Continued Well-Being
Continued Well-Being with the LAP-BAND® System
Your weight-loss journey with the LAP-BAND® System is a lifelong program that will help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Keep in mind that a positive attitude, self-discipline, and the ability to plan ahead will be the keys to achieving your weight-loss goals. Below is an overview of long-term living with the the LAP-BAND® System.
Your Weight-Loss Progress
Weight loss with the LAP-BAND® 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 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; instead, look for "non-scale victories."These victories include being able to fit into a pair of jeans that you haven’t worn for years or seeing improvements in weight-related health problems.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that regular exercise will build up your muscle mass, and what you see on the scale will only be a part of the overall picture of your health and fitness. And keeping a food journal can be an insightful tool to review with your weight management team for helpful hints on how to make the most of your nutrition plan.
Attending support group meetings can help you appreciate your progress and stay on track. Other patients may share similar experiences or even have recommendations for you. No matter what you do, always remember that the main goal is for you to have a healthier, happier life.
Ten Important Rules for Living with the LAP-BAND® 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-BAND® System:
- Eat only 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 food.
- Avoid fibrous food.
- Drink enough fluids during the day.
- Drink only low-calorie liquids.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Rule 1: Eat only 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 procedure and can also cause certain complications, such as stomach slippage. To avoid this, you need to learn to listen to your body.
Rule 2: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
Food can pass through the new stomach only if it has 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 eat your meal. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness, stop eating at once.
Rule 4: Do not drink while you are eating.
The LAP-BAND® System 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. Patients with proper "fill"levels do not feel hungry in between meals. If you are feeling hungry, this may be a sign that your band is too loose and you should tell your clinician.
Rule 6: Eat only good quality food.
With the LAP-BAND® 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 physician 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 water a day. Remember: You should only drink 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, simply run through the narrow outlet created by the band. 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 component in any successful weight-loss program. Exercise can also help improve your general health. In addition to adopting a routine exercise program, you can increase your activity level in the course of daily living. 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. 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 the procedure, but you should have an office visit with your physician at least once a year to check up on your progress and your LAP-BAND® System. This is just as important as having your annual physical exam.
Ask your LAP-BAND® System physician about viewing Emmi Success™ interactive education series for the days, weeks and months after LAP-BAND® System procedure. You can also download and read the post-op LAP-BAND® System patient booklet below.
