we turn, “eat more protein”. Makes total sense but how difficult is it really to eat more protein? I pretty much hit my goals, or so I think I
Sheri's Low Carb Sesame Tahini Bread - Bariatric Recipes 1/2 cup Tahini4 Eggs1 tsp Baking Soda Start heating the oven to 350° F.Next, mix the baking soda, eggs and tahini with a hand held mixer, food processor or blenderPour the mixture in a baking mold (about 7” x 4”), use parchment paper on the bottom
Sheri's Steak with Pineapple & Avocado Salsa 1/2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil8 ozs Flank Steak1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided)1/2 cup Pineapple (chopped)1/2 Avocado (diced)1/4 Yellow Onion (chopped)1/2 Lime (juiced)1 tsp Cilantro (finely chopped) Warm the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the steak with half of the salt. Add
Getting active is a part of your bariatric journey. I want this for you. I want you to exercise not only to keep you strong and healthy but also for your mental and emotional health. Physical activity plays a huge role in both these aspects. This is your call. It’s your call to put together
Hey folks. Let’s welcome 2023 together. We cautiously open that door and peer into what we believe the New Year will bring for us. A lot of us can’t stand the “New Year’s Resolutions”. A lot of us love making resolutions. Where do you stand? Have you gone a bit off track? Has your meal
If you’re looking to lower your carbohydrate intake, there are a few simple swaps and habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. Here are some tips on how to do so: Replace potato with Cauliflower: Potatoes are a common source of carbohydrates, but they can easily be swapped out for cauliflower. Cauliflower is
I know just how many of my bariatric clients have tried to exercise their way to a healthier place. They would hit the gym for two hours a day, 6 days a week. What do you think happens when you exercise for two hours a day? You get hungry …. very hungry! You may need
Old buzz words = Atkins, Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean, Opti fast, Weight Watchers, Vegan, Vegetarian. New buzz word = High Protein Diet Yes, folks, it’s all about the protein today. Will this also go out of fashion? Maybe, Probably? If we look to the past, we can see what the future holds. I think that it
Recently I participated in a bariatric event in Costa Mesa, California where I gifted a QR code to all attendees. The QR code when scanned, pulled up 20 bariatric-friendly recipes. All the recipes are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and the perfect portion for the smaller bariatric pouch. Today, I want to gift all
You had surgery. You are 6, 7, and 8 months post-op now. You have lost a lot of weight but you are still not at your goal. You are getting there … Your diet has greatly improved. You’ve stopped drinking soda. You have started exercising. Things are going really well. I am so happy
I know that meal-planning can be overwhelming. Doesn’t have to be….. Who says we can’t repeat meals? This eliminates food waste and it’s a great way to spend LESS time in the kitchen. All the portions here are measured out with the “smaller bariatric tummy” in mind. The meals included here are all high protein
Call it a vacation. Call it work. Call it a work-ation … I always have the very BEST intentions – and then “French fries and bagels” happen. This blog touches home because I am coming off of a “work-cation” – a little bit of work, a little bit of vacation, and a lot of
Lost Your Focus? Bariatric Edition Where are my clients who are one year PLUS post-op bariatric surgery? This is for those people who are currently struggling. I understand. It’s easy for the “bariatric newbie” to say, “I would never regain the weight”. Or, “I would never eat sugar again”. Or, “Why did Jane
Crunchy Granola. Who doesn’t love a bowl of this on its own with milk? Don’t you love to sprinkle this stuff on your cereal or throw some in your smoothie? Are you worried about the sugar and carb count in your granola? If so, try my recipe! It is grain free, low in carbohydrates with
When motivation fades …. Then what? It goes something like this…. It’s Monday morning. You jump out of bed raring to go. Your time is here. You set your exercise date, and your shoes and workout apparel are waiting for you. Your protein shake is in the fridge and your car keys are on
Are You Feeling Bored at Breakfast? Here is a Bariatric Recipe to liven it up. We all go through “breakfast blahs” sometimes. Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese – rinse and repeat. I’ve created a recipe to liven things up a bit. This is a recipe that your whole family will enjoy. Light on ingredients and big
Why should you attend? It’s for Bariatric Patients – That’s Why. You’ve probably seen my posts online over the past week regarding the “ObesityHelp National Conference 2022” from September 30th to October 1st. This is a place for bariatric patients (pre and post-op) to attend to gain knowledge and spend time with their
The basics we need to know. Maneuvering your way around the grocery store can feel like a gigantic maze designed to make you feel confused. We have labels on foods items shouting out how healthy they are for us on the front packages but when you turn them over, and look at the nutritional label,
Hey Bariatric Bosses! Have I got a treat for you. I’ve created a beautiful “Summer Sweet Treat”. It’s low in sugars, high in protein, and super simple to make with only 4 ingredients. Impress your friends with my frozen goodness! If you make this, post it in our closed support group, and show me
Do you ever notice that when things are going well with our nutritional plan, they are going really well AND when things are not going so well, they go from bad to worse? That’s our mindset getting in the way. So, I’m cruising along and enjoying my day and then BAM, a piece of whole-wheat
I’ve seen a lot of posts on our FB group recently about “getting back on track”, “fasting”, “seeing the scale move in the wrong direction”. Hey! Do you need a small push or something to rev-up weight loss again? Well, here it is. If you follow this, you will see excellent results. Am I telling
Why did you have bariatric surgery? Just to lose weight? What is your “why”? Where are you on your bariatric journey? Are you actively losing weight? Stalled out? Where do you want to be? Not where you want to be? Talk to me. I want you to read this, email me back, and tell me
More to measure than only one number. I chat a lot with my bariatric clients. I spend my mornings/ afternoons, on the phone with them, and when I am not on the phone, I am texting and writing emails to them. My life is very entwined with pre-op and post-op bariatric clients. I’ve
Set short-term and long-term goals. What’s your weight loss goal? Did you achieve it? Where are you on your journey? Let’s talk goals today. I think it’s important to have goals along the way when starting out on your bariatric journey. I think that having clear cut goals, is an important tool. Write down those
Why Come to Cancun? Let me explain my reasoning. I am so excited to bring this event to all of you. Cancun is such a great location. It’s is easy to get to. There are flights from every major US and Canadian city. The weather is superb and I have chosen a super nice hotel
It is so interesting how some people react when my clients tell them that they have had a bariatric procedure, call it the sleeve, mini bypass, full bypass, revision surgery. “You took the easy way out”. Excuse me? “Yes, you had surgery. That’s not the same as doing it through exercise and diet”. (say
Sheri's Creamy Herb Chicken Lettuce Wraps 4 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (chopped)1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 tbsp Fresh Dill (finely chopped) 1 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped)1/4 tsp Sea Salt (to taste)1/16 Green Lettuce (leaves separated) In a bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, dill, parsley, and salt.Fill the lettuce leaves with creamy herb chicken and enjoy! Leftovers: Refrigerate in an
Shout-out to all you amazing bariatric BOSSES. You made the decision to hop a plane, have your bariatric surgery in Mexico, and take control of your health and your life. Now what? I mean, what comes WITH that decision to lose weight? (Ahem) Lifestyle changes! I know, I know – you already know
Sheri's Cucumber & Herbed Yogurt Dip 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt1 tbsp Fresh Dill (finely chopped) 1 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped)1/4 tsp Sea Salt (to taste) 1/2 Cucumber (sliced) In a bowl, combine the yogurt, dill, parsley, and salt. Serve alongside the cucumber slices. Enjoy! Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
Who’s got 5 minutes for lunch? Here’s an idea that you can wrap up and run out the door with. Healthy doesn’t need to be complicated. I have had a blast coming up with food options/ ideas for you. We can all get bored of our “same old” recipes. Let’s jump into Spring with some
Sheri's Flourless Peanut Butter Pancakes - Bariatric Recipes 2 tbsps All Natural Peanut Butter 1 tbsp Unsweetened Almond Milk1/2 Egg1/4 tsp Baking Powder1/4 tsp Coconut Oil (for the pan) In a small mixing bowl whisk the peanut butter, milk, and egg together until a smooth batter forms. Stir in the baking powder.Heat a pan over
What a great topic we have this week. How do you crowd out the bad with the good? What does that even mean? I often get asked, “how can I improve my food plan”? “How can I eat better”? “How can I stay safe, and make better decisions”? “How can I stop eating, rice,
Resetting Your Tool – Bariatric Edition Lately, I’ve been seeing posts online discussing “resetting your pouch”. What does this mean? I think it’s important to understand what is meant by this phrase. “Today I am going back to basics and 1/ starting a liquid diet or 2/ going back to the pre-op diet”.
I know. Meal prepping is the equivalent of food logging. We all know we should do it but to do it…not many of us do it. I can’t help you today with the food logging part, other than saying “do it”. I currently do not log my food. I can say that my clients
I know that we are all low-carbers. We don’t eat the tortilla. Bread? No thanks. Pasta, no way, Jose. A hamburger bun? Nah, do you have some lettuce leaves instead? We are cruising along in our journey and then all of a sudden, one day it happens. Those croutons on my chicken salad, I’m
Hey! Have you heard about the “Bariatric Food Police”? Those are the people who can’t wait to bash that beautiful recipe you created because it contains half a potato. Those same people will jump all over you when you show your breakfast of cottage cheese and peaches because,,, well, peaches are too high in carbohydrates.
Are you bored at breakfast time? Here is a collection of breakfast ideas to keep your tummy happy. I’ve used whole, live, fresh, natural ingredients. No processed foods for my bariatric bosses. A lot of us get in a rut when it comes to fueling our bodies correctly. When we get tired of
This is all about YOU and not about THEM. Hey! Sometimes it needs to be said. Today I am going to say it. Let’s stop looking down at the scale and beating ourselves up while stressing ourselves out! Folks, enjoy your journey and stop comparing what “so and so” is weighing or how much “so and
Sheri's Coconut Mug Cake Bariatric Recipes 1 1/2 tsps Coconut Oil (melted)3 tbsps Canned Coconut Milk (full fat)1 tbsp Monk Fruit Sweetener1 1/2 tbsps Almond Flour1 tbsp Coconut Flour1 tbsp Unsweetened Shredded Coconut1/4 tsp Baking Powder In a mug combine the melted coconut oil and coconut milk then stir in the monk fruit sweetener. Add
I spend a few hours each day on the phone with post-op bariatric clients. We chat about the journey, how things are going, how are they feeling with the new foods they have added back, how their weight loss is going. We have plenty of topics to cover. What is the biggest question I
I know that my bariatric newbies have a hard time understanding how it could even be possible to have a regain at the beginning of their journey. They cannot phantom the idea with their teeny pouch and their excellent habits. What I want them to know is that our veterans understand how it is
Salad Challenge in February? Let’s eat more fresh veg with protein. Wait until you see my 4 salads! I’m so excited to share them with you. I know, I know – it’s winter but I still want to have a 4 week salad challenge to motivate you to eat more fresh veggies and
Grazing vs Snacking What’s the difference? Hands up if you are guilty of grazing? What even is grazing? If a snack is something that is “planned”, grazing is something that just happens. This is a topic I like to discuss with all my post-operative bariatric clients. It’s something that we need to
Extra! Extra! New Meal Ideas! I hope to inspire you with this bariatric-friendly collection of meals. Sometimes we need to get a bit of inspiration to create healthy bariatric-friendly meals. That’s what my blog is about today. What happens when we get in a food rut? Rinse and Repeat, Rinse and Repeat? It can
Welcome to Bariatric Meal Planning 2022! What’s on the menu this week? Soups and Salads!! Did anybody get “off-plan” during the holidays? Just me? Anyhoo … it’s time to get back ON PLAN. Follow me and my bariatric nutrition plan for the first week of 2022. Repeat it during the 2nd week. Watch those carb
Sheri's Slow Cooker Orange Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil1/2 cup Orange Juice 2 tbsps Lime Juice1 cup Cilantro1/4 cup Mint Leaves4 Garlic (cloves)2 tsps Cumin (ground)Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)3 lbs Pork Shoulder, Boneless10 leaves Romainev 3 stalks Green Onion (sliced) Add the olive oil, orange juice, lime
Food Costs Today are SKY HIGH! I also understand that we can expect an even bigger increase in our food bills in 2022. Feeding a family of four today is EXPENSIVE. I know because I do it. I am certain that many of you reading this also do it. How are we going to keep
Sheri's Super Seed Chocolate Bark 2 3/4 0zs Dark Chocolate2 tsps coconut oil1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds2 tbsps Hemp Seeds NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately 1/4 cup of bark. More
Surviving the Holidays Post Bariatric Surgery. It’s hereeee – the holidays are here. With this season, we also have a gluttony of food and drink surrounding us. If you are newly post-op, you have no choice but to stay on plan. If you veer left, or right, you will suffer some consequences. Those
Sheri's Chicken Breakfast Sausages – Bariatric Recipes 3 ozs Extra Lean Ground Chicken 1 tbsp Parsley (very finely chopped)1/2 Garlic (cloves, minced)1/16 tsp Sea Salt 1/2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze for up to three months. Serving Size: One serving is equal
Do you remember being told that “you can be anybody you want to be” when you were growing up? My Mom and Dad told me that I could be a doctor, a lawyer, the Prime Minister. The world was my oyster. I could be or do anything I wanted. Fast forward to today.
Sheri's Peanut Lime Chicken Mason Jar Salad - Bariatric recipes 1 tbsp All Natural Peanut Butter1 tbsp Lime Juice2 tbsps Water1 tsp Tamari1/2 tsp Sesame Oil3 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (cut into cubes)1/4 Red Bell Pepper (medium,chopped)1/4 Carrot (medium, cut into matchsticks)1 stalk Green Onion (chopped)1 leave Leave Romaine (chopped) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container
Hello, all you gorgeous people. Do you hear the happiness in my keyboard strokes? I am not normally so cheerful. I just got back from a VACATION! In reality, it was a “work-cation”, but I’ll take it!! I stopped traveling in February of 2020. I live in Canada, and I was locked down. The
Let’s face it, exercise is important. We cannot avoid it. We need to tackle this part of the puzzle head-on. I have excuses. You have excuses. We all have excuses. Some of these excuses are legitimate (I broke my foot, my back is injured, I had cataract surgery, etc.). Some of the excuses we make
Protein – How much is enough? Are you so tired of hearing “eat more protein”? Ya, I know – me too! So how much should we be eating as bariatric patients? How much is too much? How much is not enough? Let’s break it down. We’ve got three macronutrients. Those are Carbohydrates, Fats,
Cobb Salad Sheri-Style – Bariatric Recipes 1 egg1 Slice bacon1 1/2 tsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil1 tbsp lemon juice1/4 tsp Dijon Mustard4 Leaves Romaine (chopped)2 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (chopped)1/4 Cucumber (sliced)1 stalk Green Onion (chopped, greens parts only) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. More Flavors: Add stevia, monk fruit,
It’s that time again! It’s time to do some meal planning, and it’s time to get back to real food. I’ve strayed a bit from my super low-carb meal plans and I have put this meal plan together for ALL of us (me included). Now, I don’t want to get all fussy and make
Sheri's Egg, Shrimp & Avocado Salad – Bariatric Recipes 1 Egg 1/2 Cup Baby Spinach 3 ozs Shrimp, Cooked 1/4 Avocado (chopped) 1/4 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved) 2 tbsps Lemon Juice Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving equals approximately 1.5 cups.
What does a “full bariatric eating plan” look like? It’s going to look different for different people. Remember, we are biochemical individuals, and we are all at different stages in our journey. What works great for Karen, doesn’t work the same for Ken. Our lives are not always the same. Sometimes we are
Zucchini & Ground Beef Skillet – Bariatric Recipes 3 ozs Extra Lean Ground Beef 1/2 Garlic (cloves, minced) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes (with juices)1/3 Zucchini (medium, chopped)1/3 tsp Cumin1 1/6 tsp Onion Powder Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the beef, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook
Sheri’s Cheeseburger Soup – Bariatric Recipes 4 Cups Beef Broth 1 1/2 Cups Unsweetened Almond Milk (unsweetened, plain) 3 Stalks Celery (diced) 1 Tsp Dried Basil 3/4 Head Cauliflower (chopped) 1 Cup Pickle (diced) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 1 1/2 Lbs Extra Lean Ground Beef 8 Ozs Cheddar Cheese (shredded) Turn on
What happens when hunger returns? Allow me to set the scene. Betty had surgery 6 months ago. In the beginning, she was very worried because she could only eat a few bites. I can remember our first post-op calls. She was so concerned that she had so much restriction. I calmly explained that this
Sheri’s Jello Protein Popsicles 1 Package sugar-free jello 1/2 Cup hot water 1/2 Cup almond milk (or regular milk) 1 Cup Greek yogurt 1/2 Cup fresh or frozen berries of your choice NUTRITION amount per serving Calories.........59 Fat....................2g Carbs...............06g Fiber.................01g Sugar.................03g Protein.............06g
One “off” day? Don’t’ allow it to turn into a week/ month/ year. It happens to ALL of us. Saturday rolls around, we head out to brunch with a few friends. We order eggs benedict and a mimosa. The plate comes with home fries, bacon, toast. We eat it ALL. It’s wonderful and we
… why you should consider making some today. High-Quality Bone Broth is on the menu this week. I’ve attached an easy recipe to follow so we can all have some on hand. But why bone broth? And, what even is bone broth? I am always talking about bone broth to my clients.
Sheri's One Pan Salmon & Brussels Sprouts – Bariatric Recipes 1 cup Brussels Sprouts1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil1 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning (divided)3 ozs Salmon Fillet1 tsp Dijon Mustard NOTES: Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. More Flavor: Season with salt and pepper if your everything bagel seasoning doesn't contain salt. No
Calling all Soup-O-Holics! Who doesn’t love a bowl of warm, creamy goodness? I am going to provide you with some of my favorite creamy soup recipes. Sure, soup was great before surgery. Post-surgery, soup is even more amazing. You can pack quite a punch of nutrition in a cup of homemade soup!
Sheri's Frozen Protein Pops 1 Cup berries fresh or frozen1 Cup Greek Yogurt NUTRITION amount per serving Calories.........44 Fat....................1g Carbs...............04g Fiber.................01g Sugar.................02g Protein.............06g
Have you never reached your weight loss goal post-bariatric surgery? What were your reasons? Was your diet the issue? Did you get more active post-surgery? Was it due to stress? The pandemic? Did you reach the goal and then slowly gained some back? What was your story? I want to know your “why”.
Sheri's Creamy Pesto Dip & Cherry Tomatoes – Bariatric Recipes 2 tbsps Plain Greek Yogurt2 tbsps Pesto1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes In a small bowl combine the yogurt and pesto. Serve with the cherry tomatoes and enjoy! Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade pesto. Make it Vegan:
Ever hear the expression “skinny shaming”? I bet that most of us would be tickled pink to be skinny-shamed. What concerns me more is how it affects us and what it does to our weight loss goals. Let’s paint the picture. Mary has bariatric surgery. She starts out at 245 pounds. She’s 45 and
Sheri's Grilled Cilantro Lime Pesto Shrimp - Bariatric Recipes 1/4 cup Cilantro (tough stems removed)1/4 cup Parsley (tough stems removed)1/4 Garlic (clove, minced)1 tbsp Lime Juice1 tsp Hemp Seeds Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil4 ozs Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)1 Barbecue Skewers Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for
I have a wonderful career. I get to meet you. I get to see you THRIVE. I get to accompany you on your weight loss journey. Imagine how beautiful it is for me to watch my clients crush their goals, and recover their health. I get to see NSVs every day. Your wedding
Sheri's Tahini Chopped Salad - Bariatric Recipes 1 tbsp Tahini2 tbsps Water1 tbsp Chives Sea Salt & Black Pepper1/4 head Romaine Hearts (chopped)1/4 Cucumber (medium, chopped)1/4 Carrot (medium, peeled and chopped)1/4 Red Bell Pepper (medium, chopped)1/4 cups Broccoli (chopped)3 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (chopped) Add the tahini to a small bowl and stir in the
Sheri's Sriracha Steak Salad Bariatric Recipes 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided) 3 ozs Flank Steak Flank Steak Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 1 tbsp Lime Juice1 1/2 tsps Sriracha 1/4 head Green Lettuce (chopped) 2 tbsps Red Onion (thinly sliced) 2 tbsps Radishes (thinly sliced) 2 tbsps Cilantro (roughly chopped, optional)
Regain – Why Does Regain Occur? We have a lot of new clients who have joined our closed support group and we also have a lot of new clients who have recently had surgery. I often get this question asked, “why does regain occur”. My new clients seriously do not understand the concept
Calling all bariatric new-bees! Calling all bariatric old-timers! I know how complicated meal planning can be when you are 2 to 4 weeks post-op. You are still recovering from your procedure. You are tired, a bit sore, probably back at work. Who has the time for complicated meals and meal planning? Enter my
Cheezy Broccoli & Jalapeno Soup – Bariatric Recipes 1/2 cup Water1 Yellow Onion (medium, chopped)1 Green Bell Pepper (large, chopped)1 Jalapeno Pepper (medium, seeds removed and chopped)4 Garlic (cloves, minced)1 tsp Sea Salt6 cups Broccoli (chopped into florets)4 cups Vegetable Broth1/2 cup Hemp Seeds3 tbsps Nutritional Yeast Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to
Baked Green Bean Fries – Bariatric Recipes 1/3 cup Almond Flour 1/3 tsp Garlic Powder 1/8 tsp Sea Salt 1/2 Egg 1 cup Green Beans (ends trimmed) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results. More Flavor: Add more dried herbs and spices. Additional Toppings: Serve with favorite
My Coffee Story I have a love/ hate relationship with coffee. It is the first thing I do each day. I get out of bed and visit my French press or my Keurig. I brew a cup of coffee. I add a touch of stevia and a dash of coffee cream. My cup of
Huevos Rancheros Frittata – Bariatric Recipes 1 1/2 tsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil1/4 cup Red Onion (diced)4 Egg1/4 cup Salsa2 ozs Cheddar Cheese (shredded)1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika1/8 tsp Sea Salt Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. Serving Size: One serving is roughly half of the skillet. This recipe was made in an
Hey to all of you! I have a gift for you today!! It’s my “Summer Slim Down” one week program. But first, I want to discuss exercise for a moment. We are mid-summer and what a terrific time to get outdoors and get moving. I know that a lot of you are dealing with
Cottage Cheese & Raspberries - Bariatric Recipes 1 cup Cottage Cheese1/2 cup Raspberries Top the cottage cheese with raspberries and enjoy! Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Additional Toppings: Hemp seeds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, and/or honey. Making it Vegan: Use oatmeal, coconut yogurt or vegan cheese instead of cottage cheese. NUTRITION
Remember the days of breakfast/ snack/ lunch/ snack/ dinner/ snack … What were we thinking? We were told that to keep our metabolism stoked, we needed to be feeding it all day long. Where did that get us? It got us overweight is what it did! If we are eating between meals, it
Steak & Tomato Skewer - Bariatric Edition 3 ozs Top Sirloin Steak (cut into one- inch pieces)1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes2 Barbecue SkewersSea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)1/2 cup Baby Spinach1/2 Cucumber (medium, sliced) Pierce the steak and cherry tomatoes onto the barbecue skewers. Season with salt and black pepper.Grill over medium-high heat, rotating occasionally
Sheri's Deli Beef Wraps - Bariatric Edition 1/4 Cucumber (medium, julienned)1/4 stalk Celery (julienned)2 ozs Deli Roast Beef Divide the cucumber and celery into the middle of each deli roast beef slice. Roll tightly and enjoy! Leftovers : Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size : One serving equals approximately two deli
Let’s talk about food. It’s my very favorite topic in the whole wide world. What’s on your plate at breakfast? I know that many people are on the intermittent fasting train (myself included), but at the beginning of your bariatric journey, intermittent fasting is not going to work. The reason why is because your
Do you do breakfast each day? Some of us are intermittent fasters but I do believe that most of us choose to have some form of breakfast before hitting the road or starting our busy days. So, what’s in your breakfast bowl? I think that a lot of us get into a breakfast
“I didn’t have surgery to be permanently on a diet”. I hear this statement all the time. I mean, why have 80% of your stomach removed if you still must watch what you eat all the time? #truth Surgery is the tool – lifestyle is the goal. If we go back to
Low-Carb Early Summer Menu Hop on my Ketogenic Bariatric Summer 6-day plan Early Summer Ketogenic 6 Day Plan I posted this menu 8 months ago and a lot of you downloaded it, but I bet you that you don’t know where it is anymore. I’ve got your back. Here it is again. Hey! It’s
Restaurants and my bariatric pouch I guess that nobody eats out at restaurants post-bariatric surgery. (ya right). Let’s discuss it and see if we can come up with a good plan when visiting restaurants. As I am writing this, it is the end of May 2021 and restaurants/ patios are not currently open
What is the quickest way to regain the weight you have lost? There could be many answers here. It could be from allowing sugar back into your life. It could be from over-eating. It could be from not having sufficient activity in your life. What about eating too many fried foods again? Sodas anybody?
I spend a few hours each day on the phone with post-op bariatric clients. We chat about the journey, how things are going, how are they feeling with the new foods they have added back, how their weight loss is going. We have plenty of topics to cover. What is the biggest question I
Sheri's Shredded Chicken & Cauliflower Bake 7 ozs Chicken Breast, Cooked (shredded)1 1/2 cups Cauliflower Rice2 tbsps Water2 tbsps Mayonnaise2 tbsps Dijon Mustard1/2 tsp Ground Sage1/8 tsp Sea salt2 ozs Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, divided) Leftovers : Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size : One serving equals one ramekin. Dairy-Free : Use vegan
Chicken For Dinner (again)? I did my groceries a few hours ago. Guess what was on sale? Chicken. Now, I love eating chicken, but what I don’t love is trying to come up with creative and exciting ways to serve my family chicken. Don’t you ever get bored of chicken? What the
Lifestyle Changes? Who Me? Bariatric Edition Yes, YOU …. Remember how when we made the decision to have bariatric surgery, we were ready for everything that decision came with. It meant paying a lot of money, possibly hopping a flight to have surgery in Mexico, doing a difficult pre-op diet, healing from
This is all about YOU and not about THEM. Hey! Sometimes it needs to be said. Today I am going to say it. Let’s stop looking down at the scale and beating ourselves up while stressing ourselves out! Guys, enjoy your journey and stop comparing what “so and so” is weighing or how much
Let’s face it, Fast Food Happens Sometimes. We are busy. We have jobs to do, kids to raise, family to visit, houses to keep clean. When have you ever heard someone say, “I wish I had less time”? Um, never. Some of my clients work on the road. They are urgently awaiting their bariatric surgery
Sheri's Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pudding 2 tbsps Chia Seeds 1/2 cup Plain Coconut Milk (unsweetened, from the carton) 2 tbsps Chocolate Protein Powder 1/4 cup Strawberries (halved) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. No Protein Powder: Use raw cacao powder or cocoa powder instead of protein powder, using half the amount. Likes
Sheri’s Rules for Breaking Your Stall or Plateau! Oh, the dreaded stalls along the way. I wish I could click my ruby red heels and get you back on track and losing weight … unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way. Stalls happen. Stalls and plateaus are a part of the weight loss surgery journey.
