The Boost Feb 2021https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/surgery/weight-loss-surgery/newsletters/the-boost-feb-2021https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/++resource++plone-logo.svg
The Boost Feb 2021
As a team, we have been thinking about how COVID-19 has changed the way we are all living at the moment. With that in mind, and how difficult it can be to see each other, we thought we would begin sending out a monthly newsletter. This will include key service updates, new recipes, monthly challenges to support your physical or mental health and a compassionate exercise to practice.
We know this is not the same as seeing each other, but please know we are holding you all in mind and look forward to seeing you when we can.
Take care, The bariatric surgery team
Quote from team
“Be gentle with yourself and aim for good enough”
—Alice, Bariatric Psychology
Service update
Due to COVID-19, bariatric surgery (along with other non-emergency surgeries) have had to pause all surgeries from 4 Jan 2021. There is no date as of yet for when we will be able to operate again. For this reason we cannot give a timeframe for how long it will be until your surgery.
We understand how frustrating this is, and are aware that not having a particular date to work towards can be challenging. We would suggest you keep going with the changes we have discussed with you previously and try to keep your focus!
Several of our staff members have been redeployed to help with the COVID response—however there are still professionals available to support you within the bariatric service.
Monthly challenge
This month we propose that you try to do 20 minutes of movement every day. This could be anything, such as:
2x10 min dance parties
1x20 min walk round the block
4x5 min chair exercises
1x20 min of cleaning
1x20 min yoga
Make sure you warm up before and remember to start off slowly and build up. Do some stretches after you are finished.
Recipe to try
Overnight oats
400ml skimmed/semi-skimmed milk or unsweetened soya milk
2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
1 tbsp peanut butter (no added sugar)
80g oats
Optional toppings
Before eating, add 1 fruit of your choice eg 1 grated apple or pear/1 sliced banana/handful frozen fruits/tinned fruit in own juice (juice drained)/1 tbsp dried fruit (raisins, apricot etc)
Instructions
In a small jar or bowl with a lid. Add milk, chia seeds, peanut butter, and stir with a spoon to combine. Add oats and stir a few more times. Then press down with a spoon to ensure all oats have been moistened and are immersed in milk. Cover securely with a lid to seal and set in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 6 hours). The next day, open and enjoy as is, or garnish with desired toppings (see options above).
Average calories per serving = 330 cals, 12g protein
Compassion is about considering what you need in a specific moment and responding in a kind, non-judgmental way. Having compassion for your body is important, it can achieve great things but we often focus on the things it can’t do or the way it looks.
Here is an exercise to start thinking more broadly about your body and how you can be kind to your body. Try to identify one thing about your body for each of the items below:
