Helen Bauzon

Are you currently frustrated with your weight loss ? Do you feel like you are eating a well-balanced diet, but still not losing weight? Are you struggling to eat healthy foods? No matter which category you fit into, your diet is the major player you need to get right to lose weight. These are so many possible sample diets to review to help you self reflect and pin point which areas of your diet you could change. Lets start with the sample indicated below displayed in the table. Can you see the 5 points which can be improved? 9am, 1 weetbix and milk consumed in 10-15mins, no discomfort on eating 11am, low fat late' 2pm, 1 salad biscuit with cheese, consumed in 5 mins, no discomfort on eating 5.30pm pre dinner nibbles of cheese and biscuits, grazed over 40mins, no discomfort on eating 6.30pm 1 chicken thigh and steamed vegetables, eaten in 10-15mins, experienced discomfort on eating 9pm small bowl of nuts while watching TV, no discomfort on eating Assessment: 1. Even though the Lap Band feels tighter in the morning, 1 weet-bix consumed in 5 mins is quite quick. This is indicating that the Lap Band may need more Fluid. Hence only 2 hours later more food is consumed again, unfortunately the consistency was liquid again. This means that the receptor sites still have not been stimulated by the diet to induce satiety. 2. 1 salada biscuit with cheese for a meal is not sufficient food. 3. Nibbling pre-dinner will be due to hunger. The Band needs more fluid, insufficient amount of food was eaten during the day and most of the food was of a wet consistency. 4. The evening meal is fantastic, but eaten quite quickly. This confirms the Lap Band needs fluid to help control the hunger more. You would notice that some discomfort was experienced on eating the more solid food. This is due to eating too big mouthfuls of food and inadequate chewing likely followed by not waiting sufficient time between swallows. If fluid is added into the Lap Band ideally but the pace of eating was not slowed down, then discomfort on eating will result in food regurgitation. 5. The evening nibbles in front of the TV could be either from hunger as the Lap Band needs more fluid and or insufficient amounts of food was eaten during the day or habit Reading this article you may be thinking, my diet is so different, I would love some feedback. Well the offer is there. Provide me with a sample days intake and I'll let you know what is wrong with your Lap Band Diet, to help you lose weight. Start typing...........

Hi BeachBish This is a great question and sorry to hear about your frustration. This question is amazingly timed. I only just provided some advice via email to an individual in the same situation who had not lost weight for a long time and then turned around and emailed me back telling me that she had lost 2 kg. So how can I help you? Unfortunately there is no perfect diet, but rather an ideal diet. This; in my opinion would include the following: (1) Atleast 1200 calories from quality food (Protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy) (2) I am keen that no food group is eliminated on a long term basis (3) Ensure you can eat quality food without it getting caught before the band too often (4) An intake of a minimum of 60gms protein is ok (5) A plateau will occur if we eat too few calories. (6) I look for 3 quality meals per day and 2-3 Snacks per day based on exercise levels (7) Protein supplementation is required based on individual needs and diet So a very "simple' sample day could include the following: Meal 1. 200gm yoghurt with 1/4 to 1/2cup muesli Snack: 250ml Latte Meal 2. 1x90gm tin of tuna, salad (+/- ¼ cup quinoa) Snack: 1 handful of fruit Meal 3. Palm size cooked protein (meat/chicken/fish/egg) with steamed vegetables Snack: 300ml low fat latte I know that we can incorporate more exciting meals, however if I keep it simple it provides more of a guide regarding portions. I do know there are a lot of people I see who have a lot less food. However, as you can see I am keen that the lap band is not too tight. I do get the best results this way. Conversely, I also often see people eating 1000-12000 calories and then wonder why they are still not losing weight. I have never seen anyone lose their desired amount of weight on a 1000-1200 calories eating plan when the food choices predominantly coming from convenience foods high in fat., sugar or both. In fact I am running a FREE WEBINAR on Monday April 14th addressing this plus more at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/free-webinar I hope this helps to shed some light. We all need to eat to lose weight. Lets make sure the band is not holding us back from doing this. Good luck.

