Losing Locks after WLS Can Be a Hair-iffic Experience

 By Armetta C. Landrum

Okay, it’s several months after your life changing WLS and you are noticing there is a little more hair in your comb or brush. Don’t panic, you are not alone.

A number of men and women suffer with hair loss several months after the procedure. This type of hair loss is called, Telogen Effluvium. 

It has to do with the interruption of the normal pattern of hair growth, hormonal imbalance, dietary changes, stressors, rapid weight loss, vitamin deficiencies and shock to the body.   In most cases, hair will begin to regrow without intervention once weight has stabilized.http://www.viviscal.com/hair-growth-cycle

According to PalmyraSurgical.com, if you continue to lose hair after your weight loss stabilizes, or if your hair doesn’t start to grow back, your doctor may check your prealbumin levels to see if you’re getting enough dietary protein. If the prealbumin levels are low, your doctor will likely recommend that you increase your daily protein intake.  He or she may also discover that the loss is due to another underlying medical condition.

Some people, including myself, find that their hair is a little different once it grows back in. For example, a person who had straight hair before surgery might end up with curly hair.  I went from curly to straight hair.

HOW TO MINIMIZE HAIR LOSS AFTER WLS SURGERY

Hair is built with protein. That’s what it’s made of. Make sure you’re taking in enough protein and it will help keep your hair healthy. At least, healthier. 

Check with your doctor to make sure you are getting an adequate amount of protein. You should also ask him or her to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

TIPS FOR BETTER HAIR

• ·        If you swim a lot, condition your hair BEFORE getting in
• ·        Back away from the heating tools
• ·        Sleep on a silk pillowcase
• ·        Rinse and condition in cold water
• ·        Try not to brush your hair when it’s wet
• ·        Avoid silicones, sulfates, and alcohols in your shampoo and conditioner
• ·        Of course, eating right also helps
• ·        DON’T wash everyday

Biotin is a supplement many doctors recommend for hair loss ask your physician about its benefits!

Something New for the Holidays by Armetta C. Landrum

‘Tis the Season to Stay Hydrated!

Splash into this Holiday Season … By Adding Natural Flavors to Your Water

“I am always trying to find new ways to enjoy water.  I’ve tried the following and I loved them all.  This is my holiday gift to you…drink up! “ Armetta Landrum

Five Creative Ways to Flavor Water

Water in the summer months is more important than ever. Because of the summer heat, we have a tendency to sweat more and even lose more water through our breath. The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink even when you are not thirsty. Thirst may be a sign that you are already dehydrated.

Basil and Blueberries

Rinse basil and blueberries under cool running water. Crush blueberries and place into a water pitcher. Leave the basil on the sprig and add to the water. Allow to sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the greater the taste. The infused water can keep up to three days and you may reuse the fruit by adding more water to the pitcher.

Cucumber and Mint

Rinse the mint and cucumbers under cool running water. Thinly slice the cucumbers and place into a water pitcher. The greater the surface area of the cucumbers, the quicker the water will be flavored. Leave the mint on the sprig and add to the water. Allow to sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the greater the taste. The infused water can keep up to three days and you may reuse the fruit by adding more water to the pitcher.

Watermelon

Cube the watermelon and place into a water pitcher. The greater the surface area of the fruit, the quicker the water will be flavored. Leave the mint on the sprig and add to the water. Allow to sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the greater the taste. The infused water can keep up to three days and you may reuse the fruit by adding more water to the pitcher.

Strawberries and Sugar-free Lemonade

Rinse strawberries under cool running water. Using a cheese grater, grate the strawberries into a water pitcher. Squirt in a few drops of sugar-free lemonade. You can use products like Crystal Light or Dasani Drops. For another alternative you can add thinly sliced lemons instead. Allow to sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the greater the taste. The infused water can keep up to three days and you may reuse the fruit by adding more water to the pitcher.

Infused Ice Cubes

Looking to keep cool? Add any well cut fruit and herb mix directly to your ice cube tray. Pour boiling water over; allow cooling before placing it into the freezer. By heating the water up before freezing it, it penetrates the fruit, vegetable, or herb to release the flavorful aromatic compound—giving you the most amount of flavor from each cube.

HAPPY DRINKING…WATER THAT IS!

 Looking for a Fast, Easy and Healthful Holiday Meal

This is it and it tastes great!

Spinach & Red Pepper Frittata

Ingredients

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

4 strips turkey bacon, diced

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 cup loosely packed baby spinach, chopped

8 eggs

2 oz shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

Heat oven to 375 F

Heat a non-stick skillet to medium high heat. Make sure skillet is oven safe.

