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As our body shapes change it can be a challenge to dress our 'new' bodies so that we emphasize our new assets and minimize our new challenges. I certainly don't want to tell anyone what their personal 'style' should be, but I found a fabulous resource that helps define what your new body shape is with a Body Shape Calculator and then provides tips to dress each shape to maximize the shape we have.
Here is the url for the Body Shape Calculator:http://www.shopyourshape.com/calculate-your-body-shape.html. It's like having your own Gok Wan or Stacy and Clinton to help you with which shapes will work best to show off your new 'Shape.'
Have fun!
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
I have to say that I'm not, have never been and am not likely to be one that likes to exercise. That said, I recognize that it's necessary to support my new life;
- It helps me build muscle so that I'm more toned and my body's metabolism allows me to enjoy more of the foods I'd like to have.
- It helps me build bone density that helps me fight osteoporosis.
- It helps me manage my my emotional eating by providing an effective distraction and elevating my mood.
So while I'll probably never be a 'Gym Rat', I've found ways to incorporate it into my routine. Since, I'm not so good at 'exercise', here are a few things that I do to support my health and well-being:
* Wear a pedometer - it helps me remember to move my tail as I work to make sure that I'm getting in at least 10K steps a day. It prompts me to park farther away from my destination, take the stairs, etc... so that I can rack up those steps.
* Dance - I never really equate dancing with exercise, so even though I'm no Ginger Rodgers, I will crank up the music in the house and dance while I do my household chores, enjoy a Zumba or Jazzercise class or go dancing. It gets my heart rate up and I feel wonderful while doing it.
* Gardening - I have never really liked getting dirty or sweaty, so gardening was something I always hired out or got someone else to do, in part because I didn't like doing it and in part because it was just to hard to do. Now, I still don't 'like' doing it, but I love the result I see in my garden and my body, and absolutely LOVE that I can do it.
* Swimming - Swimming was one of the few exercises I enjoyed even when I was heavy. I used to be somewhat concerned about what I looked like in a suit when I was heavy and I still have concerns now that I'm slender, but it's an activity I enjoy so I do it when I have the opportunity.
What do you do to get moving and how does it impact your life?Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
I host peer to peer Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) support groups in Raleigh NC that are open to anyone who has had or is considering any type of WLS, regardless of where.
Saturday morning we will have our General Meeting from 10am to noon.
If you would like to attend, please get the details and RSVP here!
I look forward to seeing you there,Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Each day, those of us in the ObesityHelp.com Member Services Department receive phone calls from OH members and visitors who are seeking help in finding a bariatric or plastic surgeon. Sometimes, it is really easy to help the person on the other side of the phone. The person might have great insurance and knows exactly which surgery type they want, and everything falls into place. However, many times it isn't that easy. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is a heartbreaking struggle. There are so many people that call us in tears and who are desperate for help. They tell us about their mobility issues, their life-threatening co-morbidities, and sometimes they share about the losses they have endured in their life. While all of the above is hard...sometimes, it gets even harder.
They might tell us they are under-insured or not insured at all. One of the reasons ObesityHelp.com decided to have an OH Event in New Orleans (NOLA) this year is because, since 2005, we have faced an increase in calls from that region. All of the calls have had a common theme: Medicaid and difficulties finding a surgeon to accept them as patients. The devastation of the Gulf Coast from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have had a direct impact on the lives of OH community members from this area. Even though it has been years since these storms occurred, the lives affected and the rebuilding efforts continue on.
We invite you to come to NOLA to join us for the FUN
, as well as to embrace this community. Our mutual solidarity is needed.
Join Us: September 9th & 10th Click Here for more info on how you can help & join in on the fun!
Don't miss out on: * Chad Soileau's Inspirational Story * Bo McCoy's Conga Line * Dr. Dennis Eschete, Slamming the Door on Regain * Erin Akey, What Does it Take? The Bariatric Journey to Health and Fitness * Kristy Kuna, OAC and Its Mission * Dr. Connie Stapleton, Recovering from Obesity * WLSFA, How the WLSFA Pays it Forward * Sarah, Navigating the Insurance Process: Pre, Post, Plastic and Beyond * Chef Dave, Packing Your Food Traveling After WLS * Many more speakers (topics still being put up on our events page) * Q & A Panel, * A Fashion Show * A Clothing Exchange * Exhibit Tables * Samples * Photos * Prize Drawings & lots of SUPPORT!
I have found that being 'mindful' has proven to be a powerful tool too help me take care of myself. It requires me to be focused and present. It also helps me be aware and accountable. I am not always as 'mindful' as I'd like to be, but more so now than I was before I had my WLS.
To me, being 'mindful' means that I am aware of what I'm doing and accountable to myself for my actions. Everyone needs to find their own ways of doing this, but I think that we all need to do this in order to be successful in the long term.
* Being mindful mean I get on the scale daily so that I am aware of my weight and am able to make corrections when they are still minor.
* Being mindful means logging my intake and activity if I notice that my scales are 'swinging' more than the 7 lb range that seems normal for my body -- basically, up or down 3 lbs from my 'sweet spot'.
* Being mindful means thinking about what I'm eating and if it is something that 'fuels' my body.
* Being mindful means leveraging my tool and 'taking care of business first', so that I start my meal with protein, move on to colorful carbs and then indulge in whatever else I want with whatever room I have left over.
* Being mindful means being aware of how I'm 'feeling' when I'm eating
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
