July 2021
Service update
We are extremely happy to welcome back staff who were redeployed to COVID-19 wards, including Nuala Davison, Dr Greener and Dr Hare. They are slowly getting back up and running within the bariatric pathway—please be considerate of this, as they are working as hard as they can.
We have begun to perform bariatric surgeries and will start with patients given dates in January and February who were previously cancelled. We will then be working through the list in date order. Please be aware that there are some limitations for individuals who may require HDU. The team is working hard to ensure that everyone is reviewed and they will receive their operation as soon as possible.
Another reminder that Bariatric Psychology is creating a new psychology clinic. Thank you for those who have contacted us to book in already!
Our clinics will have 15-minute slots that you can book into. Each phone call will be 15 minutes long and you can book to be in our clinic by calling 020 3315 3319 and requesting an appointment. Please request an appointment if you have concerns over your mental health or your eating behaviour.
Quote from the team
“All progress takes place outside of your comfort zone.”
—Bariatric Psychology
Book corner
This month we want to recommend the book Happy Fat by Sofie Hagen. In Happy Fat, Sofie shares how she removed fat phobic influences from her daily life and found self-acceptance in a world where judgment and discrimination are rife. Give it a read and let us know how you find it!
Monthly challenge
While it is uplifting and exciting for COVID restrictions to be easing, many of us can’t help but feel that we should have things planned or a pressure to constantly be doing something, now that we finally have the chance. But remember to be gentle with yourself. It’s okay if the easing of restrictions is anxiety provoking or if socialising again feels tiring! It may take a little time before we feel more at ease in our old routines. So, this month’s challenge is centered on relaxation.
Example relaxation challenge ideas:
- Listen to your favourite album/watch your favourite film
- Ring a close friend or family member for a catch-up
- Practice the 4–7–8 breathing exercise—4 seconds in, hold for 7 and out for 8!
- Go for a walk in nature
- Self-care evening
Recipe to try
Greek yogurt chicken
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 ounces each)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Combine Greek yogurt, cheese and seasonings in bowl
- Line baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray
- Coat each chicken breast in Greek yogurt mixture and place on foiled baking sheet
- Bake for 45 minutes
Serve with salad/mixed vegetables.
Nutritional analysis per serving
- Total calories: 266 kcal
- Total fat: 4 g
- Saturated fat: 3 g
- Total carbohydrates: 3 g
- Dietary fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 46 g
Compassionate corner
Self care is always important but especially when you feel your personal resources are low and you are feeling particularly vulnerable. What makes us psychologically vulnerable is different for everyone, but some things that could trigger this may include a breakdown of a relationship, losing a job, becoming unwell, stress etc.
To start thinking about incorporating self care into our lives, we have designed the Self Care Tree. We chose the metaphor of a tree as self care changes and develops as you grow, similar to the stages of a tree.
When you are in the first period of your vulnerability, you want to address your basic needs, such as hydration, nutritious food, sleep etc. These are essential in allowing us to function—similar to the roots of a tree.
Once you have made sure all of these have been addressed, you can start to consider what type of self care brings you some joy, comfort or care. This could be things you do alone (drawing, journaling, mindfulness) or activities with others (telephone calls with loved ones, meeting with a supportive friend)—or both. While at this stage you don’t want to pick an activity that will be more exhausting than rewarding (such as a big friend gathering), instead these activities are slightly more than basic needs but when you are still feeling a little vulnerable. You are still trying to regrow—similar to when a tree is growing its bark.
Finally, when you feel in a place where you start to feel more resilient (when you can blossom like our self-care trees leaves and flowers), it does not mean your self care should stop—it is time to incorporate different activities that previously you maybe had not considered.