Saute onion, bell pepper and turkey bacon until onions are translucent and turkey bacon is starting to crisp. Sprinkle salt and pepper and stir.

Add spinach and stir. Cook 30-60 seconds or until spinach starts to wilt.

Whisk and add eggs, moving pan around a bit for eggs to surround the pan evenly.

Sprinkle with cheese and move to oven for 8-10 minutes or until eggs look set.

Remove with hot pad and let cool before serving.

http://www.foodcoach.me

Living in the Paradigm Shift....Life after Weight Loss Surgery By Armetta C. Landrum

Definition of Paradigm Shift

"A time when the usual and accepted way of doing or thinking about something changes" ... Cambridge Dictionary

The following advice is  from my good friend and Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Nurse

Laura Kern...Thank you Laura!

Laura Kern, RN, BSN, CBN

Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital
Bariatric Nurse Navigator

Phone 248.937.3732

www.hvsh.org/bariatricsurgery

... "I love my job as Bariatric Nurse Navigator for Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital.   My primary role is to serve as a resource and to coordinate care for weight loss surgery (WLS) patients.   I have the pleasure of coaching patients to a healthier self.  I am proud to coordinate the bariatric program at HVSH.   In addition to providing education and support to patients and their families, I am responsible for staff and community education, various quality initiatives and accreditation requirements.  We have an integrated team of health professionals who provide excellent and compassionate care to a very unique and special bariatric  population"... Laura Kern

Before surgery, how do you prepare a patient for the upcoming changes in their lives?  Is that something you talk about?  What advice do you give them?

Pre-operatively I offer patients assistance in getting through the extensive insurance requirement workup.    I make every attempt to prepare them for what to expect during the pre-op workup stage, the day of surgery and while in the hospital and when they go home, as well as long-term lifestyle changes they will need to make to be successful.    I stress that WLS is a tool, not a cure.   I am available via phone, e-mail or in person as needed.   Patients can contact me via phone when I am not in the office.   I offer a pre-op class for them to attend with a significant other to help prepare them as they embark on their journey.  

First and foremost, I assure them they there is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed and that they are not being judged "by the size of their belt," but by their mind, heart and contributions to society.  WLS is not an easy decision and is not the easy way out.  I applaud them for taking this important step and encourage them to make the necessary changes in their diet and exercise regime, as well as smoking cessation if necessary.   I also make sure they know that I am available to coach them through the journey and encourage them to attend support group meetings (live or on-line) and to seek help.   I make it clear they are not alone and that it helps to have the support of individuals who understand, as sometimes family and friends can sabotage their efforts and not truly get it.  It is not easy to change lifelong habits and coping mechanisms.

How do you encourage those who are already on their journey? 

I see patients in the pre-op holding area before they go in for their surgery and provide support and teaching to them and their families while they are in the hospital.   Some patients need extra support or encouragement to just get out of bed and move following surgery or to get in their fluids and take deep breaths,  but I try to make sure they all know that this is an expectation before they even come to the hospital.    I round on patients and or call them on the phone everyday they are in the hospital and reinforce discharge teaching which is actually started in the pre-op phase.   I call patients at home a day or two after they go home to make sure they are okay and answer any questions.   They are encouraged to call me with any issues, physical or emotional.   

Many have remorse just after surgery and need to know that they will feel better and will get through the inital phase.   As they progress, I send out motivational e-mails on occasion and  facilitate monthly post-op support group meetings here at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital (2nd Tuesday of the month in the Sinai Medical Office Building).  These meetings are generally educational in nature, but there is always time to share what challenges they are facing and have the group and I provide feedback and support.

Their lives continue to change ... do you find that some patients at this point, do better with change..embracing life's challenges? 

Of course.  Many patients embrace change and do well, especially as they start to lose weight and their self esteem improves.   Others struggle with changing their habits and accepting their new dietary constraints, adopting an exercise program and accepting their new bodies, as well as the new way others look at them.   They have been discriminated against and judged by others for being overweight and reactions vary from sexual attention they are not used to receiving to being rejected by their partners or facing jealousy issues by their significant others.   

Are there patients in your estimate ..who just don't do well with change? Can you give some examples?  What advice do you give them to get them back on track?

There are those who just don't do well with change or are not willing to change!  Some, but not all, WLS patients were overeaters or turned to food for comfort  or to "hide" or "protect" themselves in the past which helped lead to their obesity.  If the patients do not deal with the issues that led them to that coping mechanism, they may revert to old behaviors and or replace them with others, such as drinking alcohol.  

