Your weight-loss journey with the Lap BandŽ Adjustable Gastric Banding System is a lifelong commitment that will help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Always remember that your positive attitude, self-discipline, and the ability to plan ahead will be the keys to achieving your weight-loss goals. Here is an overview of long-term living with the Lap BandŽ System.
Your Weight-Loss Progress
Weight loss with the Lap BandŽ System is a gradual process. Most people lose about one to three pounds per week for the first year. In the second year, the weight may come off more slowly or you may even stay the same for several weeks. If you aren't seeing as much progress on the scale as you would like, don't get discouraged:
- Look for "off-scale victories." These victories are things like being able to finally fit into that pair of jeans that you haven't worn for years, or seeing real improvements in weight-related health problems such as back and joint pain, diabetes and sleep apnea. Celebrate!
- Continue to exercise. Keep in mind that regular exercise will build up your muscle mass (which actually weighs more than fat but helps burn more calories), and what you see on the scale will only be a part of the real picture of your health and fitness.
- Keep a food journal. It can be a great tool to help you discover more about your eating habits and review with your weight management team for insights on how to make the most of your personal nutrition plan.
- Attend support group meetings. Attending Lap BandŽ System support group meetings can help you appreciate and celebrate your progress, and stay on track. Other patients may share similar experiences or even have suggestions for you. And, it's important to remember that you started on this journey to have a healthier, happier life.
Ten Important Rules for Living with the Lap BandŽ System
Following the food choices covered in detail in the previous section and the general guidelines below is critical to your success. These ten important rules for eating, drinking, and exercise below will help you get the best results with the Lap BandŽ System:
- Eat only when you are hungry, and no more than three small meals a day.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Do not drink while eating.
- Do not eat between meals.
- Eat only good quality, nutritious food.
- Avoid fibrous food.
- Drink enough fluids during the day.
- Drink only low-calorie liquids.
- Exercise/be active at least 30 minutes a day.
Rule 1: Eat only when you are hungry, and no more than three small meals a day.
Your new small stomach pouch can hold only about one-fourth of a cup of food. If you try to eat more than this at one time, you may become nauseated or vomit. If you routinely eat too much, the small stomach pouch may stretch. Frequent vomiting will cancel the effect of the operation and can also cause certain complications, such as stomach slippage. To avoid this, you need to learn to listen to your body and stick to your plan.
Rule 2: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
Food can pass through your new stomach only if it's been chewed into very small pieces. Always remember to take more time for your meals and chew your food very well.
Rule 3: Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
Once your stomach is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. It takes time, though, for you to become aware of this signal. If you rush through your meal, you may eat more than you need. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time to enjoy every bite of your meal. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness-then stop eating at once.
Rule 4: Do not drink while you are eating.
The Lap BandŽ can work only if you eat solid food during your three meals. You should not drink anything for one to two hours after a meal. This allows you to keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible.
Rule 5: Do not eat between meals.
After a meal, do not eat anything else until the next meal. Eating snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight-loss failure. It is very important to break this habit. If you have proper "fill" levels (you eat the right foods, slowly) you will not feel hungry in between meals. If you are still feeling hungry, this may be a sign that your Lap BandŽ System is too loose and you should tell your clinician.
Rule 6: Eat only good quality, nutritious food.
With the Lap BandŽ System in place, you should be able to eat only a small amount so the food you eat should be as nutritious as possible. Follow the nutrition guidelines in the previous section and specific instructions from your surgeon and/or dietitian. Also, ask your doctor or dietitian before you take any vitamin supplements.
Rule 7: Avoid fibrous food.
Food that contains many fibers, such as asparagus, can block the stoma. That's because you can't chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can't break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces first, and then chew thoroughly.
Rule 8: Drink enough fluids during the day.
Drinking enough fluids is essential for staying hydrated and for flushing waste products out of your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid a day. Remember: Drink only non-carbonated/zero calorie liquids such as water, tea, or coffee (without milk, cream, or sugar). Also, keep your food and drinks completely separate during the day.
Rule 9: Drink only low-calorie liquids.
Drinks, including those containing calories (milkshakes, sodas), simply run through the narrow outlet created by theLAP-BANDŽ System. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you follow all of the other dietary guidelines.
Rule 10: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Since physical exercise consumes energy and burns calories, it is a very important part of any successful weight-loss program. Obviously, exercise can also help improve your general health. In addition to adopting a routine exercise program, you can increase your activity level in your everyday life. For example, stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator. If it's too hot outside to walk, go to the mall. It's as easy as finding a parking space away from the entrance to the mall and using the stairs, not the escalator! If you don't have time before or after work, take ten minutes out of your lunch break and walk then. Remember that you should always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you.
Annual Check-Ups
It is typical for follow-up visits to be scheduled every three to six months during the second and third year after surgery, but you should have an office visit with your surgeon at least once a year to check up on your progress and your Lap BandŽ System. This is just as important as having your annual physical exam. If you're registered on My Lap BandŽ, it can help you schedule and remember all your Lap BandŽ System-related appointments, progress and milestones.
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