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What will my life be like after surgery? This is what pretty much everybody asks me.
The answer is wonderful!

As you have read and seen through our patient’s testimonials, they all talk about getting their life back. They mention that they enjoy life and live it to their fullest. Weight loss surgery is designed for you to live your life, not keep you or your family from it. No more diets!
My program is designed so that you can enjoy time with your children, your family, you will be able to go out to eat, enjoy family gatherings and holidays. We will teach you to eat in a healthy nutritious way. No grass and cardboard meals for you.
Here is what my patients have shared with me about their life after surgery:

Food- All of our patients change to a high protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrate nutrition plan. You will eat or feed yourself 5-6-7-8 times a day in small portions of ¼ cup to 1 cup size. Patients eat beef, ham, roast beef, turkey, chicken, fish, and tuna fish as their meat products, which becomes their “go-to” food when counting their grams of protein. Patients will also be drinking milk, eating yogurt without added sugar, eggs, cottage cheese, cheese and cheese products that are also great sources of protein. When things get really busy some of our patients use protein shakes and protein bars to help them get the nutrition they need during the day. Even though it seems like you will be eating a lot, you will be eating more often and putting nutritious food in to your body, but eating less calories.Our nutrition guide will give you great ideas on how you will keep yourself healthy and well nourished after weight loss surgery.

Dessert- Patients tell me that they can enjoy small servings of dessert. Depending on the type of surgery they have, they tell me that they are able to eat 2-3 bites of dessert. They then quit because they feel very full and know they will feel ill if they continue to eat more.

Fruits and vegetables- My program has you on a high protein nutrition plan. Fruits and vegetables are good for us and they have lots of supplements that are good for us. After surgery you will be able to eat fruits and vegetables, but in smaller quantities. For example if one of my patient wants to eat an apple, they will slice it up in to six pieces and spread out eating the pieces of apple through the whole day. They are able to have their ‘apple-a-day’. You will still be able to have your fruits and vegetables, just in smaller portions.

Vitamins and supplements- Our patients take multi-vitamins everyday and they also take other supplements like B-12, B vitamins, iron and calcium. IWe tell all of our patients to take a chewable multi-vitamin twice a day, a B-12 supplement once a day, calcium once a day and iron once a day. All of these are explained to you in our nutrition guide. Taking vitamins and supplements makes sure that your body gets what you need to be and stay healthy. My program checks for these items by ordering blood tests to make sure everything is working just right. We can tell you family doctor what to check for, too.

Exercise- I believe that obesity surgery patients that exercise everyday are happier. When I see patients that do aerobic exercise every day, it is clear to me that they get rid of their medical conditions faster and lose more weight than my patients that do not exercise every day. Daily aerobic exercise is an important tool for good health and losing weight. Our exercise program helps you work up to a daily routine of aerobic exercise. As your medical conditions improve and you lose weight, you will be able to exercise more. Other exercises can be done, but the basic that keeps you heart and body healthy is aerobic exercise. All other exercise routines are built on that.

Energy- You will feel like you have more energy, like you can take on the whole world. Our patients tell us that their fatigue disappears and that the look forward to getting out of bed in the morning. The say they can play with their children, go on walks, walk on the beach, in the park. They can go to sporting events and not be afraid if their seat or the bathroom is too far. They can park far away in the parking lot and not be worried if they will make it to the grocery store. They feel like they can do their work and are not exhausted at the end of the day. They still have energy to spare to do things at home, play with their children, participate in activities with the spouse or loved ones, and go out after work to the movies.

Self-esteem- There is no question in my mind that our patients get their self-esteem back and then some. So many patients have depression that goes along with their obesity and medical conditions. As the medical conditions disappear, as their weight drops, they feel the person that they are emerges. Women feel great being able to buy clothes from a different size rack. They feel attractive. Men feel virile and capable. Patients feel confident at work, going for job interviews, meeting new people. Even simple things in life, like being able to cross their legs, sit in movie theater seats and fit inside restaurant booths. All of these things are the simple joys of life, that make you feel good about yourself.