There are many examples I can think of,  for example a patient that blames the spouse for their eating behaviors and do not take ownership of what they choose to eat saying that their significant other is feeding them the wrong foods.   Another who blames their employer for now allowing sufficient time to eat a healthy meal so feels she only has time for poor choices.  

My advice is to let go...   you cannot change others, but can change yourself....  Put yourself first...  Make a commitment to yourself to take time and take care of yourself...   Attend support groups...   Journal... Keep a food diary... Find activities to replace eating...   Walk, bike, run, play with your kids or grand kids - get active!...  Start new traditions with your family and friends that involve healthier alternatives...     Share your feelings and concerns with others who understand...    Seek help!

Can you identify some of the major pitfalls for patients after WLS?

Immediately after WLS most patients are not really hungry and or cannot eat as much as they used to.   This is a result of the stapling of the stomach, hormonal changes and changes in metabolism.   This makes weight loss easy at first.   But as time goes by, patients find themselves able to eat more food and more of the wrong foods without consequences.   Sometimes life happens and patients are faced with stress and challenges that make them turn to old habits.   It is normal to see some weight regain after a couple of years.  Patients may start to beat themselves up, feel guilty or like a failure and become depressed adding to the cycle of overeating the wrong foods.  That is why it is so important to adopt healthier lifestyle and eating habits during those first couple of years and to establish a support system!    

What advice would you offer to all of your patients - when it comes to achieving life long success after weight loss?

My advice is to take advantage of this opportunity to start over and live a healthier life!   

When all else fails..when is it time to seek professional help?

When a WLS patient is feeling depressed and out of control and unable to refocus their efforts, it is time to seek professional help.    There is absolutely nothing wrong with that!   Everyone has history that has been woven into their tapestry of life which sometimes needs to be faced and brought to the surface in order to deal with it, accept it and move on.   Nobody can change the past, but everyone has the power to change their future.

Beauty Versus the Weight Scale By Armetta C. Landrum

Can Society find the “Beauty” in a 350 Pound Woman or is it just a Health Risk? You Decide

By Armetta C. Landrum

We've all heard the sayings, “Beauty is only skin deep”, and that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. This short story will hopefully enlighten you and will help you understand that the essence of true beauty starts from within.

Behold, a 300 plus pound woman named Leslie, entered the sauna of a local gym after her first day of participating in a vigorous workout. Catching her breath and slowly lowering herself down on a weakened sauna bench, she began telling the other women that perhaps she had made a mistake by signing up for the class.  She shared that she felt very uncomfortable when she was trying to keep up with the others and noticed people staring at her. "Those stares are the reason I dreaded coming to a gym in the first place," she said.

"I have been overweight most of my life, I realized that I owe it to myself and my health to try and get my life together," said the single 28 year old woman. I am tired of being alone and I want to get married someday, but I haven't been able to attract anyone looking like this, “she added.

“It's times like this I could go home and eat a whole cake and a gallon of ice cream.  I feel that food becomes my best friend when I am unhappy," she said.

Laura who attended the same class as Leslie mentioned, "You looked great out there. Sure, we've got a couple of real jerks in the class, but most of us are very supportive of one another”, she added.

With tears in her eyes, Laura poured out her heart and told Leslie that before she began working out, she was in a size 32 and tipping the scales at three hundred and twenty pounds. She mentioned that she could barely move around without pain. "Now, I'm down to a size 18-20 and still working towards my goal of a size 14," she added.

Several women began to rally around Leslie, telling her it was possible for her to reach her goals and that they would be more than happy to provide names of support groups in the area where she lived.

Others began to share their weight loss stories and also shared some of their weight loss tricks that aided them in fighting the battle the bulge. The group also told her to lose weight for herself first - then work on improving her love life.

This reporter believes what Leslie really needs to know is, beauty is skin deep but it begins in the heart and soul of an individual.

Are You Ready to Change Your Life?

If you're overweight and you’re ready to take those first steps in developing a healthier life style, it might seem scary at first - but trust your gut and trust the process.  It will get better as time marches on.  The fact is, you have to love and embrace every pound – you own it – lock, stock and barrel.  It’s all yours until it is gone.

If you want to take steps towards fixing the problem, start by taking a long hard look at what might have gotten you there in the first place.

Then start dealing with the underlying issues. In some cases, joining a support group can be a great benefit. It's also a good idea to make sure that you have no underlying medical problems, so check with your doctor. He or she will steer you in the right direction.

No matter what, one should always remember that you are beautiful, because God made you that way and he also wants you to enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Live today and love yourself and keep working out.  You will be happy with the results!

Healthy Tip of the Day:

Exercise not only gives your body energy, it energizes your mind too.

Thought of the day:

A pleasing appearance is not a guide to character…Proverb