What to Expect after Lap-Band Weight Loss Surgery

When patients who are overweight choose to have weight loss surgery, it is vital that they have realistic expectations of what the surgery can do for them. Some patients experience a greater degree of success than others. These types of surgeries are not right for everyone.
For people who are less than ideal candidates, their doctor may recommend another way to lose weight. This is because the surgery may not work for them or may cause complications. Most patients who have the Lap-Band weight loss surgery can expect to lose around 36 percent of their excess weight, however it does take time. This weight loss is usually over a two to three year period.

Weight loss surgery is often not enough for many patients.

Those who have the surgery, must be able to make adjustments in their life to make the surgery work to their advantage. Following a Lap-Band weight loss surgery, patients should expect their doctor to recommend seeing a dietitian and a therapist. In addition, patients should also expect to change their eating habits, their attitudes towards food and add exercise in their daily routine. In addition, weight loss surgery often has side effects, so it is important to understand these side effects and how to deal with them.

Doctors often recommend that weight loss surgery patients see both a dietitian and a therapist.

A dietitian can work with the patient to recommend eating changes that will help aid the weight loss. A good dietician can show the patient how to prepare healthier meals and how to eat so they feel full without damaging the stomach. Many weight loss patients can also benefit from seeing a therapist or psychologist. Losing a large amount of weight can be difficult on a person. Some may feel overjoyed at losing weight, while others may become depressed or feel different about them.

After having weight loss surgery is critical that patients change their eating habits.

For at least five weeks after the surgery, there are strict dietary guidelines that must be followed. After this time, patients should expect to add foods to their diet, but there are still restrictions. Most patients need to eat several very small meals a day and should eliminate certain foods. Only one or two ounces of lean protein is allowed a day and only one to two servings of fresh fruits are recommended. In addition, foods that are generally off limits include syrups, honey, cakes, biscuits, pies, chips and pastries. Foods that can cause blockage after surgery include shrimp, pasta, rice, dried fruit, peanut butter, nuts and seeded fruits and vegetables. Foods must be chewed thoroughly and liquids should never be taken with meals.

Exercise is also recommended after weight loss surgery. Patients should expect to exercise about thirty minutes each day following surgery. This does not always have to be very strenuous exercise, but a moderate form is best. Patients should start slowly and work up to more involved forms of exercise. This can aid weight loss and help the patient gain muscle mass.

What to Eat Post-Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is more popular than ever. With most weight loss doctors almost guaranteeing good outcomes and lots of extra pounds gone for good, many obese people are taking notice. While it is true that weight loss surgeries can take off a large amount of weight, these surgeries cannot work alone. Instead, the patient must follow a strict diet and exercise routine that compliments the surgery.

Following any type of weight loss surgery, the stomach will be much smaller. This causes a smaller area where food can be held. The result is that a patient can only eat very small meals. The reduced caloric intake leads to the weight loss. In addition, there are many foods that should be completely avoided right after surgery and for the long term. Eating the wrong kinds of foods can hamper weight loss efforts and make the person very sick. Also, eating the wrong kinds of foods can cause serious obstructions in the new stomach pouch and in the intestines.

Some of the foods that are off limits include foods that contain stringy or fibrous matter or foods that are dried, doughy or sticky.

• Foods will seeds should also be avoided because of the possibility of obstruction.

• Fruits and vegetables on the no list include oranges, and other citrus fruits, celery, spinach, corn and asparagus.

• Rice, pasta and doughy, non-toasted breads should not be eaten following weight loss surgery.

• Nuts, popcorn, coconut and shrimp can also cause serious obstructions.

• Peanut butter and syrupy foods should be avoided as well.

After weight loss surgery is performed a doctor might recommend that you see a dietitian A dietitian can work with your for the long term to help you make wise choices on your eating habits and how to know when your body is full. Eating can often be because of emotions and a dietitian can help you conquer this issue. A good dietitian can also teach you about portion control, which is critical following weight loss surgery.

In the first few weeks following weight loss surgery, all patients are restricted to liquids and soft foods. As their wounds heal, they can gradually add in foods as long as they are not on the off-limits list and are chewed very thoroughly. The best foods are high quality foods that are lean and cooked without added fats or grease. Fluids are important following weight loss surgery, but should not be taken with meals. This can cause the food to pass too quickly through the digestive system and can lead to diarrhea.

Other foods that are good to eat after weight loss surgery include fruits and vegetables. Most doctors recommend that weight loss patients eat one to two servings of fresh fruit each day in addition to two to three servings of fresh vegetables. Low sugar cold cereal or hot cereal, such as oatmeal can be eating once a day in a small portion. One slice of toasted wheat or rye bread is also allowed. Some patients do have difficulty eating bread and meat following weight loss surgery. Only one to two ounces of lean meat can be eaten. Skim milk and low fat yogurt and cheese are also important for calcium.