Don't you just love Back to School time, a mid-year start-over so to speak? This is my favorite time of year and as luck would have it, my ultimate start-over -- gastric bypass -- was on September 13, 1999. Talk about going Back to School in a big way! Last Saturday marked 15 years since my surgery. Where did the time go? While visiting with my husband about this milestone I said to him, "After 15 years you would think I'd have this down to a science. But I still have to work at using my tool and weight management every day, it is so hard!" So today, in the spirit of Back to School I present our newly published Infographic: The ABC's of WLS. You can view it in full down below or click on the image to open a PDF file for download and printing. I hope you find the alphabetic snippets inspiring and useful.

One thing I have learned with absolute certainty is weight management can only be achieved when we have a plan. Leaving our menu to chance didn't work before surgery and it doesn't work after surgery. The plan need not be elaborate. Some days I scribble on my planner: B-eggs; L-tuna; D-chicken. There's my protein. I'll manage the details when I get there. On better organized weeks I plan the weekly menu and post on the refrigerator. This produces stellar results. Regardless of the level of detail, a plan is essential. Read more in this article: I Love DIET. And if you are looking at a truly fun way to get motivated to move check out Wiggle Therapy.

Welcome Back to WLS School of Living!  I hope you find this digest useful in your ongoing efforts for improved health with weight loss surgery. You have the power to make this your healthiest Back to School ever! Let's do it together!

"As you review the basics you have two opportunities to treat yourself kindly. First, when you read one of the Basics and think, "Yeah, right, I know that.  I'm already doing that," do not dismiss this fact. Give yourself a big happy pat on the back and say, "YES! I am doing that! I am doing the right thing!" How often do we truly take a chance to congratulate ourselves on doing the right thing? If I were there with you I would be all over you with hugs and praise saying "Good for you! I am so proud of you!" Next, if you come across a Basic where you could improve here is your chance to try just a little harder and do just a little better to treat your body well. Make a mental note to pay more attention to the liquid restrictions or manage your fork just a little smarter. These are opportunities to excel, to treat yourself kindly, to improve your quality of living. Seize them!"