Adjustable gastric banding procedures, some of which go by the trade name LAP-BAND, can be the first step to losing weight but eating properly and exercising regularly can help you to meet your weight loss goal. Because insertion of the LAP-BAND and reduces the size of your stomach, you'll need to limit high-calories, fatty or sugary foods to spur your weight loss.
Identification
During the surgery, your doctor places a flexible band around the upper part of your stomach, limiting the amount of food that your stomach can hold. Because your stomach is much smaller after surgery, you will feel full after eating small amounts of food, reducing your urge to overeat. Although your stomach can hold less food, you can experience a weight gain if you overeat because overeating stretches the stomach. Reducing portion size and carefully choosing the types of food you eat can help you avoid overeating.
Beverage Choices
Drinking water or low-calorie beverages can help you reduce your caloric intake. Drink six cups of liquids every day and try to consume beverages an hour or two after you eat or 30 minutes before you eat. Drinking fluids too soon after eating will cause food to be washed through your stomach, reports Banner Health. If this occurs, you may feel hungry between meals. Avoid drinking carbonated beverages. Carbonation in drinks can stretch your pouch, enabling you to eat more than you should.
Changing Eating Habits
Including food high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats will help you continue to lose weight. Because your stomach pouch can only hold between 3/4 to 1 cup of food at one time, you'll need to carefully choose which foods you eat during a meal and ensure that you include small amounts from each food group. Stanford Hospitals and Clinic recommends eating 40 to 60 grams of protein every day. Avoid eating between meals.
Eating five or six small meals throughout the day can help you ensure that you don't feel hungry and aren't tempted to snack. Chew food slowly and thoroughly. Taking your time when you eat will allow enough time for you to realize when you are no longer hungry. Stop eating when you aren't hungry anymore, not when you feel full.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise is an important part of your weight loss plan. Any type of exercise that works the large muscles in your body while increasing your heart rate qualifies as aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise includes such activities as walking, running, swimming, dancing, bicycling, soccer, volleyball and basketball. While exercise plays an important part in weight loss, it can also help you change your habits. Choosing to take a nightly walk after dinner can help you avoid the temptation of indulging in an after-dinner snack of cookies or ice cream. If you aren't used to exercising, start by walking and gradually advance to more strenuous forms of exercise.
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