Adjustable gastric banding, or Lap-Band surgery, is a procedure that can help obese individuals lose a significant amount of their excess body weight. In a Lap-Band U.S. clinical trial, patients lost an average of 36 percent of their excess weight within three years. Ten percent of patients lost 75 percent or more excess body weight, while 5 percent experienced minimal or no weight loss. The amount of weight you lose depends largely on your post-operative diet and lifestyle habits. According to bariatric surgeon Dr. Carlos Barba, the number one reason for weight-loss surgery failure is a lack of commitment to adopting a healthier lifestyle. To maximize your chances of success with a Lap-Band, follow your doctor's instructions pertaining to your diet, activity level and other health factors.
Step 1
Maintain a healthy diet. To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you consume. Your Lap-Band will facilitate this by limiting your caloric intake, but making healthy food choices will make the process easier. Many of the foods you ate in the past will now be prohibited or could even cause gastric distress such as nausea, vomiting or heartburn. You will need to reduce or eliminate your intake of fast food, deep-fried foods and foods that are high in sugar, such as candy and baked goods.
Step 2
Stick to an exercise plan. Even with a Lap-Band, if you maintain a sedentary lifestyle, you will not lose as much weight or lose weight as quickly as patients who are more active. You may resume your exercise routine six weeks after surgery. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that your exercise routine initially focus on aerobic exercise. Aerobic activity burns the most calories and is an easy starting point for increased activity, even if you have been mostly sedentary in the past. According to the American Heart Association, the easiest and most effective way to start a fitness program is to simply start walking. As you lose weight and gain endurance, incorporate resistance and flexibility training into your routine.
Step 3
Join a support group. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, attending support sessions with health care professionals and other bariatric surgery patients directly increases your chances of success after weight-loss surgery. In a bariatric surgery support group, you are surrounded by others who understand and support your goals, can help you form a new relationship with food and can provide you with resources for attending to all areas of your health and well-being. Some support groups may allow your spouse or significant other to attend to ensure that you are receiving the necessary emotional support in your personal relationships.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: The Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
- Norwich Bulletin: Bariatric Surgery Requires Dedication
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Weight Control and Diet - Surgery
- American College of Sports Medicine: Experts Outline Exercise Recommendations for Bariatric Surgery Patients
- American Heart Association: Get Moving? Where Do I Start?
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