"My surgeon's office repeatedly told us 'No alcohol for a year'," Debbie from NY shared in response to OH Magazine's inquiry about how alcohol affects people after they have WLS. In addition, members were asked how alcohol affected their post-op weight loss. Debbie went on to share her physician's reasons for his recommendation. First, alcohol can irritate the newly created pouch. Secondly, her doctor informs her that alcohol has an exaggerated effect on patients after surgery, noting that one drink has the equivalent effect of four drinks. Finally, alcohol, he teaches, is nothing more than empty calories with no nutritional value. Debbie said, "With all that we are trying to accomplish with weight loss, why take in more than you really need?"

Although Debbie may not drink, the majority of post-ops, based on those who responded, do consume alcohol after WLS. In addition, almost all of them concurred that alcohol affects them much more quickly than it did before having weight loss surgery. The specific procedure doesn't...Read More and have a chance to WIN a copy of Eat It Up! by Connie Stapleton, Ph.D.

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Featured Recipe
Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup dry oatmeal
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup egg substitute
2 tsp minced garlic
Read More and have a chance to WIN a copy of Cookwise with Chef Dave

*Recipe submitted by Sarahlicious
ObesityHelp.com Support Services Associate

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Members Speak!
Holiday Wishes

Over 335 members have participated in our new Members Speak section since August! Thank you for all of your 2009 OH Newsletter contributions. We’ve loved reading your responses.

In this December issue, more than 100 ObesityHelp.com members shared their fun and heart-warming holiday wishes with us.

Click here to check out what they had to say and a chance to WIN a hand-made inspiration bracelet from Kathy.
Wishing you all health and happiness, Happy Holidays!

OH Bloggers�
Inspiration, Support and Personal Journeys

Featuring: SallyJ
I have been trying to get in a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise a day and cut back on my treats this week. So far I haven't been "perfect" but I can already tell the difference in my clothes and on the scale. While I know part of the big number is water weight, it is good to see what I do making a difference.

A few days ago, while my mind was rambling as I biked, I thought about how I typically don't...Read More