While weight loss surgery isn't a quick fix, the LAP-BAND® System is a powerful tool that can help you lose weight. Your motivation and commitment to your new lifestyle are the real keys to your success. Following nutrition and exercise guidelines after surgery is vital to achieving your weight loss goals. Even more importantly, it’s how you'll help improve your health and wellness overall.
Adjustments are usually done in an outpatient clinic or office. Occasionally your surgeon may use an X-ray to make adjustments. This is done there so the access port can be clearly seen. When X-rays are used, your reproductive organs should be shielded. A fine needle is passed through the skin into the access port to add or remove saline. Local anesthesia may or may not be needed. The adjustment process most often takes only a few minutes and most patients say it is nearly painless and an important factor in continuing to progress and maintain weight loss.
It's great that you want to share your LAP-BAND® System story with others. Your experience may inspire another person to take this life-changing journey.
To submit your story, go to Share My Story. All testimonials that are submitted are subject to review and selection by Allergan. If your story is selected for feature, you will be notified. Updated stories will need to be re-submitted. Remember, by submitting your LAP-BAND® System story, you agree to release your name, photos and story for posting on the LAP-BAND® System website.
Here are ten simple but important tips that will help you achieve your weight loss goals with the LAP-BAND® System. Remember, your success depends a lot on your ability to commit to a new way of eating — and embrace your new way of living.
The LAP-BAND® System creates a small stomach pouch that can hold about one-quarter cup (approx. 2 oz) of food. Eating more can stretch the stomach, canceling the effect of your procedure.
Food can only pass through the new stomach opening (or “stoma”) if it has been chewed into very small pieces (about 15–20 times per bite).
Once your stomach pouch is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. If you rush through your meal, you may overeat before this signal reaches your brain.
If you drink in the 15 to 20 minutes before, or during, your meal, the food you eat becomes liquid and the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND® System is greatly reduced. Take only small sips with meals.
Snacking between meals is one of the major reasons for weight loss failure. You should not feel hungry between meals. If you are, it’s a good idea to keep healthy snacks on hand. Remember, to listen to your band to stay in the Green Zone. You may need an adjustment if you are persistently hungry.
Your meals should be high in protein and vitamins. Don’t fill up on high-sugar, high-fat “junk” foods which lack the important vitamins and nutrients you need. Talk to your doctor to determine the right nutrition and vitamin supplement plan for you.
In general, foods that contain many fibers, like asparagus, can block the stoma. Even with thorough chewing, saliva sometimes cannot break the fibers down enough for them to pass. Try cooking fibrous foods well, then cut them into very small bites and chew them thoroughly. You’ll soon learn what your body can and cannot tolerate.
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, in small amounts, all day long (but not right before, during or after meals). This helps you stay hydrated and eliminate waste from your body.
If you drink high-calorie liquids (even healthy ones like fruit juice) you may not lose weight, even if you are following your diet with good, band-friendly eating habits.
This is an important tip. Physical activity burns calories and increases weight loss. Once your doctor clears you to exercise, aim for 30 to 45 minutes of moderate to high activity, 3 to 5 times a week. A lot of calorie-burning activities can be fun and rewarding.
What's Next? Share Your LAP-BAND® Story
"I learned…to eat well and take better care of myself. I needed to lose the weight slowly and make positive lifestyle changes."
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