Family- Many patients tell me that once they have had surgery, their family participates in the same nutrition and exercise activities. This means that family members take on healthy habits. This is important for children and teenagers, who can then learn from their parent’s good nutrition and exercise habits. Patients spouses have told me that they lose weight and become healthier too, joining the patient in good nutrition and exercise routines.

Medical conditions- On other pages on this site you have read and heard about surgery helping improve health. Imagine your life without diabetes, multiple stabs at your finger to check your sugar. No shots from insulin. Imagine you life without high blood pressure medication, without a sleep apnea mask, without heartburn, without high cholesterol, without joint or back pain. Think of what your life will be like taking fewer medicines and less doctor’s office visits. Obesity surgery will improve your health.

Tobacco- There is no good health plan that includes tobacco products of any sort. If you use tobacco products now, please stop. By stopping tobacco use, you will improve your health. Ask your doctor for help with medicines or programs that help you quit.

Alcohol- You will be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages after surgery if you enjoyed them before surgery. My patients tell me they become cheap dates after surgery, because one drink lasts them the entire night.  You will find that you will drink less. Consuming alcohol should be done carefully. If you are going to drink alcohol make sure there is someone you trust to help you if you feel ill after drinking. Drinking alcohol to excess or on a daily basis is a safety hazard, interferes with health and nutrition.

Obesity surgery can help you get your health and your life back.


Recommended Foods and Beverages

First two days after surgery: You will be on a clear liquid diet. Clear liquids include clear broth or soup (with no vegetables or meat and not creamy, jell-o, fruit juice (no nectars). water, tea, coffee. You will then advance to full liquids, then puree food as described in the schedule within the "Diet at Home" Section.

• Coffee, tea, diluted fruit juice
• Broth
• Blenderized soup
• Skim milk or Lactaid milk
• Jell-O, Popsicle’s
• Yogurt
• Sugar Fee pudding
• Cottage Cheese
• Applesauce, oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat
• V-8 low sodium
• Protein drinks, pure pro powder, slim-fast low carb
• Soft fruit (banana, melon)
• Cooked vegetables and fish
• Eggs
• Anything with the consistency of baby food

Certain foods MUST be avoided. These foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value. These empty-calorie foods should be left out of your healthy diet. Sugar and foodstuffs containing large quantities of sugar such as high calorie soft drinks, syrups, cakes, biscuits, sweets, jam, marmalade, honey. High fat foods including chocolate, chips, pies, pastries. Alcoholic drinks should also be avoided as much as possible. These are drinks such as beer, wine, liquors, port, sherry, cocktails, champagne.

Remember!
It is important to: Eat slowly. Chew food well. Don't drink during meals. Drink liquids 30 minutes before or at least 60 minutes after meals. Stop eating when you are full. Eat three meals; avoid snacking. Sip low-calorie beverages between meals. Select a balanced diet. Exercise regularly for successful weight loss after Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery, a change in your eating habits is necessary. The operation alone is not a cure--it is not magical. You will not be able to lose as much weight as you like if you eat continuously, or if you stretch your stomach by eating large amounts of food at one time. You will achieve your desired weight loss only if you are willing to control what you eat, and the way in which you eat it.

Diet at Home
First two days after surgery. You will be on a clear liquid diet the first two days after surgery. Clear liquids include clear broth or soup (with no vegetables or meat and not creamy, jell-o, fruit juice (no nectars), water, tea, and coffee.
 
First week and early Second week after surgery. You will continue on liquids on day three but adding liquids that have a thicker consistency such as: milk (preferably skim), low-fat yogurt, cream of wheat, oatmeal, creamy soups, and fruit smoothies. (Nothing that you will have to chew). Two protein supplement shakes should be included into your daily intake.

Third week after surgery. You may begin pureed foods such as blended meat, meat paste, yogurt (not raspberry or other types containing seeds). You may also begin to add cottage cheese, sliced cheese, cheese dishes, scrambled and hard boiled eggs, and fish. Slowly add soft canned fruits and vegetables. Baked potatoes (without the skin), rice, macaroni, noodles, ready-to-eat corn or rice cereals. All food must be prepared to a pureed consistency. Remember to incorporate  two daily protein supplement shakes.

