My journey through weightloss surgery hasn't exactly been an easy one and I guess when I embarked on it and initially lost the weight, I thought it was going to be.

Multivitamin Supplements? Why do I need them? Do I have to take them every day? What ones do I take?

When Andrea asked me to put together something about my story, I thought immediately I could write a novel! I am currently 14 months post-op from RNY Gastric Bypass and I can honestly say it has been quite a ride.

After spending a number of years observing patterns related to the various stages of weight loss surgery (WLS), I began to see a clear relationship between the ability to accept ‘what was’ and a sense of contentment. Despite the increased sense of accomplishment related to the weight lost, the goal posts still kept moving for many of my patients and this lack of satisfaction with life post WLS continued to create anxiety and real distress for WLS recipients. It seemed a curious thing.

Protein powder is one the latest trends to hit the supermarkets, social media and online websites. With the variety of different brands being promoted in supermarkets, being endorsed by celebrities/social media the choices surrounding protein powder are expanding.

I had always been a fairly normal weight all my life.  In my mid 20s as a bright, young, educated and experienced IT professional, I headed over to London to travel, work hard and play even harder.  In my 4th year in London, several traumatic events occurred that led me back home to NZ.  One of those was the diagnosis of Endometriosis. It really was the lowest point in my life and being so far away from family really took its emotional toll.

So in 2006 and 2008 I had two beautiful children. They were the best thing ever at the time and I thought my family was complete. After having Maddison in 2008 I put on a lot of weight and struggled to get moving as she was a C-section and then I broke my foot (5 weeks after having her). In 2009 I was tipping the scales at 118 kilo. I attended a wedding in Rarotonga and I thought I looked fab (boy was I wrong).

Many people consume yoghurt as a part of their regular diet for an easy, convenient part of their meals. Although yoghurt can be a healthy choice, with the huge range of brands and flavours available, it can be hard to identify what the best options are.

This recipe is a favourite on our Healthy Living Retreats, and perfect for the cooler autumn days. It's versatile enough to give you variety throughout the week so is perfect for slow Sunday meal prep. Enjoy!

We’ve had the pleasure of Connie Stapleton joining us from the United States this week at our Foundations of Healthy Living Retreats, support groups and one-on-one sessions. Connie is the creator of MindPrep (TM) and the author of the soon to be released book Weight Loss Surgery Doesn’t Cure Food Addiction.

Moving through busy lives, we don’t often pause to question where we are heading or how we are getting there. We can sometimes feel pushed and pulled along by stressful work situations, family commitments and the daily tasks that keep life spinning. We can even start to wear ‘busy’ as a badge of honour to show how valuable and irreplaceable we are.

Hello, my name is Joyce Daniel. I'm a 49 year old Teachers Support at Tokoroa Intermediate School. In May 2015, I was given the opportunity to have the Gastric Bypass procedure that has since changed my life. I was nervous and scared as hell about what was going to happen to me. When I went for my appointment I weighed 149 kilos- the heaviest I've ever been. Then my weight loss journey began.

Join the Weight Loss Surgery team as we take on the Tongariro Crossing this April. With a varying degree of terrain and the infamous Devil's Staircase, this outing also offers stunning views along of one of New Zealand's most iconic outdoor adventure tracks.

We may be nearing Valentine’s Day but this is a year round story about the people we love and the ways we say I love you.

With the new year comes the traditional new year’s resolutions. A chance to start again, get back on track and begin anew.

We come raring out of the gate and yet usually within the first two weeks we slip up.

“You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability” – Brene Brown

When Andrea asked me to write a testimonial she caught me at a weak moment.   I was on a high after accomplishing a huge goal, and the enormity of that commitment struck me later when I realised that baring my soul was well and truly outside my comfort zone.  Talk about vulnerable!   But here goes……

'Tis the season to be jolly, spend time with family and friends, celebrate life's little blessings and of course, eat.

The holiday season and food go hand in hand. Whether Christmas cake, honey-glazed ham, buttery Christmas cookies or turkey and stuffing, holiday eating takes its toll on our health and our waistline. In fact, people tend to gain an average of 3-5 kgs over the Christmas season.

Let’s just start with the bottom line. A return of “old habits” results in the finding of lost weight. The dreaded REGAIN. We all know what “old habits” means when it comes to the world of the weight loss roller coaster. Your “old habits” may be slightly different from his “old habits” or her “old habits,” but the thing all of your “old habits” have in common is a return to unhealthy eating behaviours (and probably a lack of exercise) and ultimately, the inevitable regaining of unwanted pounds.

We have all engaged in mindless eating. This often occurs when we are not really hungry. We just grab something as we pass, snack on something while working, eat while watching TV or a movie.

As I reflect on the past four months of my life, since my bariatric bypass surgery, I knew the decision I made was going to be a life changer.

My first two to three weeks starting with ¼ cup of mashed food per meal to keeping to a restricted nutritious food plan, was what I expected. Keeping up the intake of fluid, I had to make a determined effort to reach the goal of 2 litres per day.