Smoothies For My Bariatric Clients. Guess what I did last weekend? I made a lot of smoothies. I was working on recipes for my clients. I wanted to keep them low-carb, nutritious, tasty, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. I wanted to give you plenty of different “tastes”, and not just chocolate,
What should I be eating one-year post-op? How can I prepare for these meals? If you’ve had recent bariatric surgery, you are probably wondering what your diet is going to look like one-year post-op. Recent post-ops have a tremendous amount of restriction in the early days but not to worry, there is some stretch
Caprese Salad Recipe - Week 4 Salad Challenge 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar1 tbsps Stevia Powder1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil3 Leaves Basil Leaves (roughly chopped)1/2 Tomato (medium, sliced)2 ozs Mozzarella Cheese (use fresh mozzarella cheese ) NUTRITION amount per serving Calories.....275 Fat..................15g Carbs.............30g Fiber..............01g Sugar.............14g Protein.........11g No Red Wine or Vinegar: Use apple cider
Raise your hands, my bariatric veterans! Those are my clients who are two years, four years, and twenty years post-op now. How different is your journey today as opposed to all the bariatric new-bees? I want to hear from you. Bariatric new-bees, let’s listen to our veterans because there is so much that
Sheri's Prosciutto Arugula Salad Rolls 1 Cup Arugula1/4 Pear (stem and seeds removed, sliced)2 tbsps Goat Cheese (crumbled)1 1/2 ops Prosciutto (thinly sliced) Divide the arugula, sliced pear and goat cheese evenly among the prosciutto slices.Tightly roll them into wraps and enjoy! NUTRITION amount per serving Calories......156 Fat...................9g Carbs..............8g Fiber................2g Sugar...............5g Proteina.........13g
Salad Challenge in February? It’s February and I started a challenge last week. I called it, “Sheri’s February Salad Challenge”. I was looking at my “memories on FB” and up popped a video I made last year called “The February Flash”. It was a 4-day quick challenge of whole, live, fresh, natural, good
Sheri's Thai Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Sauce 4 ozs Chicken Breast (skinless and boneless)1/16 tsp Chili Powder1/16 tsp Smoked Paprika1/16 tsp Sea Salt1 tbsp All Natural Peanut Butter1 tsp Soya Sauce1/3 tsp Stevia Powder1/3 tsp Lime Juice1/3 tsp Ginger (minced)2 tsps Water1/2 cup Green Cabbage (chopped)1/4 Carrot (shredded) Leftovers: Store salad and dressing separately in
Bariatric Surgery User Manual – A TimeLine For Bariatric Warriors. How does bariatric surgery work? Does it come with an instruction guide? Are results the same for everybody? How can somebody who is 500 pounds and somebody else who is 200 pounds have the same surgery? I think that every bariatric surgery needs
Sheri's Lemon Chicken Salad with Cucumber Ribbons 3 ozs Chicken Breast3/4 tsp Avocado Oil1/8 tsp Italian Seasoning1/8 tsp Sea Salt (divided)1/4 Cucumber (large)1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil1 1/2 tsps Lemon Juice1 1/2 tsps Fresh Dill1/4 Celery (finely chopped) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. Store the chicken salad and cucumber ribbons
To snack or not to snack? This topic is Near and Dear to me …. Snacking. What is a snack? Should we be having them post-op? What kinds of snacks are considered “healthy”? This is a very personal question. There is not a “one size fits all” answer. My questions for you would
No Fuss Bariatric One-Pan Recipes Enjoy these “one-pan” bariatric recipes. I have created each recipe with the “smaller bariatric pouch” in mind.These are low-carb recipes and they are made with fresh ingredients. They are also simple, nutritious recipes. All the nutrients are listed for your convenience.Download here One-Pan = less mess in
All OR Nothing Exercise Mentality (That Kills Long Term Progress) Let’s train our brain to celebrate ALL the victories no matter how small or big they are. It’s January 2021!! We are all revved up for the New Year. If you didn’t download my gift to you last week, you can do
Welcome to 2021! We’ve made it….. Buh bye 2020 We need to start 2021 with the best energy possible. We need to focus on our health and our happiness. We deserve to feel positive this year. We need to seriously focus on our food choices. We truly ARE what we EAT. If we
I want to reflect over 2020 and let you know what I have learned over the years … nothing to do with covid or viruses … what I want to discuss is the latest on re-gain, the latest bariatric news, and the best way to use your bariatric tool to get you where you want
Why oh Why are we in such a rush to get to some magical finish line post-bariatric surgery? I spend a good part of my Monday to Friday’s chatting with pre-op and post-op bariatric clients. We review the surgery itinerary. We discuss a bit of “what to expect” as well as the pre-op and
Here we are. We’ve all made it to December 2020. Thanksgiving is behind us and we all look towards the MAIN EVENT – CHRISTMAS, and all its decorations, presents, family, friends, and FOOD. This year some of us will have a smaller celebration. I normally host a party for 25 people and this year
What say you? Easy Way Out OR a Jump Start? I’ve been working with bariatric clients for many years now and I watch their struggle while discussing the procedure with their friends and family. I also see their posts on FaceBook and how they didn’t take “the easy way out” and how “weight
Sheri’s Keto-Buns 1 Egg3 tbsps Almond Flour1/4 tsp Baking Powder2 tbsps Water1 tsp Mayonnaise (You can use sour cream instead of mayo) NUTRITION amount per serving Calories......223 Fat.................19g Carbs............5g Fiber.............2g Sugar............1g Protein.........11g
Why Would Anybody Require a Revision Surgery – Let’s get into it. Revision Bariatric Surgery – What is it? I get a lot of questions about “Revision Surgery” which can also be called “Conversion Surgery”. So what is it? It is a laparoscopic bariatric surgery that is performed AFTER the original bariatric
What could “Happy” and “Diet” have in common? I think you will like this one. Healthy Adult Purging Processed Yuck That’s what HAPPY stands for and I am going to start using this as part of my “regular talk”. I want to use positive words to create positive habits. So what exactly
In my opinion, we can compare “Weight Loss Surgery” to an elevator. What does that mean? Allow me to explain. We are going to travel 10 flights with the bariatric elevator. We get on the first floor with the pre-op diet. The Second Floor is your actual bariatric surgery. The Third Floor is
I love food. I love to eat it, I love to buy it, I love to cook it. When I first understood the science behind what specific macronutrients do to blood sugars and insulin levels, I wanted to sit down and CRY. “Are you telling me that when I eat pasta, my
Sheri's Keto Mini Quick Bread - Bariatric Edition 1 tbsps Avocado Oil (plus extra for greasing)1 egg3 tbsps Almond Flour1/2 tsp Baking Powder Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to one day. Freeze for up to two months. More Flavor: For a more savory bread, add salt, garlic powder, onion powder or dried herbs. How to
Hands up if you have what I like to call “Carb-o-Phobia”. My two hands are up right now lol I spend my days discussing carbs and explaining them to my pre-op clients. I spend my days discussing carbs and explaining them to my post-op clients. I spend my days discussing carbs and
You are what you eat … well, not really. You are what you digest, absorb, and assimilate. What the heck does that even mean? Let’s dig in. Yes, we’ve heard the expression time and time again, “You are what you eat”. Well, if that is the case, then why is it that some
Let’s talk about food baby! Real, whole, live, fresh, natural food. What’s that?? It is the real deal. It is something that we recognize. It doesn’t contain a giant list of ingredients. Most whole foods contain just that – for example, EGGS. What is inside of eggs? Well, eggs, and that’s all. What about a
Hop on Sheri’s Keto-Train for a week – Choo Choo! Last week I asked a question on our FaceBook Private Support Group…. JOIN HERE I had GREAT response from our private group. I had over a hundred of our members say “yes, please! I want to join you”. I asked everybody if
Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie 10 - Bariatric Edition 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk1/2 cup Pureed Pumpkin1/2 tsp vanilla extract1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder No Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use cinnamon instead. Toppings: Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or pumpkin spice if desired, and top with raw pumpkin seeds if you like some crunch. Warm
Exercise and Weight Loss – Bariatric Edition Did you think that by having surgery, you could escape from the dreaded exercise routine? Think again. It may not be for the reasons that you currently believe though. Most of us believe that when we exercise, we burn calories and we lose weight faster. We’ve
Sheri's Vanilla Coconut Cups 1/3 cup Organic Coconut Milk (full fat, from the can, divided)1/8 oz Gelatin1/4 tsp Honey1/4 tsp vanilla extract1/16 tsp Sea Salt1/4 cup Blueberries (for topping)1/4 cup Rasberries (for topping) Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. No Honey: Use maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice.
I am writing this blog from Quebec, Canada. Here in my neck of the woods, the temperatures are cooling down and there is a chill in the air. The leaves are changing colors and soon we will be outside with a rake in hand battling them. A funny thing happens to me in September.
Below you will find the link to my free “5-day September Slim Down” menu plan with all the bells and whistles. You know how in March when most of us are freezing our butts off and eating things like stews, soups, and chilis … You know how we gain a few lbs in winter from all the starchy
Most of you know me and you’ve been reading my articles for some time now. If you are new to my writing, you will understand pretty quickly that I am an RHN, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and I believe in a diet of whole, live, fresh, natural, good quality food. I believe that food comes BEFORE
How to get the most out of your post-op calls with me 🙂 It’s been a super busy summer bariatric season for us (even during a pandemic). The summer months are always busy with surgery scheduling. Our patients have summer vacations and they use their vacation time to have their surgery performed. At first,
Let’s use my 3 tiered system to fight back against hair loss post-bariatric surgery. Hair Loss – Yes, we know, we know … it is to be expected after weight loss surgery? But why? Why does our hair fall out and what can we do to prevent hair loss? Sure, some hair loss is
Susan has bariatric surgery, loses 100 pounds, and tells the world on her social media account how wonderful her experience has been. The only thing she regrets is not doing it sooner. Bob has bariatric surgery, loses 150 pounds, and lets his family and friends know that he no longer takes the 12 medications
I spend a lot of time writing for the bariatric newbie. My newbies are seeking information. They are getting ready for the important pre-op diet. They are working through the post-op guidelines. They are on the rapid weight loss phase and there are seeing fluffy pink clouds in the sky. They are getting closer to
Sheri's 2 Ingredient Crackers Bariatric Recipe 1/2 cup Almond Flour1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano1 tbsp Water Nutrition Amount per serving Calories.....108 Fat...............9g Carbs.........2g Fiber..........1g Sugar..........0g Protein......6g
Sheri's Savory Breakfast Biscuits Bariatric Edition 4 ozs Pork Sausage (casings removed)1/2 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)3/4 cup Almond Flour1 tsp Baking Powder1 tsp Thyme1/2 tsp Sea Salt2 egg6 ozs Cheddar Cheese (shredded, divided) Preheat the oven to 375oF (191oC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, add the
I had a hard time narrowing it down to only 10 recipes. I have so many to share with you. Who loves a snack? Who loves to have a snack instead of a full meal? I am guilty of this. My snacks turn into meals. Especially when I am busy working… I have a
I am pondering this question today. Why do we struggle post-surgery? Why do we get to a place where the weight loss stalls out? What is the missing link here? What insight do I have after working with bariatric clients for over a decade? What can I do or say to make their journey easier?
Sheri's Coconut Chicken Soup Bariatric Edition 1 lb Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless)1/3 tsp Dried Thyme1/2 tsp Onion Powder1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided)2 tsps Avocado Oil (divided)1/2 Yellow Onion (chopped)2 stalks Celery (chopped)2 Garlic (cloves, minced)1 1/4 cups Organic Chicken Broth1 1/4 cups Organic Coconut Milk (full fat, from a can)2 tbsps Lime Juice2 cups Arugula1
I follow all the trends because I want to know what is being advertised as the newest, latest, and greatest diet fad out there. Here are some of the trends that have taken hold of our world over the past few years: We’ve got …. Vegan Paleo Whole30 Keto Carnivore …. Just to name
Sheri's Almond Pancakes - Bariatric Edition 1/3 cup Almond Flour1/3 tsp Baking Powder2/3 egg1 tsp Monk Fruit Sweetener1 3/4 tbsps Unsweetened Almond Milk1 1/2 tsps Coconut Oil (softened)1/8 tsp Cinnamon1 1/6 tsp Sea Salt1 1/2 tsps Almond Butter (for topping)1 1/2 tsps Almonds (roughly chopped, for topping) Leftovers: Refrigerate cooked pancakes in an airtight container
What exactly should my diet look like a year out?? I love this topic. It allows me to dig in deep and discuss nutrition and all the benefits of eating a diet of real food. So you have made up your mind and you are about to start the pre-op diet. You have
Bariatric Chicken Rut – How to stay motivated with chicken, chicken, and more chicken? Are you sick of chicken? Do you get bored with eating the same things over and over again? When we eat how we are supposed to eat – with a diet of whole, live, fresh, natural, good quality food, it
Coconut Almond Cups - Bariatric Edition 1/4 cup Almond Butter (not runny)2 tbsps Coconut Oil (melted, divided)1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract1 1/2 tsps Cinnamon1 1/6 tsps Sea Salt1/4 tsps Coconut Butter Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container or zipper-lock bag in the freezer for up to one Month: Best to eat from frozen. Serving Size:
I have a gift for you. I am so excited to share this. I love simplicity in the summer months. The days are long and the weather is hot and nobody wants to be chained to a hot kitchen. Salads, smoothies, and quick recipes are where it’s at for me during these months.
Add yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, stevia and sea salt to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add water to thin the consistency of the dressing if necessary. Season with additional salt or lime juice if needed. Transfer to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Last week I talked about hamburgers and sabotage. I hope you got the chance to read that blog and if you didn’t, here is the LINK for it. This week I am sort of staying along the same lines of how we can sabotage ourselves with the food choices we make. Each season
Another week flies by. We are almost in full-blown summer and the grills have been fired up. We are starting to have people in our backyards even if we may be social distancing. Something got me thinking about the ways we sabotage ourselves and that “thing” was hamburgers! You know how it goes …
a great bariatric breakfast or snack
Did you see how I did that? How I titled this blog “The Easy Way Out”. What I forgot to post was the “?” at the end of that statement. It should have read “The Easy Way Out?”. I might have a bit of a RANT today 🙂 I hear this often because
What about Exercise? My Journey to Enjoying Exercise – Bariatric Edition I cannot stand “braggy exercise social media posts”. Yes, we all know that you exercised today Karen. Can you shut up about it please? You know who I am talking about right? It’s sooooo annoying. This is not a braggy blog. This is
Let’s do this!! I was going to blog today about apple cider vinegar and it’s amazing benefits but then I got to thinking … Who ate too much last weekend? Who ate too much last month? Who ate too much this entire time we’ve been staying at home and social distancing ourselves from the world?
ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar…. I LOVE THIS STUFF. For those of you who cannot stomach the idea, there is a Bariatric Expert ACV Supplement for that! APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SUPPLEMENTS I add it to my water in the morning. I use it as a salad dressing. I use it for cooking. I
Hands up if you take probiotics … Hands up if you know that you should be taking a probiotic but you don’t understand why they are so important … This is my chance to explain all about probiotics and the benefits of eating foods rich in probiotics as well as using a supplement
MY COVID 6 POUNDS BE-GONE 5 DAY EATING PLAN!! Here’s the deal, most of us have been eating TOO MUCH during this time of worry. If we would have known how long this was going to last for, we could have put some concrete plans in place and avoided eating poorly, sleeping poorly, and
What a suitable topic for the times we are living. With what’s going on today, we all need to be concerned about the high cost of food and the best ways to stay healthy. Food becomes a very important topic when wanting to protect our health. When I was in school studying nutrition, it
Let’s talk about a viable solution for regain. At the bottom of this article, you will find a low-carb menu to download. Read the article first. Understand the rules. It’s easier to follow along when you get the gist 100%. Regain. It is a very popular topic among my crowd. It’s popular
Immune System Boosting Foods – Bariatric Edition We are going through a rough time right now. So many things are out of our control. I want to focus on something we can control. I am experiencing increased anxiety, restless nights, poor food choices. The blog I write today, I write for myself and also
I think that restriction sucks. It’s so hard to spend our lives restricting everything. Don’t eat unhealthy fat. Don’t eat unhealthy carbs. Don’t eat too much sugar. Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t Don’t Don’t. I am tired of all the things we are not supposed to do. I am tired of constantly restricting everything. There
Who needs a snack right now? Man o Man, I need a snack – like a few times a day right now. What’s a girl to do? I tell you what, I have caught my hand reaching for the Frito Lays a few times a day. ENOUGH is ENOUGH. I have everything in
Should I follow my Pre-Op Bariatric Plan to get the scale moving again? I hope your days are getting a bit longer with a bit more sunny bits and that your temperatures are getting warmer. It is almost mid-March. I woke up last Sunday feeling fantabulous! I could not understand for the life of
What’s a “Bariatric Boss”? In my definition, it is a client of mine who decides to take over their health and learn about good nutrition, good sleep patterns, staying active, being positive AND sharing these things with our entire bariatric community. I see every day as an opportunity to improve my nutrition
Finding My Way Back ,,, This is one of those topics that I cannot write enough about. It is a topic that plagues all of us. Our favorite foods. Many years ago, when I first started working with bariatric clients, this was something that we just didn’t talk about. It wasn’t on
I like the title of this blog. When I first got the idea to write this blog (back over 6 months ago), I originally titled it (in my head), “Keto without the Crazy”. I have changed the name to “low carb” because for me, Keto really has gone CRAZY? What originally was a fantastic way to
What Comes Next? Real Transformation, Enthusiasm, and Bariatric Surgery. Do you see all the before and after pictures? Can you believe all those pounds lost? It’s like two different people! The person reading this right now… you may even be one of those amazing transformations that I am talking about. You
January was the LONGEST month EVER! Who feels me? I am in Ottawa, Canada so the days are super short in winter. The sun rises at 7.15am and sets at 4pm but the entire month feels like it has 40 days in it. Is it still January?? This is not a complaint. I am just
I like this topic. I like to hit it straight on and discuss it because regain does happen. I don’t like to dance around this subject. I have this great job of helping my clients get prepared for their weight loss surgery procedure. They are nervous and excited and ready for a big change
Superfoods? Can they save us? Do I believe that ANY food has superhuman powers? Can eating a few bites of kale save the day? Will adding MCT oil to my coffee turn me into Superman? If I just eat spinach, will I be strong like Popeye? I don’t believe all the hype when
Sheri’s January 10 Day Bariatric Fat Blast Reset! Bring it on, 2020!! It’s finally here!! It’s time to get mentally, emotionally and physically prepped for what is to come in 2020!! I like this time of the year. I look at it as a fresh start and a time to get my eating habits back-in-check. I
This is one of my favorite things to blog about. Real HACKS and solutions that you can use every day. This is going to save you money. This may even relieve your acid reflux and digestive issues! Please read this. It will give you some good insight into protein shakes. It will give
I think that weight loss surgery is not the final solution. I think that weight loss surgery is the starting point. Why do I say that? Why do I always write about and create FB live videos about “what comes after” the actual bariatric surgery? It could be the gastric
It’s the beginning of December! What happened to the other 11 months of the year? This year has gone by so quickly and I have had the delight of working with so many of you in 2019. I appreciate every one of you. I get to cheer you on as you embark on your
Post-Thanksgiving Re-Boot Eating Plan / what to do when you overeat? Here we are! Ready for a huge Thanksgiving Feast. Family, Food, Fun and a bit (or a lot) of our Favorite drinks! I am over here in Canada so we celebrated our Thanksgiving last month BUT, I know all about how you
Why the heck did I have bariatric surgery if I now have to live on a diet? Ever see a friend or family member have bariatric surgery, lose the weight they needed to lose, and then regain a portion or ALL of their weight back? Are you a new post-op? Are you
I have a mid-November gift for all of you who take the time to read my blogs and watch my videos. I consider myself your “bariatric low-carb, registered holistic nutritionist RHN” and I am always looking for ways to incorporate healthy ideas into your daily lifestyle. Last week I wrote a blog and
Another week speeds by. Halloween is in the rearview mirror and for us Canadians, so is Thanksgiving. For my American friends, Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away and for all of us, Christmas is only 8 weeks away. Holy Smokes! The time is flying… This is a blog that I wanted
I love my job as a bariatric nutritionist and surgery coordinator. What a fun topic this is for me – I have had the opportunity to work side by side with weight loss surgery clients for 13 years now – what a wonderful job I have. I mean, I get to see people THRIVE
This is a BIG topic because we ALL experience it. Who doesn’t compare their bariatric journey with their neighbor? Who doesn’t compare their losses to the other people in their FB support group or the bariatric forums that most of us are a member of? Who doesn’t wonder “why the
I hope that you all had a terrific week last week and that you are geared up for another spectacular one. I make it my business each week to help you to make good choices. I want you to succeed. I root for you every day. I cheer you on and I care about
I am starting my week by writing this blog. You see, I’ve been in California (Disneyland and Universal Studios) for the past few days. I am from Ottawa, Canada so it’s a pretty big trip for myself and my two teens. I spoke at a National Bariatric Convention called ObesityHelp #OH2019 last Friday. My topic
When I talk about “self-care”, you often hear me discussing manicures vs workouts OR salons vs kitchens. I used to feel that self-care occurred in the nail salon as I went for my manis and pedis. I used to feel that self-care belonged in the hands of my hairstylist. My life is so busy today
I know, I know, I know, “lifestyle” is the buzz-word of 2019. We all hear it everywhere we go. We all know what we should do. We know that we should be adapting to a healthier overall “lifestyle” post-bariatric surgery. Sometimes when a word or phrase is “over-used”, it stops doing what it is
Let’s talk about those protein shakes that my clients guzzle down two weeks before their weight loss surgery and for a month after surgery. What’s in them? Are they a health food? Should we keep them in our lives to ensure we get enough protein in our diets? How much is too much? I
Last week, while scrolling through my social media, I saw a lot of ads about “getting fit” pop up in my newsfeed. I wonder what I was researching? Obviously, I googled something with regards to physical fitness, as google now seemed to be stalking me with this same topic. This took me back to the
“What is it that we all fear after bariatric surgery”? I think that the number one answer I get when I ask this question is: the dreaded regain. What I spend a lot of time discussing with my clients is the importance of making real lifestyle changes post weight loss surgery. This is always
I run an online support group. If you would like to be a part of our community, go HERE and send a request to join. I will approve it and you can be a part of our community. In our support group, I posted a question last week. That question was, “What are your
Following along the same theme as last week (celery juice), I decided to take one of the biggest health trends of 2019 and break it down for you. Will I be trying this personally? Yes. I have done it in the past and it truly helped me. I will be giving this a try
Who feels like this? Stuck? In a weight-loss RUT. Who has fallen off the pink cloud? Who has realized that their bariatric surgery is just a tool? Who wants to use their tool better to get unstuck? We all have these feelings at one time or another after weight loss surgery. The first year
Last Sunday I posted a picture of my plan for the week. I wanted to jump on the “celery juice boat”. It is something I wanted to do for some time and finally, that time had come and I found celery on sale at my local supermarket. Good timing! (LOL – true story). Others were
I know, I know … What can possibly be disastrous about summer? What can possibly be disastrous about summer and my personal goals? What can possibly be disastrous about summer for my clients and their goals? I always thought that summer was the time of the year where I was most active and my
I have been building up to this blog over the last few weeks. Those of you who read my blogs or watch my FB LIVE videos on a weekly basis will understand what I mean. I have been talking a lot about low carb/ high-fat eating and how to get it right for bariatric
I have been allowing this to build up inside of me for quite a while. I am generally the most positive person/ nutritionist/ surgery coordinator BUT I have decided to let you into my head for this blog post and to allow you to understand why I feel so upset lately … In my opinion,
It is a delight for me when clients reach out because they are interested in starting keto. It’s one of my favorite things to take about …. REAL FOOD! I love food!! Sure, in the beginning, it may be a bit of a “fad diet” that piqued their interest but I know that over time,
consider myself fortunate. I am fortunate because I get to write about important issues that affect my clients and their health. I also get to educate them about the serious stuff and then offer effective solutions. These solutions enable my clients to THRIVE and not just survive. This is my chance to discuss INSULIN. It
It’s one of my favorite topics. You already know that I am a “low carb” nutritionist and that I believe in the “low carb, ketogenic lifestyle”. How many of you have tried the ketogenic diet? How many of you lost weight on the ketogenic diet? How many of you had a hard time
First of all, I want to thank all of you who faithfully read my weekly blogs. Some of you I have known for many years and others I am just getting to know. We are all at a different stage in the bariatric journey. Not all of us are at that same place this
Who misses bread? Who misses cake? Me – that’s who! I don’t often talk about specific recipes or specific ways of cooking but, if you are living a low carb lifestyle, it is so important to come up with ideas to avoid falling off track. Today is the day I want to talk about
My friends and family will tell you that I am passionate about nutrition, traveling and healthy living. I feel that it’s important to stay on top of the latest nutrition science and to be able to share it with all my clients. I want you to also become passionate about nutrition post-surgery. I am not
What happens when we get derailed with our diet? What can we do to prevent falling all the way down the rabbit hole? Isn’t it interesting how one bad meal can turn into a bad week, and then into a bad month? I am here to offer gentle suggestions and advice to prevent you
Detox? Why do I need a Detox? Sometimes we need that little extra “push” to get back on track. Sometimes we are feeling low in energy. Sometimes we are not feeling our best. It’s time to shake things up and to start feeling our best. Food is medicine. Food is our secret weapon.
Here we are, the first week in May. We all survived the long winter and now is the time to get more active and to eat more healthy. We all go through good times and bad times when it comes to our diet but I find that most of us have an easier time during
The journey does not end when you get home with your VSG. The journey is just beginning. This is a topic that is near and dear to me. Half of my career was spent coordinating and facilitating for clients who wanted to have bariatric surgery in Mexico. After I realized that our clients required more
Each Monday I sit down and find a topic that I believe will be useful to the weight loss surgery community. I search for ideas that I believe will educate clients and help them to navigate the waters post-bariatric surgery. This week I want to bring to you some ideas of what to prioritize after
What should I be eating after my weight loss surgery? Macronutrient Breakdown This is a huge question and this is what I talk about each and every day. This is also why I write these blogs and do my FB lives every Friday. I want to help clients understand about macro-nutrients and the importance
We are all aware that bariatric surgery is not just a “get it done and be done” situation. It is a lifelong commitment to healthier habits. It is a journey to wellness and understanding ourselves better. But, sometimes we just want to believe that the surgery is going to fix all of our problems. I
Acid Reflux happens sometimes. We have all had an episode of this but I want to discuss what is acid reflux and why it happens and what we can do to prevent it. I want us all to understand acid reflux because a good understanding will empower us to make better food decisions. If we
Shout out to all the coffee drinkers out there. We all have one thing in common – we love ourselves a cup of hot, steaming Java in the morning. How do you feel about your coffee? Do you drink it happily, enjoying each sip or do you drunk it begrudgingly? Do you savor the flavor
This is a topic that is near and dear to me. I spend my days working one-on-one with clients discussing pre-op diets and postoperative guidelines. That’s how I spend half of my day. The other half of my day is spent working with clients who have had surgery and they are have either stalled, plateaued
There is so much information out there about weight loss and what’s the next best thing. We are obsessed with the latest and greatest diets and we all want to know how to get the weight off and keep it off. This also applies to bariatric clients. Sure, there is a tool intact to help
Let’s work and build a menu together. Let’s put our ideas into a 4-day bariatric keto menu which we will use for next week from Monday to Thursday. Let’s lay it all out in front of us so we have no questions and we are able to see exactly what we should be consuming in
Why are we overweight and obese today? Why are we gaining weight at an alarming rate? After bariatric surgery, and once you have lost all the weight, how can you ensure that you will keep it off? I think that the most important thing that we need to understand is how we gained the weight
What does a proper portion look like after bariatric surgery? This is not a cookie cutter answer because it will depend on what kind of bariatric surgery was performed and how far along our client is. It also depends a lot on the kinds of foods that the person is consuming after their weight loss
I don’t need to follow a ketogenic lifestyle. I am not overweight. How much truth is there to this statement? I often hear that a ketogenic lifestyle is for the overweight person. I do not agree with this. Keto is for everyone. Keto, if done correctly, is not really a diet. It is just
You all know that I am a huge fan of the ketogenic lifestyle and how I also endorse Intermittent Fasting (IF) for bariatric clients who are further into their journey. Join me this week in the IF challenge / week 2 in Fasting February is to Intermittent Fast for 17 hours and our eating
You know what I really dislike doing when discussing any food plans with any of my clients? I truly dislike talking about the things that clients should refrain from eating. I always prefer to discuss what clients CAN eat. It is a much nicer and kinder way to go about cleaning up their diet.