Fourth to sixth week after surgery. After your surgeon visit and your first band fill, you may begin to add meats that are ground after cooking, such as pork loin, veal, chicken, turkey, and beef. After your checkup you can begin to experiment more with food. Sliced meats as well as raw fruits and vegetables may be tried. Remember to chew them very well. If you feel hungry between meals you may sip on low-calorie drinks. Often drinking a glass of water will even overcome the hunger desire.

It is very important that you eat food high in protein at each of your three meals. Your in between meal snacks should be based around protein. Protein is needed for wound healing, renew body cells, and support your metabolism. As you lose weight and decrease your caloric intake,  your body will breakdown muscle for energy in preference to fat unless daily consumption of protein is adequate.

The recommended daily minimum dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is:

• 60-70 Gms/day for men
• 50-60 Gms/day for women
Your specific range of protein requirements will be determined and monitored by our licensed, registered dietitian. Participation with our dietitian is recommended for all patients in our after-care program to assure that you continue to daily consume the proper amount of protein to maximize your weight loss.
When you begin introducing solid foods, you might not be able to eat the amount listed above, but you should try to eat 60 Gms of protein each day. During your dietary consultation, the dietitian will give you a specific range of daily recommended protein intake.
Certain foods may be difficult to tolerate. Since toleration for these foods varies from individual to individual, use your own discretion as to whether to include them in your diet. Through trial and error you may find that you are able to tolerate some of these food items, but there may be others which your digestive system cannot handle as well.
• Tough meats, especially hamburger (the gristle in hamburger is difficult to digest)
• Membranes of oranges or grapefruit
• Cores, seeds, or skins of fruits or vegetables
• Fibrous vegetables such as corn, celery, or sweet potatoes
• Bread
• Chili or other highly spiced foods
• Fried foods
• Milk (Milk is an important part of your diet that supplies much needed protein and calcium. If you are unable to tolerate it as a beverage, it should be incorporated into the diet through foods such as soup, pudding, or cheese.)

Certain foods MUST be avoided.
Certain foods have a concentrated supply of calories with little nutritional value. These empty-calorie foods should be left out of your healthy diet. Sugar and foodstuffs containing large quantities of sugar such as syrups, cakes, biscuits, sweets, jam, marmalade, honey. High fat foods including chocolate, chips, pies, pastries. Alcoholic drinks should also be avoided as much as possible. These are drinks such as beer, wine, liquors, port, sherry, cocktails, and champagne. You should avoid Carbonated Beverages as these may stretch your gastric pouch.
 
Remember!
It is important to: Eat slowly Chew food well. Don't drink during meals. Drink liquids 30 minutes before or at least 40 minutes after meals. Stop eating when you are full. Eat three meals; avoid snacking, except one protein based snack between breakfast /lunch and lunch/dinner. Sip low-calorie beverages, preferably water between meals. Select a balanced diet. Exercise regularly. For successful weight loss after Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery, a change in your eating habits is necessary. The operation alone is not a cure--it is not magical. You will not be able to lose as much weight as you like if you eat continuously, or if you stretch your pouch by eating large amounts of food at one time. You will achieve your desired weight loss only if you are willing to control what you eat, and the way in which you eat it

New Ways of Eating and Living

Eat slowly and chew foods until they reach a mushy consistency. Swallowing food in chunks may block the opening and prevent the passage of food.

The following are hints to help you eat more slowly:

• Set aside 30 to 45 minutes to eat each meal,
• Actually count the number of times you chew each bite. Aim for 30.
• Make an EAT SLOWLY sign and place it on the table in front of you.
• Explain to family members why you must eat slowly so they will not urge you to eat faster.
• Take small bites of food. You may want to try eating with a baby spoon.
• Pay attention to taste. Learn to savor each bite, noticing its flavor, texture, and consistency.
• Chew well. Ground or very soft foods may be necessary if you have dentures. +

Stop eating as soon as you are "satisfied". 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 hurry your meal, you may eat more than you need. Besides causing you to vomit, extra food over a period of time may stretch your stomach. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness. Then stop eating at once.

