Lap Band Owners Manual Review (Part 1 of ???)

Thanks to the folks at Maine Medical Center for compiling such a great guide! 

(Personal areas of focus in blue)

"The surgery will help you to control the number of calories you consume by making it difficult for you to eat large portions of food at one time. IT IS STILL POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO OVEREAT AND GAIN WEIGHT BY EATING AND/OR DRINKING HIGH CALORIE FOODS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.  This behavior is sometimes referred to as grazing. Try some of these eating tips to stay on track:

• Keep nibbling to a minimum: Continuous nibbling and snacking on high calorie foods and beverages can cause you to gain weight. Do your best to make healthy choices
• Don’t drink with meals: Drinking with meals flushes food through your band allowing you to eat more food faster. This means your brain never gets the message that you are full. This will cause weight gain.
• Be aware of why you are eating: Eating because of boredom, depression, anxiety, happiness or just something to do can result in weight gain. Some people also find it helpful to involve a therapist to help deal with an emotional dependence on eating.
• Keep a positive attitude: Permanent weight loss requires a change in food attitudes. Try to stay positive about making healthy food choices before, during and after your surgery.
• Special occasions: Holidays, vacations and social occasions can be very difficult situations when you are trying to lose weight. Your dietitian will work with you to tackle these difficult times head on.
• Stay active: Exercise burns calories, helps control your appetite and can relieve stress. Our experience with people who have had Lap Band surgery shows that those who are most successful at weight control are those that exercise regularly.
• Keep all of your follow-up appointments with the dietitian,social worker, nurse and physician. The people that keep regular appointments have the greatest chance of successful, safe weight loss and maintenance."

In other news, I have my fill @ 1:45pm today.  I will be on strict liquids for at least 1 week (Slim-Fast Low Carb shakes, My Own Morning Smoothie, Herbal Teas, etc) and on pureed foods for the week after--yep, I'll be eating soup for Thanksgiving. 

I picked up my liquid Lexapro yesterday.  Of course, I already have my Centrum Chewables.  PCP said that any other meds/supplements can be suspended for a week depending on whether or not I tolerate them after the fill.  Fingers crossed!

Cheers!