Are you getting ready to start keto but you can only think of a few meals and you are getting stuck ? Are you having a hard time putting together meals which meet the ketogenic criteria? Who has time to count macros? and what’s a healthy fat and where do you find healthy carbs? This
Sticking to our January theme – January is ketogenic month! It is a delight for me when clients reach out because they are interested in starting keto. Sure, in the beginning it may be a bit of a “fad diet” that peaked their interest but I know that over time, if they adhere to the
Should bariatric clients adopt IF into their life-styles? As I promised last week in my FB live video, the month of January 2019 is all about the Ketogenic lifestyle for post weight loss surgery clients. A very popular theme in the ketogenic community is Intermittent Fasting so I do feel that we need to also
Going into the New Year with big resolutions is something that a lot of us do but the reality is that it is not so easy to follow through. Even though we have the very best of intentions, we often slip and that’s because we don’t have what we need to succeed. Hands up if
Hello and thanks for clicking through to my blog post today about the best diets for 2019. I think that I may have used the word “Diet” in the title in order to get your attention. The reality is that I don’t believe in “diets”. Diets mean restriction and they also mean that you lose
The holidays are upon us and with that brings the parties and events and family gatherings. Most of us are food focused and thinking of the holidays immediately brings to mind all of the delicious food that will be served when our family and friends gather together. Let’s chat about how it feels after
We all wonder about it … what happens to all that skin around the tummy when massive weight loss occurs. While it can seem obvious, it’s important to point out that people who are planning to lose a lot of weight are not considered good candidates for the tummy tuck procedure. The tummy tuck is
Once again the holidays are upon us – quickly approaching are the festivities and all the parties and family gatherings. There are piles of social events and work related events and the delicious food and drinks that accompany them. This is the time of that year that it is so easy to pile on a
When thinking of a breast reduction, generally you are wanting to get smaller breasts but the breast reduction can be so much more. To start with, breast reduction enables women to get a better, more comfortable size but there are additional perks and added benefits. To start with when a breast reduction is performed, it
Well it has been 3 weeks and the scale hasn’t budged. You know how it feels. You feel discouraged and frustrated and upset and you don’t know what you are doing wrong. First things first – Relax! Having the scale stall and sit at the same weight for a few weeks is completely normal. Next
Let’s chat a bit about what happens after we lose 100 lbs. The goal in the beginning may be to lose weight and get healthy again and many bariatric clients achieve this goal and they are extremely happy with their appearance and then there are others who feel that their skin elasticity has changed a
Let’s just lay all our cards on the table: After Thanksgiving we all have food hangovers. You may call it something else but the bottom line is that it is a bunch of symptoms that make you feel awful after a big holiday meal. Some call it bloating, nausea, stomach upset, and a feeling of
What’s the deal with the low carb/ high fat rage going on today and is it for bariatric clients? Let’s explore this topic and I will give you my thoughts on this super popular keto diet. I get asked about the ketogenic diet all the time from our bariatric clients so let’s dive into it.
I really like this topic as I think it’s important to discuss the difference between “what is a snack” and “what is grazing”. When talking about the first year post weight loss surgery, all of the bariatric protocols and post op guidelines have some things in common – there is a time for drinking liquids,
Dumb Bariatric Surgery Myths There is a ton of information today online and it is very easy to make assumptions when it comes to bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery can be life changing and it can also save your life. It allows you to lose a great deal of weight by way of a tool which
Are you a bariatric calorie counter ? Do you believe that it all comes down to “calories in vs calories” out? Have you not hit your bariatric goal or are you struggling to maintain or have you had a regain? Not all foods are the same when you see how they have an impact on
It is challenge time for all of you reading this ! For bariatric clients it sometimes feels like we need to have the “all or nothing” mentality. I am here to tell you that making small changes and tweaks to your daily nutrition and lifestyle can make a huge difference on the scale. Instead of
Ideas for eating out and how to make good decisions. We all try our best not to eat out all the time but there are times when we find ourselves at a social gathering or on a date night or with a group of friends and the meeting is at a restaurant. It is important
I am always talking about getting “back on track” and what I mean by that is getting “back to the bariatric basics”. How do we go about that ? Well, let’s have a little talk about what we need to do to get mentally and physically back on track if our eating habits haven’t been
Oversized sweaters, leggings and pumpkin spice …it’s the Fall season ! I am jumping up and down in joy that it’s here. I love Spring AND Summer AND Fall (not so much winter) but this change in season also represents more than extra lip balm and an extra layer of clothes – not to mention
So much information out there. So much “misinformation” out there also. So what’s a bariatric patient to do ? You’ve taken the important decision to improve your health and to lose weight and eat better and the media is telling you to LOAD UP on PROTEIN. That means that you should start downing protein shakes,
Newbies don’t want to hear about it and those that are 9 months out of their bariatric surgery don’t believe it will ever happen to them….what am I talking about ??? falling off the wagon or getting out of healthy habits or allowing bad habits to creep back into our lives…. It happens to
How does bariatric surgery work ? Why do patients lose weight quickly? Let’s chat a bit about why it works and how to get the best results post surgery and what you can do to ensure success. This type of surgery has a few different aspects to it and one of them is “restriction”. The
Hi Everybody. I am your bariatric nutritionist and surgery coordinator. I had the opportunity this past weekend to fly from Tijuana (San Diego) with Dr. Sergio Verboonen and his wife Dr. Indira Partida, and I got the chance to meet up with so many of you that have had bariatric surgery with us in the
We are happily cruising along post bariatric surgery and we are thrilled with our results and then it happens … Plateaus, stalls, getting stuck – there are a lot of different ways to to call the dreaded stage where the scale doesn’t move and it just continues to stay in the same place. This is
My intention here is to make it easy to understand your carbohydrates. How can we control our intake of carbohydrates when we don’t know what they really are. Sure, there are the ones that stand out like bread and tortillas, crackers and rice – but let’s dive a bit deeper. Why are we trying to
It doesn’t matter if you have had bariatric surgery, are thinking about having bariatric surgery or are not intending to have any surgery. We all know that losses on the scale are no easy task. There are such a crazy amount of factors to take into account – just maintaining our weight is a challenge
Being prepared is the best way to be successful post bariatric surgery. Like everybody, bariatric post ops need to plan their meals and they can either not eat lunch, visit the local diner for lunch or eat something that they bring from home. [spacer height=”20px”] Sometimes we don’t have an option and we skip our
Big losses are going to occur when you get a lot of the different components correct. This is an important part of the equation. Post bariatric surgery, clients lose weight due to primarily the restriction they feel and the food choices they are making but when stalls and plateaus occur, there are other places we
Maneuvering your way around the grocery store can feel like a gigantic maze designed to make you feel confused. We have labels on foods items shouting out how healthy they are for us on the front packages but when you turn them over, and look at the nutritional label, what are you looking for ?
Better Sleep = Better Weight Loss Are you one of the millions of people who struggle with getting sufficient sleep ? Are you also struggling to reach your weight loss goals ? These two situations share a strong association and the research suggests that if you improve one, you will have a beneficial effect on
Realities Versus Myths We are all part of a very weight conscious time and era. We have all been affected by it. The media pushes imagines of a teeny tiny waists from the decade of the 1950s to the super skimpy skirts of the 1960s. The 1970s showed us how to let it all go
There is so much information online and we have everything at our fingertips. People just have so much more information than they did back 10 years ago and they are so much more knowledgeable today about bariatric surgery. Some clients believe that the online world is such a wealth of knowledge that they don’t really
Keto Keto keto, it’s all you hear about today – the ketogenic diet. It’s everywhere. Your Mom’s doing it, your best friend is trying it and your neighbour talks non-stop about it. But can you, as a bariatric patient try the ketogenic diet and will it work for you ? The short definition of
The sun is shining and summer is right around the corner. It is time to take off that last layer of clothing and we are thinking about our bathing suits and that summer vacation that we have been planning for a while now. Front headlines are shouting about their latest “bikini ready diet” or “shed
Not all health experts are going to agree with me but I believe that there is a secret solution to get rid of any re-gain or to break a stall and to regain your health. It’s not some crazy trick or some super supplement either. It’s just one thing and this one thing can make
We all want to ramp up our metabolism to become a fat burning machine. In order to do that, there are a few things that you can do that are easy to follow and they will increase your caloric burn. Eat More Protein: This is a great reminder to eat more foods that contain higher
TO BEGIN WITH … You just got back home after your bariatric surgery and you are feeling nervous and afraid to see what eating will feel like. Is it going to feel weird or painful or hurt ? Is my stomach going to feel much different ? As we move through the post op stages
We are almost ready to shed a few layers of clothes. Temperatures are rising – and we are thinking about beach days and lazing by the pool but … are you summer ready ? And what small things can we do now to get the benefits we desire in time for the summer season ?
I stay in contact with a lot of clients after they have had their surgery and one of the questions I have for successful clients is “how do you stay on track”. If I know what they are doing to get such great results, I can then share this information with others who are struggling.
Stress is something that every person has to deal with in one way or another. Following bariatric surgery, stressors can seem to be at an all time high. For most of us, stress is just a basic fact of life. It’s unfortunate that research reveals that it’s also a fact of “fat”. You can eat
This is one of the times of the year which has my inbox full of bariatric clients asking about their surgery results and why is it that their scale is a bit stuck. Everybody is very motivated when the New Year begins and then by about February and March the will-power starts to falter and
The way we cook Isn’t it interesting how post bariatric surgery – some foods go down easily and others give us a bit of trouble ? One day you can have yourself a serving of creamy chicken and the next day a grilled chicken breast makes you feel bad and like it’s stuck in the
This is a question that I have answered in the past but I want to revisit it again because it is one of the most popular questions that I get asked. “How can I break my weight loss stall or plateau” ? This is not “regain” – this is just that part of your journey
how many calories per day should a bariatric client eat ? “Counting Calories is Fun” …. said no one ever. This is one of the questions which I get asked every day from bariatric clients who are starting their journey but also from bariatric clients who are years post op. Let’s break it down and
One of the best tips you will ever receive as a bariatric client is to not consume your calories in the form of drinks. Sugary sodas and sweetened beverages will sabotage your nutritional regimen and the weight will hang on. Sodas are especially a terrible thing to put into your body on a regular basis.
Gastric Bypass Gastric Bypass is a major surgery & requires a lot to recover completely. The start towards the path of recovery would be tough to go through. It will be super uncomfortable & you will be hungry for the most of the time. Clear liquid diet won’t make you feel any better nor would it help with
Post Bariatric Surgery Smoothies ! Pre and Post bariatric surgery, you will be required to drink protein shakes and they will make up a big part of your nutritional regimen for the first few months. Please take a moment to pack your shakes with ingredients that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for your
It’s so confusing when we hear that we need to eat our veggies and then in the same sentence that we need to watch our carb intake – aren’t vegetables considered carbohydrates ? So what do we do ? eat them or not ? I am going to break it down so that you can
Dentistry has come a long way since its humble and sometimes terrifying beginnings. Today, there’s a host of dental procedures which address various ailments and maladies of the gums, teeth and mouth. This is also a cause for confusion as many do not know how to differentiate between what is out there. Not knowing the
What is bariatric surgery or gastric bypass? To some, these terms might be completely alien; to others, not so much. A report from 2013 claims that bariatric surgery is one of the most effective forms of weight loss treatment used to counter morbid obesity. That being said, there are a number of different surgical procedures which
Infertility plagues a large number of people across the world. Furthermore, with our lifestyles being stressful, people tend to hold up on having children until they feel set and stable. That being said, the desire to have children is a real one and an inability to achieve the same truly devastating. Many people think twice before
Stem cells, could in a sense, be called the building blocks of the human machine. Varying stem cells serve varying functions. Stem cells produced alter over the course of one’s life. Last but not least, where these stem cells are found also differs depending on their function. Why is This Relevant? For those seeking any
Here’s your chance to go post op bariatric grocery shopping with your RHN – Registered Holistic Nutritionist Sheri. Let’s go grocery shopping together ! We will first shop like we are “one year post op bariatric surgery” and then we will do a 2nd spin around the supermarket pretending that we are getting ready for
There are so many options out there for the newest greatest way to eat. The most popular options at this very moment in time are Vegan, Keto, Paleo, HFLC, Raw Food, South Beach, Whole30 – what do we follow ? Which one will work for us? – how exhausting…. even for myself, a nutritionist. What
We all believe that after we have bariatric surgery “POOF” the feeling of being hungry will just disappear and never come back again – at least that’s what we have read online so why shouldn’t it be true ? Once you are no longer in the honeymoon period and you are fully recovered and eating
HOMEMADE SUGAR FREE DARK CHOCOLATE - 1/4 cup cocoa powder1/4 cup coconut oil melted and cooled slightly1/4 cup granulated stevia (or to taste)1/8 teaspoon vanilla extractPinch salt I highly recommend using granulated stevia which has a finer grain. If you would like to use raw or coconut sugar, you may want to grind it to
Do you pile your plate ? Do you go for smaller servings or do you pile up your plate ? Which one do you do ? What we don’t understand is that portion sizes have more to do about our habits and less to do with actual hunger. Are you eating far too much
Here are the bariatric rules for water intake: [spacer height=”20px”] To eliminate waste and to keep cells, hair and skin hydrated – drink your water. Drink at least 64 ounces of sugar free beverages per day. Remember to stop drinking fluids 15 minutes before a meal and not to combine fluids together with your meal
Getting Enough Fiber After Bariatric Surgery ? Why should bariatric patients take fiber and how much should they take? Fibre is something that we hear about all of the time. We should be getting over 25 grams per day. Why is this ? and will the same recommendations be made after bariatric surgery ?
