In many cases conventional dieting wisdom simply doesn't work for gastric bypass weight loss surgery patients. Surgery changes the rules. For example after gastric bypass patients will seldom eat leafy green salad and never in large quantity, it's too difficult for the gastric bypass system to handle. So conventional diet wisdom seldom applies to the WLS community.

However, some rules can work in concert with the gastric bypass as patients adopt a healthier lifestyle and more rational respect for food.

Take a look at what Stephen P. Gullo, PhD, President of the Institute of Health and Weight Sciences in New York City and author of "Thin Tastes Better" has to say. I believe you'll find the counsel he gives his patients works well for WLS patients:

1. Know your behaviors, not just your calories. If you find that you're constantly regaining weight you've lost by abusing the same types of foods, either stop buying them or find replacements for them.

2. Remember that weight loss is about liberation, not deprivation. It's about a change in perspective. Eat fewer calories and cut down on the amount of fat you eat in the spirit of liberating yourself from the discomfort of the pounds that you've been carrying instead of depriving yourself from certain foods.

3. Don't forget that being thin is a life management skill. It's normal to experience setbacks and periods of feeling defeated. But in the future, when you turn 40 or 50 or 60 at a healthy weight, it won't be by accident, because aging well is not an accident. It's the gift that those who care deeply give to themselves. It will be because you planned and honed your skills at weight management.

Thanks, Dr. Gullo, for your insight. Quoted from "Prevention's Ultimate Guide to Women's Health & Wellness" 2002, Rodale p. 94.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com

LivingAfterWLS is a no-nonsense resource for people Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Our community is growing in numbers even as we are shrinking in pounds. Together we support one another in this lifestyle, that it turns out, is NOT the easy way out.

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