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How to conquer the Plateau after Lap Band?

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Published: 15Jan2010
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Lap Band, or laparoscopic gastric band surgery is a restrictive bariatric operation, which reduces the size of the stomach, thus reducing the calorie intake with no malabsorptive element, or alteration in the anatomy of the intestinal tract.

On an average, you will lose about 1-3 pounds a week during the first 12 months after the operation, losing about 40-50 percent of your initial excess body weight over two years.

Your initial weight loss will be slower than that following a gastric bypass, and may come to a standstill after some time. So, how to conquer the weight loss plateau after Lap Band is the emergent question.

The first thing to do in such a situation is to consult your weight loss team for a complete evaluation. Your bariatric surgeon may decide to adjust the Lap Band by injecting some fluid in the band to increase restriction. If your surgeon believes that the weight loss plateau is due to an over tight band, he will loosen it so as to facilitate optimal results.

In case this is not the reason for your stagnating weight, or if either of the interventions do not help you conquer the weight loss plateau, your nutritionist will advise you to maintain a intake chart or a "food diary" where you will be expected to enumerate the quantities and timings of the food consumed, and also to maintain an exercise log. The exercise log will be a detailed chronicle of the nature and duration of exercise, and will help your weight loss team pinpoint the reason for the plateau.

Very often, the plateau can be attributed to consumption of calorie intensive foods, especially liquids like milk shakes and health drinks, which can even in small quantities result in weight gain, or at least cessation of weight loss as their transit time, even through the narrow outlet of the stomach, is not significantly reduced.

In case you find yourself feeling sad or angry or frustrated at your inability to conquer the weight loss plateau in spite of your best efforts to adhere to the significant lifestyle changes the surgery has caused, make sure you discuss it with your weight loss team and counselors. Being part of a support group or an online service can often help you get a fresh perspective of your situation.

In case your exercise program is at fault, or you find yourself unable to adhere to the prescribed regimen, community based activities, including sports and music or dance can help you develop a program of movement and activity which enables you to burn calories, while interacting with your peers. This also distracts you from the inevitable trap of binge emotional eating. Alternatives at the local sports club like exercise programs in therapy pools, nature and heritage walks also comprise a very enriching experience in this regard.

The basic thumb rules to conquer the plateau after Lap Band are really very simple. Make sure you follow your diet and exercise programs completely, remain in constant contact with your weight loss team, have a positive outlook, and celebrate your beautiful new body

Alma Orozco is a certified patient coordinator of the Ready4Achange team for weight loss surgery in Monterrey, Mexico. Monterrey is rated as the safest city in Latin America and the medical facilities out there are certified by US hospitals. The low cost of living makes surgery very affordable in Mexico. You can check out Gastric sleeve surgery done by Dr Zapata at CIMA Monterrey by clicking on the link.

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