Sometimes we just need to stop and hit reset after weeks of over indulging, coming off vacation, or life getting in the way of healthy eating habits. Here are some tips to get you back to feeling your best no matter what life throws at you. Try to incorporate these ideas, one a week or
What if there was a way for bariatric clients to eat High Fat/ Low Carb … Are you close to your goal weight or stalled out ? maybe hit a plateau ? On the fence about adding Keto to your bariatric journey or looking for a way to get started? Then this email is for you…
Too much to think about and do? Yeah, I definitely know that feeling, which is why I want to give you 3 simple tips to stay calm and stick with the plan during the tough times: 1. Don’t feel bad about having cheated a bit with your new food regime… That doesn’t mean it’s OK to eat
Wow, we did it and we have made it to the beginning of 2018. We made it through all the parties and all the Christmas eating and now all of our thoughts will turn to diets and how to shed the lbs we put on over the holidays. We are already being bombarded with the
Start Walking Start walking right after the surgery without delay. Take it easy in the beginning but don’t sit & wait for the pain to go away. Follow Your Post Op Diet Follow your diet plan because it is designed for post op patients and will keep you healthy while you heal post surgery.
United States has earned its reputation overtime for providing some of the world’s best medical services. But the medical innovations are not restricted to the United States only. Similar procedures, surgeries, tools and medication have traveled throughout the world and are provided in an equally advanced way. The only difference between United States and the
Diabetes is a serious health issue world-wide. As per stats, it is one of the leading causes of U.S. deaths, with about 29.1 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes. More than 1 in every 10 adults of 20 years of age or older suffer from diabetes. It is no hidden fact that a morbid
Why does my pouch prefer foods that aren’t good for me ? Crackers. Popcorn. Chips. All bariatric patients know that they shouldn’t be eating this post surgery. Patients don’t need a class from a registered nutritionist to figure this out. Then why is it that these sorts of foods, or other kinds of “no no”
We at International Patient Facilitators have been connecting patients with reliable doctors across the border, so that Americans can have safe and affordable bariatric surgery for weight loss. Bariatric surgery is a quick and easy way to rapidly loss weight. However, certain complications related to the procedure worry patients. To clarify any ambiguities, here are
Many women feel that a pregnancy after a bariatric weight loss surgery can be unsafe and risky. This is far from the truth. In fact, for most women, pregnancy is healthier and safer after the weight loss surgery. However, this does not mean that bariatric surgery patients do not need to take special care and precautions
So anybody who is constantly on the next fad diet will tell you that you need to stay away from the dairy cabinet and the milk. Why ? they will tell you that it is full what is called saturated fat and that this kind of fat will surely kill you. They will tell you
Mexico has the highest obesity rates in the world, with 32.8% of the population being obese. This has led to higher obesity-related diseases, with government trying new experiments to somehow curb sugar consumption. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and some forms of cancers are all related to obesity. A bariatric surgery sometimes can be a medical necessity, and
Folks, it’s time to check our stress levels. This is a very stressful time of year so let’s make a mental note of how we are all feeling. When we stress, we raise adrenaline levels. Chronic stress can lead to the higher levels of the hormone cortisol, and persistent high levels of cortisol plays
How to stay healthy on the run up to Christmas. Who doesn’t get overwhelmed with all we have to do at Christmas and the entire “run up” to it? Who doesn’t end up feeling absolutely stressed and worn out ? which leads to over-consumption of calories, mostly because we need more energy. Another issue is
The holidays are among us – a time of year that’s known for its busy nature that can lead to quite the load of stress. After all, you likely have several invitations to gatherings collecting on your counter, a long list of people you need to send holiday cards to, and the daunting task of
Everything is going great post bariatric surgery and then out of the blue the numbers on the scale don’t seem to be moving any more ? I am not discussing the very “early days” where your body is trying to re-calibrate, but longer term when you start to doubt that the losses will begin
Age has a way of provoking unwanted changes. For many of us, our vision is one of the first indicators that we are getting older. The bad news is that our biology naturally changes with time. The good news is that there are strategies that can be implemented to reduce the effects of aging. Here,
Diabetes is a concerning health condition that affects nearly half of the adults in our country. When diabetes is a known health problem, proper eye care needs to take a place of priority. The fluctuations in blood sugar have a direct effect on overall eye health, affecting the integrity of ocular structures such as the
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How’s it going with all of that Halloween candy that’s still in your house ? I want all our bariatric peeps to think about that candy as cheap and very bad for you – full of palm oil garbage (P.O.G. for short) but even the strongest of us have fallen prey to a KitKat here
Are Chia and Hemp Seeds Worth the Hype to Bariatric Patients ? There always seems to be a new “It” food – have you noticed ? Over the past few years we have all listened a lot to the magic powers of quinoa, kale, turmeric – and the list goes on and on. So what
I’d love to hear what you’d like to add to my list…. I love poking around all those forums out there and also to anything related to Bariatric Surgery or WLS and a lot of the time I will find something that resonates with me. You know about all those “10 signs you were raised
For all our bariatric newbies …. So you have just started researching bariatric surgery and you come across a forum with like-minded people and all of a sudden you find yourself in the midst of a pile of abbreviations and terminology and short-cuts that makes about zero sense to you. I thought it would be
Non compliance is always the main reason for any regains post bariatric surgery. Now that I’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive in ! I have lots of messages and emails related to plateaus and stalls and regains during this time of the year. I think people are getting revved up for the
Here are some celebrities who have admitted to have been through a bariatric surgery. ROSIE O’DON Underwent gastric sleeve surgery At age 50 she got a heart attack, after which she decided to loose weight AL ROKER Underwent gastric bypass surgery He went from a pre-surgery weight of 340 lbs to 150 lbs STAR JONES Underwent gastric
Weight loss can be intensely challenging. It calls for a whole lot of hard work, and consistent motivation. A lot of people indulge in all kinds of tricks to shed fat, and the wrong kind of practices can take quite the toll on your mental and physical well-being. The journey of losing weight and becoming
Bariatrics/ When Bad Foods Feel the Best Why does my pouch prefer foods that aren’t good for me ? Crackers. Popcorn. Chips. All bariatric patients know that they shouldn’t be eating this post surgery. Patients don’t need a class from a registered nutritionist to figure this out. Then why is it that these sorts of
As a bariatric patient, you may already have some ideas about the benefits these procedures offer for weight loss. Aside from the obvious loss of fat, bariatric surgeries affect your health by: Improving cardiovascular health Relieving symptoms of depression through significant positive physical and physiological changes Long-term remission of Type II diabetes Eliminating sleep apnea
Gastric sleeve surgery is a surgery that entails making your stomach smaller in order to help in the weight loss process. This kind of procedure pushes one to make long-term lifestyle changes, mainly involving their food intake. In this surgery, more than half of the stomach is removed. This leaves a vertical tube or sleeve, with
We see celebrities as people to look up to—the glitz, the glam, and all that fame is irresistible. However, just like anybody else, the stars also experience real life problems, such as weight loss struggles. If you’re considering gastric surgery for your weight loss problems, then take encouragement from the fact that some celebrities have
#1 removes about 8o% of the patient’s stomach THE RESULT: Less hunger Weight loss Less obesity-related problems Feel full sooner #2 It speeds up WEIGHT LOSS With the help of gastric sleeve surgery, you can lose up to 70% of excess weight within 1 year. However, in order to maintain weight loss, you will have
If you’re considering a gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico for your weight loss, you need proper guidance and instruction so you can approach this treatment with complete knowledge of its effects and long-term benefits. How Gastric Sleeve Works Gastric sleeve involves the removal of a portion of your stomach. This removal reduces the stomach size and
The Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Statistics Report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that 1,780,987 aesthetic surgery procedures were performed in the year 2016. Furthermore, $16.4 billion were spent on these cosmetic procedures. With such a massive turnover, the industry for plastic surgery takes a large number of patients each year, providing them with
Aside from the affordability, there are numerous reasons why patients are seeking IVF treatment in Mexico, rather than in medical facilities at home. The Cost of IVF On average, a fresh IVF cycle can cost up to $12,000 and that is before we add the costs of medication. When summed up, the total cost of
A report on the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States by the Center for Disease Control shows a grim picture of the state of adolescent health in the country. According to findings, obesity affects around 12.7 million children and adolescents, aged 2-19. This number accounts for 17% of the total population, and though the
Regain is a scary 6 letter word. It’s what all post op patients are afraid of and try to avoid at all costs. Post surgery after the honeymoon period ends, it is normal to gain back a few pounds but that’s where it needs to stop and not continue. So what can you do to
Can Summer Holidays be good for your health ? Normal story goes something like this ,,,, the summer holidays takes a toll on your health: it can be a vortex of barbecues and get togethers with booze and stress and family too – too much chocolate, cheese, potato and pasta salads and every body falls
How Mini Gastric Bypass Works? The surgery reduces stomach size which makes the patient feel full sooner while eating. The intestines used to absorb nutrients is shortened which cause the body to absorb fewer calories. Weight Loss Mini gastric bypass patients usually lose a lot of weight very quickly. It helps in losing up to
According to experts at International Patient Facilitators, VSG or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a weight loss procedure in which the surgeon removes a large part of your stomach. A banana-sized portion of the stomach is left, which limits the amount of food that you eat. This makes you feel full after eating small amounts of food
Bariatric surgery or gastric bypass surgery is the most common and effective solution to obesity issues. However, its effects and benefits are far more effective in various other medical ways than you may consider. Here are some cases for which we believe that bariatric surgery is the most optimum choice. Top Five Medical Conditions that can
People turn to cosmetic surgery for several reasons. Some want to improve their physical features, while others wish to retain their youth. Cosmetic surgery is not only for people who feel they need it to look better, there are also many people out there who need it to get rid of the effects of a
I want all our bariatric patients to know that they are unable to eat the same types of snacks that they ate prior to their procedure. The post bariatric surgery food plan will always push high protein, adequate healthy fats and low to no sugar choices with a big nutrient bang for your buck. It
Plan For Your Success I know that most of our clients have heard me say this in the past but I am in a talkative mood and we have a lot of new subscribers – I believe that one of the most important things to do as a bariatric patient post operatively is to PLAN
Avocados: the missing ingredient in your health plan or secretly sabotaging your goals? Once feared because of their high fat content – and now praised for the exact same claim – avocados have been enjoying their place in the spotlight for the past four decades. I try to view food as much more than “good”
It’s getting so confusing nowadays! Eat this, but not that and don’t forget to add a little of this. It is more difficult to figure out what you should eat, and it seems as though new foods keep popping up with so many additional health benefits. Sometimes these newbie foods leave many people running to the nearest grocery store
It’s been a tough time trying to lose weight. I have had weight issues since I reached puberty. Since then, I have tried everything. Diet, physical activity, routine exercise, and calorie restriction, but I was never able to reach my weight goals. Then, I came across gastric surgery options. Although I was skeptic at first,
At International Patient Facilitators, we help those seeking affordable medical care find experienced staff and well-equipped facilities. People from the U.S., Canada and other countries have frequently visited us for these procedures, throughout our 17 years of experience. Sometimes, we come across some horror stories too. Patients were lied to about the medical procedures, qualifications
Weight loss is a multi-step process that can take several years. Some patients take on heavy exercises while others stick to a stringent diet. However, these two alone may not offer a viable solution for some patients. Weight loss surgeries are possible. They act as a primer to help patients start losing weight by controlling
It’s getting so confusing nowadays! Eat this, but not that and don’t forget to add a little of this. It is more difficult to figure out what you should eat, and it seems as though new foods keep popping up with so many additional health benefits. Sometimes these newbie foods leave many people running to the nearest grocery store
Bariatric surgeries encompass all surgical procedures that assist patients in losing weight. It could be through food intake limitation, and/or calorie malabsorption. There are several medical weight loss programs that can be opted today. Surgery is often only recommended if your BMI is higher than 40, or if you have BMI of 35 with an
It’s getting so confusing nowadays! Eat this, but not that and don’t forget to add a little of this. It is more difficult to figure out what you should eat, and it seems as though new foods keep popping up with so many additional health benefits. Sometimes these newbie foods leave many people running to the nearest grocery store
Why Should You Prepare Your Pre-Op Diet? Before the surgery, patients must undergo a pre-operative diet to reduce body fat in the liver because there is a direct correlation between obesity and the liver. How You Should Prepare? Eat Healthy Eating healthy is a must! With a proper healthy meal, you may be able to
It’s getting so confusing nowadays! Eat this, but not that and don’t forget to add a little of this. It is more difficult to figure out what you should eat, and it seems as though new foods keep popping up with so many additional health benefits. Sometimes these newbie foods leave many people running to the nearest grocery store
Meal planning, wow – we know we have to get it done but it can be such a drag. You need to sit down and go over different recipes, then write up a meal plan and make a shopping list ,,, finally we get to the grocers and it’s already been hours of prep !
