Aspirus Bariatrics

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Feature Article:          

Will-power, determination, discipline, strength, commitment… Lets talk about what Drives You!

The hot topic of oil and gas prices has been on everyone’s mind lately.  Everyone seems to be looking for ways to conserve energy so we can get the most mileage from the energy the earth still has to offer us.  Many times commitment or discipline, like gasoline, is in short supply when you need it most.  There is a more efficient way to use the commitment you already have so you can keep your commitment supply tank as full as possible.  If you don’t want to run out of determination when a major challenge comes along, you can trade-in or exchange your old commitment guzzling habits for newer habits that will serve your real needs much better than the old ones have served you.  You can examine the habits and the emotions that are currently using up your stores of commitment and you can find a more efficient way to overcome your challenges using less commitment than you’ve ever used before.  You always have a choice!  You can choose to use your commitment to climb over or bull-doze your way through your challenges, or you can choose to take an easier path that will allow you to use much less commitment.  You can walk AROUND most of your obstacles instead of attacking them head-on. 

You can overcome most habits by replacing them with the new habits that serve you better than the old ones ever did.  It is smarter than wasting years of effort trying to “NOT DO” the old habit.  Instead of focusing your efforts on “NOT DOING” something, when the temptation comes, focus on finding something better to DO INSTEAD OF doing your old habit. 

Is your will power a gas hog… or a fuel-efficient model?

Here is an example:  In the past when you were upset, you would go to the freezer and have a big bowl of ice cream and then kick yourself all night knowing you made a bad choice.  The fuel you chose for your vehicle was not the most energy efficient was it?  If you walked 3 miles in an hour you could burn off those extra calories, but this would be above and beyond your regular exercise regime.  If you wanted to make a more fuel-efficient choice you could have some healthy choices ready in a pinch.  Cut up some fresh vegetables and leave them in see-through containers in your fridge.  How about some sugar free Popsicles? Or try freezing some grapes for something cold and sweet.  Nuts make great snacks too.  There are many more healthy options you can think of as well but you will only choose them if they are easy and are right in front of you. 

Any habit changing strategy that depends on your ability to ”will-power” your way out of it is doomed to failure.  No matter how strong you may be at one point in time, if your only plan for kicking a habit is to decide you are NOT GOING TO DO IT ANYMORE, your will-power will eventually fail you when your mental and physical reserves are drained. 

If you feel you’re staring at a bad habit that is big as a mountain and the only way you know to deal with it is to attack it head-on, you might want to consider using an easier trail that will take you AROUND the problem instead of having to battle through it.  For example:  If your pass a McDonalds’ every day before work, change your route so you don’t drive past it anymore. 

When you find a new habit that serves you better than the old one did, it’s like trading in your old car for a new one.  You don’t have to use much will-power to drive your new car instead of your old one because you can easily see that the new one is nicer and better than the old one was.  Likewise, when a newer, better, habit is available to you, you’ll automatically choose it over the old one and it won’t take a lot of will-power to stop using the old one.   An example you may have experienced is switching from 2% to skim milk.  Now you automatically reach for it at the grocery store.

Commitment isn’t always easy, but it’s easier to find the new habit that’s right for you than it is to spend a lifetime of fighting the temptations of NOT DOING something.  It still requires a supply of commitment upfront, but after a little while it becomes automatic.  Then you can use your commitment on something more important that will take you farther down the path toward your goals.  Trade in your energy-hog for a more fuel-efficient model!

 

Future Support Group Meetings:

Our support group is facilitated by a certified Bariatric Support Group Leader and Success Habits Instructor as well as a Registered and Certified Dietitian.  Meetings are a free service provided by Aspirus Bariatrics.  Join Us!!

 

Day Time Support Group:

·         Second Wednesday of every month

·         3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

·         Smartforme sales begin at 2:40 p.m.

·         Medallion Room

 

Night Time Support Group:

·         Third Tuesday of every month

·         6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

·         Smartforme sales begin at 6:10 p.m.

·         Medallion Room

  

Upcoming Night Group Topics:

January 20th:  Winter Exercise:  Don’t let those snow flakes stop you from getting a great winter workout.  We are going to try a fun way to get exercise indoors.  (Dress appropriately for exercise)

February 17th:  Tribute to the Supporters:  Take the time to invite those close to you who have supported you along the way.  We will celebrate the importance of the support we need with our weight loss journey.

March 17th:  Share and Compare.  Do you have questions for the experts?  Do you have a story to share and pay it forward to those following in your footsteps?  This is the month to share and compare.

April 21st: The Things I wish I knew Before Weight Loss Surgery:  Are there things you would like to share with others looking into surgery?  Now is the time to let down our guard and talk about everything we wish we knew before surgery.

***Weather Alert***  Please remember if after school or evening programs are cancelled in Wausau due to inclement weather, support group will be cancelled.  If there is any question please call the hospital switchboard at: (715) 847-2121. 

Support group members work together and help each other on the journey which gastric bypass surgery takes us.  We welcome your comments on this communiqué.  To share a recipe or suggest a topic, talk to either Kristi or Margee.

Both of us are available by phone or e-mail.  Phone:  (715) 847-0024 or 1-800-283-2881, extension 70024 or e-mail  kristif@aspirus.org or margeer@aspirus.org.

 

Featured Recipe:

If you are tired of chicken and fish all the time, here’s a tasty, yet quick pork recipe.

PORK CHOP A  LA  APPLESAUCE

6 oz. pork loin chop, lean, boneless

1 Tbsp. lemon zest

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup sliced sweet onions

1 Tbsp. pepper

1/3 Tbsp. granular Splendaâ

fat free cooking spray

Season pork chops with pepper, then sear in a hot sauté pan with cooking spray.  Let pork chop cool briefly, about 3 minutes.  Sprinkle lemon zest on both sides and finish in a 350° oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until cooked through.

Mix applesauce, Splendaâ, and cinnamon in a small saucepan and heat on low.  Spray a nonstick pan with cooking spray and sauté onions on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.  Serve hot applesauce and onions over the pork chop.

2 servings.  Each serving:  23 grams protein, 3.8 grams total fat

  

 

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