Bandster Rules
BANDSTER RULES
The following rules will help you to succeed during your weight loss journey with the Band.
Rule 1: Eat three times a day. The Band creates a small stomach pouch that can hold only about half a cup (3 to 4 ounces) of food. If you try to eat more than this at one time you may become nauseous. You may also vomit. If you routinely eat too much, the small stomach pouch may stretch. That will cancel the effect of the operation. Frequent vomiting can also cause certain complications, such as stomach slippage. You need to learn how much your stomach pouch can hold comfortably and then not exceed this amount.
Rule 2: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Food can pass through the new stomach only if it has been "chopped" into very small pieces. Always remember to take more time for your meals and chew your food very well.Eat only solid foods. The Band does not restrict liquids.
Rule 3: Stop eating as soon as you feel full. Once your stomach is full, your body receives a signal that you have eaten enough. It takes time though, for you to become aware of this signal. If you hurry your meal, you may eat more than you need. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time over your meal. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness. Then stop eating at once.
Rule 4: Do not drink while you are eating. This operation can work only if you eat solid food. If you drink at mealtimes, the food you have eaten becomes liquid. Then the effectiveness of the Band is greatly reduced. You should not drink anything for one to two hours after a meal. That way you can keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible.
Rule 5: Do not eat between meals. After a meal, do not eat anything else until the next meal. Eating snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight-loss failure. It is very important to break this habit.
Rule 6: Eat only good quality foods. With the Band in place, you should be able to eat only a small amount. So the food you eat should be as healthy as possible. Do not fill your stomach pouch with "junk" food that lacks vitamins and other important nutrients. Your meals should be high in protein and vitamins. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, and cereals are good foods to choose. Foods high in fat and sugar are not. You may eat apples and oranges, but try to avoid orange juice and apple juice. Note: Solid food is more important than liquid food. The Band will have little or no effect if you eat only liquid food. Liquid food passes through the stomach outlet very quickly and does not make you feel full.
Rule 7: Avoid fibrous food. Food such as asparagus that contains many fibers can block the stomach. That's because you can't chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can't break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then you must be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces first and then chew thoroughly.
Rule 8: Drink enough fluids during the day. If you lose weight, your fat content will drop. That results in waste products. You will need to drink large amounts of liquid every day in order to urinate more and excrete these waste products from your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day (aim for 64 oz. throughout the day). Also, keep your food and drinks completely separate during the day.
Rule 9: Drink only low-calorie liquids Drinks. This includes those containing calories. Liquids simply run through the narrow outlet created by the band. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you otherwise follow your diet.
Rule 10: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. This rule is just as important as the other nine rules. Since physical exercise consumes energy and burns calories, it is very important to successful weight loss. Exercise can help improve your general health. Your size may make it hard for you to exercise as much as you should. But get started, even if it is a little at first. The more weight you lose, the easier it should get. Start with simple exercises, such as walking and swimming. Gradually expand your program to include more vigorous forms of exercise such as cycling, jogging and aerobics. Increase your activity level in the course of daily living. For example: stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator, etc.
First month after surgery:
The first week after surgery: You will be on clear liquids and some juices by week's end.
The second week: You can add cream broths and soups.
The third week: Hunger may be mild to moderate, so adding liquid protein (shakes) will help diminish this.
Fourth week and beyond: Once the "liquid phase" is complete, we want you to eat only solid foods. From this moment on, all the 5 rules above will apply. If you find that food does not go down without getting stuck, probabilities are that you are not chewing thoroughly or you are eating too fast. You will get the hang of it with practice and the correct way of eating with the band will become second nature. You will eat less and reach fullness fast!
For Info about Rhode Island Support Groups, please email me! [email protected]
Lynndee,
I completely understand.
Not only was I worried because I was afraid of 'failing' again (this being the last resort for me to get healthy)....
I was scared to death right up to the moment they put me under. I was even saying my 'final' goodbyes to everyone in my family. 'Just in case'! Talk about being morbid! Wow! I was over the top.
Although I did end up with minor complications and ended up back under the proverbial knife, everything has turned out perfectly! I worried, really, for nothing!
The only benefit I received from worrying so much was that my family and closest friends were told how much I love them and appreciate them! But I tell them that every time they are within hearing distance anyway.
I can't say to you "Don't worry, you'll be just fine"! Because that didn't help me at all.
But I can say, do something everyday to help you get your mind off your worry.
Talk to your loved ones.
Keep a journal.
Go to support group meetings.
Check these OH boards daily (if not several times a day).
Go for a walk.
Go to Angela's tomorrow (hint hint).
Get some phone numbers (especially from other bandsters).
Find a WLS Angel who can guide you before, during and after surgery.
Other than that....be proud you are doing something positive for yourself and your loved ones!
You're Lovable, Capable & Worth It!
Jules
For Info about Rhode Island Support Groups, please email me! [email protected]