WHAT IS BARIATRIC SURGERY? Bariatric surgery is a type of stomach or intestinal surgery performed to help extremely obese people lose weight. WHEN IS IT NECESSARY? Some people are under the assumption that bariatric surgery is a short cut to weight loss. That’s not true. While a healthy diet & regular exercise are recommended for losing weight, in
Old age doesn’t have to bring you down. Yet effects of aging are inevitable, at least on a physical level. The sun and other natural elements play havoc at aging skin, causing loss of elasticity and appearance of unsightly marks and spots. The downward pull of gravity does the rest – giving rise to frown
Added ‘lose weight’ to your New Year’s resolution? What comes next is a series of searches dedicated to “quick” and “fast weight loss tricks”. Fad diets. You may have tried one or two in your quest for weight-loss. Or you might be considering making this important lifestyle choice, after getting inspired from celebrities and fitness
Trying to work your way at the top is difficult—whether it’s finding success in your work, relationships or healthy weight-loss. We all have different views of the ideal body but trying to achieve results is another matter! Even with strict diets and exercise regimens, sometimes (nearly always) we can’t help but wonder if our excess
A cold beer after a rough day at work is relaxing for some. Bubbly champagne is associated with celebrations—weddings, promotions, parties. Alcohol is an essential part of our social settings. Gone under the knife recently? If yes, your alcohol consumption should be reduced or limited. In fact, people living the bariatric way should consider eliminating
Hey Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops! Are you craving sugar ? Let’s chat… Scientists have found that sugar is addictive and stimulates the same pleasure centers of the brain as cocaine or heroin. Just like those hard-core drugs, getting off sugar leads to withdrawal and cravings, requiring an actual detox process to wean off. Do you know how much sugar
“Eat More Protein” – are you tired of hearing about it ? Let’s Chat Protein Basics The worn out bariatric expression “Eat More Protein” – are you tired of hearing about it ? Let’s break it down so you too can become the protein pro ! Protein can be found in which foods ? You
Why would a doctor recommend bariatric surgery with the expectation of taking vitamins for a long while? Isn’t VSG a reduction surgery, not malabsorption? Why would vitamins be required ? Almost all of the vitamins and minerals that we get come from our food. Couple this with the knowledge of what is in the standard American
Bariatric surgery is great. It gives patients back their life. They get their health back. They are able to stop all sorts of medications. They can get on airplanes with no seat extender. They go to the amusement parks with their kids. It is life-changing. There are some things that bariatric surgery cannot change. Habits
They say fame has a price. What they don’t specify is the price famous people have to pay for it. Most people in Hollywood have reportedly had nips and tucks to give a lift to their careers. Even celebrity icons like Marilyn Monroe had a little work done! Plastic, cosmetic and aesthetic procedures give people ‘the
Eating healthy is important for a number of reasons. How else are we supposed to improve our immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and keep organs and tissues functioning at optimal levels? Nutritious and well-balanced foods have the power to nourish and heal. Bottom line: it’s important to eat right especially after cosmetic surgery. Eating Healthy
Reason your way through your impulse eating and cravings rather than just jumping off the ledge. Give these suggestions some consideration. They’ll help you reduce your calorie intake, have greater control and make better choices based on the science of tricking the brain. Use Small Plates! If you put two identical portions of food on a small
Hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common and can bring stress to men and women. While we all want to achieve great weight loss results, there are some potential risks associated with having this type of surgery. Hair loss related to bariatric surgery is known as Telogen Effluvium and is associated with the normal hair growth
Developing healthy eating habits is necessary for making the most of bariatric surgery. The surgery can only be successful if you turn over a new leaf, adhering to a nutritious diet. After the surgery, there will be physical restrictions on your body, and if you ignore them reverting to your old eating habits, you will
Traveling to another country for a weight loss surgery can no doubt be intimidating. There’s no denying that. Similarly, there is also no denying the fact that the world is getting smaller; more and more people are now choosing to visit Mexico for Bariatric Surgery, to receive the same level of expertise and care that they
In comparison, medical treatment in Mexico costs substantially less than they do in the U.S. But before we dive into the details, let’s explore the exact estimate. Countries Gastric Bypass Surgery Gastric Sleeve Surgery Lap Band Surgery United States $24,600+ $19,500+ $15,000+ Canada $20,000+ $19,000+ $21,000+ Mexico $6,900+ $4,500+ $4,500+ As you can see, the
Let’s chat about Processed foods, which have been the hot topic of many a nutrition discussion lately. What’s the concern? It has become the victim for numerous illnesses, from obesity to heart disease, cancer to diabetes. As food preparation has gotten easier and more convenient over the years, the quality of many foods has decreased.
Are you someone who decides to take the stairs every day to get to your office? Or are you someone who waits 5 minutes for the elevator to take you up a few flights? We all take the elevator from time to time. Maybe it’s because you just had an awesome leg workout, had a
I’ve had the priveldge of working with bariatric surgery patients for a decade (at the time of this post). During this time, I’ve learned what habits my most successful patients change in their life, and stick to long-term. I try not to “get on my soap box” too often when I’m counseling pre-op patients, but at
Okay Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops, so before you start making excuses and complaining how busy you are this week or that you can’t cook, hear me out! Eating at home does require more time and effort, but can we talk about some of the positive sides for a few minutes instead? Homemade
Post Ops, snacking is very important! Snacks have such a bad reputation… and for a good reason considering what MOST people consider a snack! Between the stops at the vending machine and the grab-and-go at the gas station- most people are grabbing whatever is fast, sugary, and convenient. However- if you’re doing it
Hey Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops! Are you craving sugar ? Let’s chat… Do you know how much sugar you eat during the day (be honest!), and then use ingredient labels or simply Google how many grams of sugar each food has and count. The World Health Organization recommends about 25g (or less!) added sugar
Are you one of the 12% that don’t eat breakfast or one of the more than 50% of people who skip it at least once a week!? Post op bariatric patients need to take breakfast very seriously please. I’m sure you’ve heard this a hundred times….but breakfast REALLY is the most important meal of the
Hey Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops! Doesn’t it feel so good to clean out your closet and get rid of those old clothes that are just taking up space!? How about finally letting go of those pants you’ve been hanging on to forever! Let’s face it, they don’t fit you any more. You are
Hey Bariatric Pre Ops and Post Ops! Have you ever sat down to eat with someone and 30 seconds later they managed to eat their entire meal? Or…have YOU ever been guilty of that!? Gasp! Chewing your food not only allows you to appreciate and savor the taste of that delicious food,
Gastric sleeve surgery may be the solution to your weight related problems. It also serves as all the more reason for you to adopt a healthier and lifelong diet and lifestyle plan. The ultimate goal of all bariatric surgery is to ‘provide physical change in digestive system that inevitably helps people to lose substantial weight’. Note the
Tired of your fancy crash diets that don’t work and exercise plans that don’t work fast enough? Gastric bypass surgery might be your answer. Did you know you must pass certain BMI requirements to qualify for gastric bypass surgery, especially in Mexico? Body Mass Index or BMI applies to most adult women and men aged 20
Unfortunately many bariatric patients will find themselves in this same predicament. They have spent so much time preparing for the actual surgery and the build up to it, and they have not thought about “what comes next” and what the body needs to lose weight and to keep it off. Bariatric surgery is just a
Are you considering having your Bariatric Surgery in Mexico. You are then one of the thousands of people from all over the world who turn to Mexico to provide them with the most experienced coordinators and facilitators, surgeons and nursing teams who have been treating patients for many years. You should ask questions such as:
The Holidays are the perfect time to be with family, friends, and co-workers celebrating at different restaurants and homes. How can you make good choices when traveling and dining out? Some easy tips to follow: Go online and review the menu PRIOR TO arriving at the restaurant so you can choose without pressure. Avoid alcohol
We all know there is no such thing as perfection, but the longer you work towards eating and living healthy lifestyle habits it will happen Bariatric Success is all about daily habits. If you persistently expose yourself to good quality meats, veggies & fruit you eventually will “live it” with little effort or if you
Let’s face it, life is busy and we’ve been programmed to believe that we don’t have time to cook or prepare meals, and the solution is to pick up a meal-in-a-box or go through the drive-thru to feed our families. Although, there are times in life when this is truly the case, when it comes
Thanksgiving can be fun, full of laughter & memories, but stressful, and exhausting at the same time. Follow these simple strategies to stay focused: Don’t skip breakfast, make a plan so that you eat first thing in the morning . Have an egg or a green protein smoothie to balance blood sugars and keep cravings
As a patient coordinator/ liaison and a nutritionist, I stay close with patients before, after, and many years out from surgery. Sadly, there’s often a common misconception that patients who choose to have surgery are taking the “easy way out.” Short story – IMO : going under the knife is not copping out. I find
After undergoing bariatric surgery, it is important that you take care of your body to ensure the best possible results. What is great about bariatric surgery is that it enables you to lose weight quickly and keep that weight off. Exercise is a key player in keeping your body healthy and strong after bariatric surgery.
Are you 5 or 6 weeks post op and suddenly have terrible Nausea and feel just completely terrible ? What could be wrong? You could be in the throes of DEHYDRATION, which is the number one post op complication that WILL land you back in a hospital bed. Water is CRITICAL after surgery and most
Explore surgical weight loss treatment options at International Patient Facilitators. With specialty in gastric sleeve and bariatric surgery, our weight loss program can help you reduce unhealthy weight in the safest and most comfortable way
While surgery makes it harder to overeat, it’s still possible, especially when you get further out from surgery. There are behaviors that can lead to eating way more than you should be able to. Here are a few ways that can happen. I’m telling you this to help you avoid these situations, so please use the information
Huge bags of ‘fun sized’ Halloween candy are piled high at the grocery store. Everywhere you go today has a big dose of candy mania. NOT EAT CANDY CORN. Not a single piece. You already know what it tastes like. You can think about it and conjure up that exact taste in your mouth. You can taste
Retraining our brains to “think healthy” takes some time and energy and understanding. Remember, your old habits were not created in one single day and the new habits are going to take some work, time and consistency. You need to stick it out long enough so that your brain has sufficient time to form the
Let’s talk. The weeks and days prior to this important turning point in your life can make such a positive impact on your health that it is actually the first step in your recovery. CANCUN TIJUANA Getting Prepared. Lose at least a little weight. Many surgeons require that their surgical candidates lose weight just prior
Have your been considering WLS or are you a patient who has already had WLS ? What is or was your motivating factor? There are plenty of reasons for having a bariatric procedure such as losing weight, improving your health and reducing your meds but as a result you may obtain even more health benefits
This is a question that many Medical Travelers have in mind when considering traveling to Mexico for a procedure. There are mainly four reasons to why it is possible to receive better or equal care in Mexico at a much lower cost than at home in the United States and Canada. The First Reason: Mexico
What’s going ? The unmentionable may be happening ! Some of those little bad habits are making their way back into your regular life? It’s the exact thing we promised ourselves that we would not do and we find ourselves doing it again. There are so many reasons for it – my job is hard,
7 Very Common Myths About IVF Treatment: Stress Lowers IVF Success Rates. The Older You Are, The Less Successful IVF Treatment Is. Acupuncture Affects IVF Success Rates. Doctors Cannot Control The Success Of An IVF Cycle. Frozen Eggs are Less Effective Than Fresh Eggs. HIV Patients Cannot Conceive Healthy Children. Special Diet Can Improve IVF Success.
Smart Carbs ? – what the heck is a carbohydrate and why is it so important to know this ? Why Carbs ? What is a Carb ? How are they used ? Why is bread bad ? How does a tortilla turn to sugar ? Gosh it’s all so complicated, or is it,,, ?
