You're doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle after your gastric band surgery. You’re going to the gym five times a week and you're watching what you eat. Maybe you’re even taking yoga or pilates. The point is, you’re being good. But the number on the scale isn't changing.
This is a common problem. Especially for patients who recently underwent gastric band surgery. Don't stress. Like many things, lap bands or gastric bands need to be reset every once in a while for optimal use. Think of it as a "dietary tune-up" for your body.
This five day reset plan is a great way to make sure you see results after surgery. It’s a good idea to start this regimen when you notice your weight isn't changing, even with diet and exercise. You want to get ahead of the problem before it spirals out of control.
Liquids only for the first 48 hours. This greases the wheels, so to speak, on your gastric band. If you feel hungry, opt for smoothies or protein shakes. So you can provide your body with enough nutrients to keep you going. Just make sure you don't ingest any solid food.
It’s okay to re-introduce light proteins into your diet. Like eggs, cottage cheese, or soft veggies. This will cause your band to reset its ability to handle harder proteins and heavier foods.
You did it! You can now begin to occasionally ingest harder proteins like beef and chicken. But be sure to stop drinking liquids thirty minutes before eating. Liquids act as a sort of vehicle for foods through your esophagus and eventually to your stomach. By not ingesting liquids with foods, your body will feel full quicker. And this will help you regain the portion control you had after having your gastric band surgery.
The surgery made your stomach smaller. But that doesn’t mean you now have completely different food interests. It’s important you take a good look at your diet to ensure you’re eating the right portions. And ingesting the right nutrients. Follow your doctor's instructions and use a “dietary tune-up” when needed.
If you have questions about your gastric band, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our staff at Snow Bariatric Center will listen to any questions you may have prior, during, or post surgery. You want to lose weight and we can help. Give us a call 817-677-1820 or schedule an appointment online.
