Watch this week’s WLS News to learn more about a new European study that connects anemia and weight loss surgery. And find out how British doctors are trying to learn what obesity does to the muscles. Also, learn more about a protein we all have – one that may affect how we store fat — and get the scoop on a new report suggesting a strong link between obesity and drinking soda. Plus, find out which state is helping employees save health insurance money by losing weight and quitting smoking. Read the full story

In the latest episode of Melting Mama’s Reality Bites, host Beth Sheldon-Badore shares “pearls of freakin’ wisdom” on what life is really like after weight loss surgery — regardless of which procedure you had — and tackles the topic of getting enough vitamins and nutrients post-op. Although not a doctor or dietician, Beth has learned from her own diligent research how to avoid nutritional deficiencies, and she shares her best practices on getting enough of the good stuff (with a teaspoon of humor to help the medicine go down).  She’ll also give the inside scoop on a couple of choco-licious protein powders, and wag a finger at those who claim that weight loss surgery is the “easy way out”. Click on the player to see what Melting Mama’s got in store, and be sure to share your thoughts in the Comments box below!

Products mentioned in this episode:

• BSN Lean Dessert Protein Powder
• Syntrax Nectar Sweet Protein Powder

Each week, Leslie Thompson brings you up-to-date on the latest research and events related to the treatment of obesity on WLS News!

The January 16, 2009, report includes a recent study on how nutritional deficiencies can cause brain damage in bariatric patients; good news about the effect of WLS on fatty liver disease; a tasty tidbit about an all-natural sweetener with zero calories and zero carbs; and a tip of the hat to Toledo’s new weight loss czar.

Plus, find out how you can meet the team from the Weight Loss Surgery Channel in person later this month. And, of course, WLS Journeys host Yvonne McCarthy will point viewers toward several fun WLS websites with recipes, articles and post-op support in our weekly feature, “WLS on the World Wide Web”. Click the screen below to watch now!

Organizations mentioned in this week’s news:

• Bariatric Advantage nutritional supplements
• Annals of Surgery (Medical Journal)
• University of Texas Medical Branch
• Dr. David Provost (Bariatric Surgeon)
• Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Medical Journal)
• Truvia™ brand sweetener
• PureVia™ brand sweetener
• LivingAfterWLS.com (weight loss surgery support)
• LivinLaVidaLowCarb.com (blog, forum, podcasts and more)
• Recovering Fatty – My Weight Loss Journey (blog and forum)
• Bariatric Girl (Yvonne McCarthy’s WLS support site)
• Andrew Z on WVKS 92.5 KISS FM (Toledo’s weight loss czar)
• Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons
• Texas Weight Loss Surgery Summit
• Big Medicine (television show about weight loss surgery on TLC)