How to prevent Hair Loss post weight loss surgery. Hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common. 40% of patients experience it but don’t worry because it’s only temporary. Most patients notice hair loss starting 2 months after their operation, and lasting about 6 months before a slow return. This is a normal response to the stress
Guess What, Solid food is back ! You’ve made it this far and it’s time to start eating real food. This does not mean you get to eat whatever you want – you are still healing and wanting to reach your goal quickly. Your diet will now consist of protein, vegetables, a limited amount of
Grilled Yummy Tuna
According to the data collected by the CDC on dental health, almost 27.4% of the people in America ignore their cares. This ignorance of dental health leads to teeth and gum problems in their later year. This fact is confirmed by the same report which states that 62.4% of people over the age of 65
According to a report released by the CDC on Fertility Clinic Success Rates; from the 208,604 assisted reproduction technology procedures (most common of which is IVF) that were procured by patients seeking fertility treatment, 57,323 resulted in live births. With such a success rate for IVF, more and more people are opting to try this
How to eat to increase satiety ? What does that “full feeling of satiety” mean to you post operatively ? It is actually a feeling of gratification. For Bariatric patients getting sufficient food and feeling “satiety” or ” full” is super important and needs to be understood better. Bariatric patients should eat up until the point
Cauliflower Mashed Fake Potatoes
Prenatal Vitamins and IVF In addition to a healthy diet, if you are planning to have a baby through IVF, you should take one prenatal multivitamin supplement daily that contains folic acid, iron and vitamin B12. Make sure your supplement contains no more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can cause birth
Greek Omelet
The Infamous Bariatric Pre Op Plan Now, everybody has heard about that “famous bariatric pre.op op diet”. Once you have completed our medical form and you have been accepted for surgery and you have your surgery date set, we will send you your specific pre.op diet. Most pre.op diets last anywhere from 7 days to 21
Carrot Ginger Creamy Soup
This is a question which all patients should ask as it could affect them after their weight loss surgery. OTC and Prescription drugs can be absorbed differently after your bariatric surgery. It really depends on the exact procedure that you had. It’s important to be aware of this. Right after your weight loss surgery, if
Greek Omelet
Important for your Surgery Success. After bariatric surgery you’re preparing for a new chapter in your life. A chapter that includes healthy eating choices and regular exercise, resulting in a new and improved you! For the first couple weeks after surgery you should focus on your recovery before beginning your exercise routine. Once you feel up to it,
Low Carb Quiche
Once patients are newly operated, they begin to delve into the world of “post weight loss surgery” and all the rules that should be followed. One big, important issue is “How much protein? How can I get it? Where can I find it?” The correct answer to this question is: 60 to 80 grams per
The first thing you need to do is to request information and share your email address with us. We will send you a welcome package through email that includes important information and a health form to complete. After you submit your health form, our medical team will review your case. Once you are approved for bariatric surgery,
Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers
Once Bariatric surgery is complete, a strict post-op diet plan needs to be followed. There is now a staple line in your stomach that must be allowed to heal. Certain foods can disrupt the healing process, put undue stress on the staple line, and lead to a leak. The diet for a post-op bariatric patients consists
Chicken Breasts Mexican Style
In one word, Yes. Bariatric surgery can greatly improve the fertility issues that overweight may women have. Patients who are able to get back to a normal weight range, also can get back to a normal menstrual cycle after their bariatric surgery. A very important fertility problem that women face is “anovulation” which is described
Healthy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
Relationships after Bariatric Surgery can change so it’s important to have a good hard think about this and to be prepared as you get ready for your new life changing experience to occur. Let’s talk about the “positive side” of Weight Loss Surgery First : you are going to feel a whole lot better and
Tuna Patties a la Parmasean
According to a study by WHO (World Health Organization), since 1980, the number of obese people has doubled worldwide. According to their study, more than 1.9 billion adults are now overweight, with 600 million in the obese ratio. Because of the increase in weight and harmful fat, many obese people are now suffering from numerous
According to a study conduction by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 12% of women between the ages of 15-44 experience difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. However, this issue isn’t just something that women alone are going through. According to the same study, 7.5% of all sexually experienced
Almost all patients are going to be nervous and stressed prior to a bariatric procedure in Mexico. Naturally we all love to eat. Even if we can drink all our nutrients through a straw, who would want to ? Many patients are “stress eaters” so “not eating” when they are stressed and anxious before bariatric
Oatmeal Pumpkin Yum (With Protein Powder) 1/2 Cup Nonfat Milk3/4 Cup (12 TBS) Water1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats1/4 Cup Canned Pumpkin1/4 Cup Water2 Tbs Roasted1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder1 Small Pinch Cinnamon1 Small Pinch Nutmeg1 Tbs Splenda, Sugar, or Natural Sweetener to Taste
What is a pouch reset? What an amazing organ our stomach is. It expands to fit large quantities of food and then decreases back to its average size as the food is passed into the digestive tract. Even after bariatric surgery has been done, the stomach keeps stretching and contracting. Today society is filled with
Rich Fruit Dip
This isn’t necessarily about regain, its about restarting. In those first seven months after surgery, nothing can stop the weight from falling off, but then it all stops and its then up to us. If old habits have not been redirected, this is how you start losing again. Going on a diet is different from the
Once considered a taboo in society, cosmetic surgery is now a booming business across the world, especially in Mexico. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Mexico was among the top 5 countries that performed the most cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 2014. This is primarily because of the affordable cost
There’s more to dental care than just brushing and flossing. Most people do not give enough significance to oral health. Poor oral health can lead to a host of issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Not to mention, it can also result in infections. It is, therefore, imperative to discuss
Protein Packed Jello
Happy Low Fat Hummus 16 ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)2 tbsp lemon juice3/4 cup plain non-fat yogurt (high quality greek yogur1)1 tsp garlic (chopped)1/4 tsp salt
Your Monthly Tips Things are different when you have a four ounce stomach instead of a big ole floppy handbag to fill with food. We used to save best for last, but now we’d better eat it first! Smart rules to live by. Share these tips with a bariatric friend or support group! Chew Try
During your weight loss phase • Protein is our mainstay during the weight-loss phase, so it’s important to know all about it. How do we know which one is the best? What do we look for? How much do we absorb? There are a lot of protein powders to learn about but there is more
Cucumber Cool Soup
Slow Cooker Santa Fe Soup
Salmon Patties 1 can pink salmon (wild alaskan)1 cup raw onion (or to taste)1 tsp black pepper1 tsp garlic powder1 piece buttersalt and pepper (to taste) Mix all ingredients together and form into 4 pattiesFry patties as you would a hamburgueri fry mine in a little butter for flavor, but use whatever method you prefer
Bariatrics, Risk vs Reward Obesity prevalence is the highest it has ever been. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more that one-third of adults are affected. And with the increase in obesity comes an increase in the number of bariatric surgery procedures. But how safe are the procedures, and do
Why do things taste different Is it possible to not like bacon? If you’re a patient who’s had gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or Mini Bypass surgeries, bacon may be one of those foods you just don’t like anymore. Add dairy, sweets and fried foods to that list of dislikes and you may be wondering if the surgeons
Make Smart Choices Please If you are overweight, obese or morbidly obese and you believe that you eat the same foods as your naturally slim friends, it is a relatively sure bet that you are mistaken. I know this is harsh but it’s the truth. Being ‘naturally’ slim is not just by design, it’s also by
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Eating one or two large meals will not lead to a permanently stretched stomach or issues with your hunger and fullness triggers. However, doing this multiple times can lead to issues. The list below hi-lights key points to reduce the risk of stretching your stomach after gastric surgery. Tip 1. Limit Volume not Sweets. Instead of
Very Berry Smoothie Shake
Bariatric Clear Liquids You are home from the hospital and resting uncomfortably on the sofa. All the notes you took as a pre.op are written in Greek, and you don’t remember what to do. What you may have heard from or about other patients may not be the same for you. To be successful in
Chili with Mushrooms and Beef
our dirty little secret ? I get that we all thought that if we had weight loss surgery it would fix things and we would never need to worry again. That’s just not true. Surgery Gave us a pass to get out from under the weight but now it’s up to us to preserve that
Spring is here, and for many this is the season when a lot of time will be spent dining out. However, this can be challenging after weight-loss surgery and many people avoid going to restaurants to prevent overeating or eating the wrong foods. But since dining out is a normal part of life for many,
Fake Fried Zucchini
What is “normal food”? Once released to go on your merry way and eat ‘real’ or ‘normal’ foods proceed with caution. Many post ops live in the Soft Food Zone forever – not purees or baby food, but just softer moister foods. Foods will need to have a softer texture in the beginning in order to
Stuffed Green Peppers
The decision about whether to undergo obesity surgery is fairly complex and most importantly, very personal. You must understand that bariatric surgery is a major undertaking, and though most patients enjoy an improvement in health conditions and self-esteem after successful surgery, these results should not be the overriding motivation for having the procedure. Deciding to
What to expect. Medical Tourism with International Patient Facilitators can be best described as the combination of travel to a foreign country to receive affordable medical care with some of the top surgeons and doctors in the chosen country. Is Medical Tourism Safe Let’s talk. The concept of traveling to a foreign country to receive
Every Choice We Make Counts. • If you’re starting on your weight loss journey, or you want to get back on track, just remember, every choice we make counts. Does it occur to you that every choice we make, even small ones, add up to the bigger picture. Yes, I know every dieting magazine article
Chicken and Grape Salad
Lifestyle Changes and Bariatric Surgery While most candidates for bariatric surgery accept that there will be many changes to be made after their bariatric surgery, few recognize that beginning those changes before surgery will greatly assist in the transition to their new life. By starting the transition process right now, you can gradually make adjustments in your diet,
Black Bean Soup with a Salsa
After bariatric surgery you’re preparing for a new chapter in your life. A chapter that includes healthy eating choices and regular exercise, resulting in a new and improved you. There are a variety of different exercises that you can do while you’re recovering from bariatric surgery. As you progress, you will be able to add
The pouch rules. • The answer will surprise you because it’s more about choosing the right food and how to eat, not necessarily how much is on your plate. Learn to rely on food choices and your pouch rather than your measuring cup. It’s easy to overeat Macaroni & Cheese but Chicken notsomuch because it is self
This hearty large soup is low in calories but thick in texture. This recipe makes about 14 cups
• Writing down the foods you eat during the day is a proven method to promote weight loss and to help keep the weight off. It is a simple task that can help you understand your eating habits and target problem areas you may have. Here are some reasons why it’s simply smart to use a Journal to keep track
• Committing to bariatric surgery requires that you prepare ahead of time by eating a healthy diet and ensuring adequate levels of physical activity. Pre-surgery diet changes are needed to help you lose a small amount of excess body weight prior to surgery and to have better eating habits to help you lose weight after
• Bariatric Post Op Surgery patient should start to realise that they are not able to eat the same types of foods that they were eating prior to their surgery. We need to emphasis “High Protein/ Low Fat/ Low Sugar” selections that are packed with High Nutrient Content. • Stomach space is reduces so bariatric
Prepping for your Surgery Success. • Success after bariatric surgery doesn’t just ” happen” by accident. It is the result of careful planning and work on your behalf. Of course it will also depend on an extremely skilled surgeon but your post-op success all will depend mostly on you. • You can begin to organize yourself for weight
Burn More Calories. • As complicated as we make it out to be, it all breaks down into a rather simple formula. If you want to lose weight, then you have to burn more calories than you take in. From here, there are a million options as to what your snacking habits should be, what
Rise Up and Take Control This isn’t necessarily about regain, its about restarting. In those first seven months after surgery, nothing can stop the weight from falling off, but then it all stops and its then up to us. If old habits have not been redirected, this is how you start losing again. Going on
Smart essential bariatric tips Take Control Things are different when you have a four ounce stomach. We used to save best for last, but now we’d better eat it first! Now we have to chew food and think about the texture. No more big bites! Here is our short list of smart and essential bariatric
Making a baby is generally fun – except if you need the help of some fertility drugs, whose side effects can range from generally mild to downright miserable. Side effects vary depending on the type of medicine you’re taking. Chlomiphene citrate, for example (best known by the drug names Clomid or serophene), is one of
Embryo Freezing. What is it and when should I consider it ? It’s been more than 20 years since embryo cryopreservation, as it’s sometimes known, became a buzzword in the world of reproductive medicine. Today embryo freezing is one of the most common components of IVF. As long as you’re undergoing the treatment, which involves
We Are All Winners with Bariatric Surgery We are all winners. Don’t lose focus that the goal isn’t to be the next supermodel, but to be healthy, happy and fit. If we never get to a size 4, but end up at a slim size 12 or 14 and no longer need insulin, blood pressure medications
Relax, You’re A Staller! After surgery we all go through the same categories. You haven’t hit a wall, you’re just a Staller. It is normal for you to be second guessing your decision in these early weeks as you haven’t lost enough weight to justify the surgery. The benefits have not yet tipped scales in
Have a Plan of Attack for the Restaurant All Restaurants Have Websites. Friday’s, Olive Garden and Outback has over 100 different things to order on their menus. The time to decide what you’ll be eating is not necessarily at the table with your Waiter standing over you describing the Pasta special and talking up the
My New Life… on Hold If you have been targeting January 1 as your Official Start Date for your annual diet and beginning of your new, New Life, there’s a good chance you are doomed before even getting out of the gate. The very idea of choosing a date in the future to START means you
Betcha Can’t Eat Just One I am horrified by some of the stories that new post ops tell of eating foods that years ago nobody would have dreamed of putting in their mouth. What is the difference? FEAR! What was it like in the olden days ? Back then no one knew what the deal
ways to get off a post surgery plateau. Here are the basics again. Let’s chat. When the scale isn’t moving, try these strategies to get you back on track. While it may be frustrating, it is not uncommon to reach a plateau at any stage of eating after bariatric surgery, especially as you get closer
There is no delicate way to say this. We coax you to knock off the pasta, rice, tortillas or bread and often people get mad or try and justify it. For years we’ve watched people blow through this surgery and they all have the same story. Everyone thinks they are ‘Different’, that they can handle
Recovery from Bariatric Surgery is an extremely sensitive process that can be accompanied by a multitude of side effects if doctor’s orders are not precisely followed. Feel your best and prevent complications by conforming to a proper diet and an appropriate healing process. After your surgery, refrain from eating too large volumes that can expand
Your built in portion control device Trust your pouch. Let’s chat. When you first have bariatric surgery and first return home from the hospital, you are tentative and afraid of what comes next – how will it feel when we take those first sips, or bites? Will it hurt? Will I feel full? Will I
Your Bariatric Journey: Pre-Bariatric Surgery Diet Some important thoughts. It’s not uncommon to want to enjoy some of your favorite foods and restaurants before undergoing bariatric surgery. However, it is very important to develop a new and healthy relationship with food including practicing portion control and sticking to a mostly good-for-you plan. It is important
Reasons to keep a food and fitness journal Understand your habits. Writing down the foods you eat during the day is a proven method to promote bariatric success. It is a simple task that can help you understand your habits and target problem areas you may have. Do I qualify for bariatric surgery ? Keeps
Pouch Rules. Let’s chat. The pouch rules are often overlooked once a patient is further out from his/her bariatric surgery. Yet the rules are one of the most important tools to use for maintaining long-term success after surgery. If you haven’t been using this tool, now is the time to take it off the shelf and
Allow us to share some information with you. When you’re on vacation, it may be very easy to abandon the lifestyle changes you have been developing. The downside is, when you return home you often have feelings of guilt and remorse about the choices you made while on vacation. Then, as you follow-up with the
Eating Greens – Post Bariatric Surgery Greens and more Greens Learning to eat again after bariatric surgery can often be difficult, and knowing what foods to reintroduce to your meal plan can be challenging. Let’s take a closer look at bringing fruits and vegetables back into your daily routine. Fruits and vegetables are a part
Allow us to share some information with you. The details you need to know HEALTH FORM We have been performing weight loss surgery for over 17 years. Our surgeon is Dr. Sergio Verboonen in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. Dr. Verboonen is one of the most experienced and leading bariatric surgeons in the world. He has
What to expect. Medical Tourism with International Patient Facilitators can be best described as the combination of travel to a foreign country to receive affordable medical care with some of the top surgeons and doctors in the chosen country. Is Medical Tourism Safe? Let’s talk. The concept of traveling to a foreign country to receive
Learning to add food back to your diet after surgery. What is “normal food”? Once released to go on your merry way and eat ‘real’ or ‘normal’ foods proceed with caution. Many post ops live in the Soft Food Zone forever – not purees or baby food, but just softer moister foods. Foods will need
Exercise that’s not hard on the knees. Excuse Gone. Poof. our dirty little secret ? I get that we all thought that if we had weight loss surgery it would fix things and we would never need to worry again. That’s just not true. Surgery Gave us a pass to get out from under the
The First Food Stage Post Surgery Bariatric Clear Liquids You are home from the hospital and resting uncomfortably on the sofa. All the notes you took as a pre.op are written in Greek, and you don’t remember what to do. What you may have heard from or about other patients may not be the same
lets discuss a few realities post op Make Smart Choices Please If you are overweight, obese or morbidly obese and you believe that you eat the same foods as your naturally slim friends, it is a relatively sure bet that you are mistaken. I know this is harsh but it’s the truth. Being ‘naturally’ slim
Why do things taste different Is it possible to not like bacon? If you’re a patient who’s had gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or Mini Bypass surgeries, bacon may be one of those foods you just don’t like anymore. Add dairy, sweets and fried foods to that list of dislikes and you may be wondering if the surgeons
Contents Introduction…………………….. Defining the Role of the Facilitation Company ………………. Factors that Contribute to Medical Travel …………………… Choosing an IPF Medical Tourism Facilitator Professional ……………………. Services Provided by IPF (International Patient Facilitators) ……………………. Introduction: Sheri Burke will be your guide. She has a background in administrating Surgery Centres in Mexico and was appointed CEO of
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