Indications of fullness may be:
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the center of your abdomen just below the rib cage.
• Feelings of nausea.
• Pain in your shoulder area or upper chest.
If you start vomiting, and it continues throughout the day, stop eating solid foods and just sip clear liquids (gelatin, clear juice, broth, and tea). The vomiting may indicate that your outlet is blocked. If intermittent vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, contact your doctor. Most vomiting episodes can be prevented. The causes of vomiting are:
• Eating too fast and not chewing food properly.
• Eating too much at a meal.
• Drinking liquids right after eating.
• Lying down after a meal. Eating foods that don't agree with you.

Set aside three mealtimes per day and eat solid foods only at these times. The LAP-BAND® system creates a small stomach pouch that can hold only about half a cup (3 to 4 oz.) of food. If you try to eat more than this at one time you may become nauseous. You may also vomit. If you routinely eat too much, the small stomach pouch may stretch. Frequent vomiting can also cause certain complications, such as stomach slippage. You need to learn how much your stomach pouch can hold comfortably and then not exceed this amount. It is important to eat nourishing foods and to avoid the habit of snacking. Eating often throughout the day may keep you from losing weight because you will be able to eat enough calories to maintain that weight. Individuals who continuously munch on crackers, potato chips or other foods have not only failed to lose but have even gained weight.

Drink six to eight glasses of liquids per day between meals. Water is one of the most important liquids in losing weight and keeping it off. It helps to naturally suppress your appetite. If water intake is inadequate and the breakdown of metabolized fat cannot be filtered adequately through the kidneys, and an increased burden is passed on to the liver. The liver helps to metabolize stored fat into usable energy. However, with an increased load it metabolizes less fat and more fat remains stored in the body. Other recommended beverages are skim milk, decaffeinated coffee or tea, and low-calorie drinks.

Do not drink while you are eating. If you drink at mealtimes, the food you have eaten becomes liquid. Then the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND® system is greatly reduced. You should not drink anything for at least one hour after a meal. That way you can keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible.

Sip beverages slowly. One way to begin is by taking sips of beverages from a medicine cup or shot glass instead of drinking from a regular glass. Eliminate high-calorie drinks. Milkshakes, soda pop, beer, and other alcoholic beverages are very high in calories. By sipping on high-calorie liquids throughout the day, many calories are absorbed without creating the effect of fullness. This will result in a poor weight loss record. Avoid carbonated liquids because they could increase the size of the pouch creating discomfort.
 
Do not eat between meals. Eating snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight-loss failure. It is very important to break this habit. Eat a balanced diet. Because the quantity of food you can consume at a meal is reduced, it is important that what you do eat be of good nutritional value. Do not fill your small stomach pouch with "junk" food that lacks vitamins and other important nutrients. Eating foods from each of the four food groups will provide adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your needs.

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Since physical activity consumes energy and burns calories, it is very important to successful weight loss. Exercise can help improve your general health. Start with simple activities such as walking and swimming. Gradually expand your program to include more vigorous forms of exercise such as cycling. Jogging and aerobics. 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, etc.

Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a procedure that should be considered only after traditional methods of weight loss have been attempted. If you have tried proper diet and exercise for many years and are still unable to loss unwanted weight, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. The determining factor for gastric bypass or lap band surgery is the overall risk to your health. People who are considered morbidly obese are the best candidates for weight loss surgery due to the increased risks of serious disease that result from obesity.

Patients are generally considered morbidly obese when they are more than 100 lbs overweight or have a body mass index is 40 or greater. However patients who experience co-morbidities qualify for bariatric surgery when their body mass index is 35 or over. Co-morbidities are serious medical conditions that are associated with obesity.  They include type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, asthma, high cholesterol, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, some types of cancer, and many others.

The best way to find out if you qualify for weight loss surgery is to speak with a qualified bariatric surgeon. We offer educational seminars and are always willing to answer your questions.

Our  weight loss program offers a holistic approach to weight loss has resulted in the improvement of hundreds of patient's lives. This approach includes providing our patients with surgical, nutritional, exercise and psychological counseling to them lose the weight and keep it off forever. If you or someone you know meet the criteria or would like to find out more about weight loss surgery, please contact us at 1866 992 6443.