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Do not test yourself.
Control your portions. |
Whether it is the RNY, LAP BAND, or DS -- there are myths that you can eat whatever you want and lose weight. That doesn't work. The other myth is that you eat until you feel full -- that doesn't work. The other one is that you will feel restriction -- and early on you do, but later you don't.
Weight loss surgery isn't about seeing how much you can eat, or what you can get away with -- weight loss surgery is about making better choices, a healthier lifestyle, and seeing how little you can eat.
Portion control is the key to all weight loss operations. Which means you determine the portions you eat before you consume them. Do not rely on your body to tell you when you are full, or stuffed. Instead, eat the portion your doctor recommends, and walk away from the table.
Do not test your stomach -- because you can fill it up more and more and stretch the nice job your surgeon did. With the band, that means you can slip the band -- by eating more and pulling stomach up above the band. But generally can be adjusted by deflating the band for a bit.
Bottom line-- it isn't how much you can eat -- it is how little you can eat.
It isn't six small meals a day. It isn't snacks - it is, two to three meals a day. If you find yourself hungry at a certain time of the day then figure out what you ate before-- was it soft food, was it something that lasted? Did you wash things out with water or some drink? Can you make a better choice.
Weight loss surgery is the marker for a new and healthier lifestyle. Here are some simple things to start or restart your surgery:
| (a) |
Cut television time in half. Honest, the bad guys will get caught in CSI |
| (b) |
Spend 30 minutes a day doing some physical activity -- dedicated time to walking or swimming. More is better. If you need some help starting, see a physical therapist. |
| (c) |
Use smaller plates -- put your portion on the smaller plate |
| (d) |
Leave something on your plate-- always leave something to get rid of. What you leave should be starches -- what should not be left are vegetables. Leave the potatoes, eat the greens. |
| (e) |
After 30 minutes you are done eating -- stop there, and get rid of the excess food. |
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