Have fewer temptations of either a sweet or savoury base in the house Keep temptations out of sight, hidden in a non see through box Keep temptations out of reach, encased in a box located in the highest kitchen cupboard possible Creating space to present your exercise gear and equipment, ready to be used Have you even considered sleeping in your t-shirt and track suit, with your runners at the base of your bed to easily slip on as soon as you wake up, ready for your walk Slowly reducing sweet drinks and sugars even artificial sweeteners in your hot drinks Slowly retrain your taste buds to not desire sweets and fats as much, by reducing the frequency slowly. It only takes two weeks for your taste buds to change and not enjoy the old flavours as much. This is just a start of some baby steps to help you SPEAK UP to yourself and find a way to create an environment to support you. There is always a way. You would most likely have heard of Carnie Wilsons long battle with her weight. Her story is ever so inspiring as she SPOKE OUT and found her way out by forming a strong support team around her for success with the Lap Band. Carnie Wilson is an example of how important it is to accept the personal responsibility required to slowly adjust one's lifestyle to control self sabotaging behaviors such as emotional and habitual eating. When one's relationship with food supports a non-dieting approach, cravings are reduced and the ability to eat with more control enables the environment to be set up for success and maintained. Rather than getting in the car and travelling to buy food to graze on. This is just one example. Repeated history of difficulty in losing weight can sabotage one's self confidence. This is why I encouraged you SPEAK OUT and grasp onto who and what you need to help you manage your weight and health with your Lap Band. Additional options to reach out and find your way could include: Surgical review regarding the band adjustments Psychologist to help manage emotional eating. There are 2 books I encourage you read if you like; If not Dieting Then What or The Happiness Trap Dietitian to help eat the ideal foods with the lap band Exercise group. I encourage EFM and STEP INTO LIFE as they offer group personal training at a reasonable cost Forums for contact such as where we are. (Nothing like stating the obvious hey!) Support group meetings face to face or online Commit socially with a group of people to participate in a fun run/walk

How would you cope, if you created an environment to support your weight loss? It can only be of assistance. Lets set our environment up to make it as difficult as possible to avoid hurting our neck just for one little taste You may like to consider applying some of the following suggestions to assist your journey. Have fewer temptations of either a sweet or savoury base in the house Keep temptations out of sight, hidden in a non see through box Keep temptations out of reach, encased in a box located in the highest kitchen cupboard possible Creating space to present your exercise gear and equipment, ready to be used Have you even considered sleeping in your t-shirt and track suit, with your runners at the base of your bed to easily slip on as soon as you wake up, ready for your walk Slowly reducing sweet drinks and sugars even artificial sweeteners in your hot drinks Slowly retrain your taste buds to not desire sweets and fats as much, by reducing the frequency slowly. It only takes two weeks for your taste buds to change and not enjoy the old flavours as much. This is just a start of some baby steps to help you SPEAK UP to yourself and find a way to create an environment to support you. There is always a way. You would most likely have heard of Carnie Wilsons long battle with her weight. Her story is ever so inspiring as she SPOKE OUT and found her way out by forming a strong support team around her for success with the Lap Band. Carnie Wilson is an example of how important it is to accept the personal responsibility required to slowly adjust one's lifestyle to control self sabotaging behaviors such as emotional and habitual eating. When one's relationship with food supports a non-dieting approach, cravings are reduced and the ability to eat with more control enables the environment to be set up for success and maintained. Rather than getting in the car and travelling to buy food to graze on. This is just one example. Repeated history of difficulty in losing weight can sabotage one's self confidence. This is why I encouraged you SPEAK OUT and grasp onto who and what you need to help you manage your weight and health with your Lap Band. Additional options to reach out and find your way could include: Surgical review regarding the band adjustments Psychologist to help manage emotional eating. There are 2 books I encourage you read if you like; If not Dieting Then What or The Happiness Trap Dietitian to help eat the ideal foods with the lap band Exercise group. I encourage EFM and STEP INTO LIFE as they offer group personal training at a reasonable cost Forums for contact such as where we are. (Nothing like stating the obvious hey!) Support group meetings face to face or online Commit socially with a group of people to participate in a fun run/walk

I can see and understand your view point. To offend, was not my intention at all. I chose this article leaning towards a humorous angle trying to illustrate that we cope better when we create an environment which makes it harder to fail and easier to move forward, hence all the practical tips in the article. Having overcome a history of distorted eating myself, this has shaped my practice at focussing on behaviour changes principles to get my clients to stop dieting and eat a little of everything guilt free. I am certainly very mindful of one's possible sensitivities surrounding weight loss. I try with my articles and information provided to always evoke a thought or feeling towards self reflection, in this case to call out for some help to who ever that may be.

I do agree. It's when we feel overwhelmed that it may appear all too much. In these situations making small changes and gaining small wins will help get us out of the rut/situation. It takes time and commitment.

Hi JFC I would highly recommend you take one step at a time and be open to your new learning curve of understanding how to eat "normal healthy food" with the band. In my experience after counseling thousands of people with the band, I see three main reasons why the lap band would not work for an individual. (1) If the lap band is not placed correctly (2) A band not correctly adjusted to help control one's appetite (3) Managing non-hungry eating better post lap band surgery. If we follow the correct lifestyle, the majority of the time, your weight loss will likely be great. Time will show you. Also feeling nervous, afraid and hesitant to any degree is normal prior to surgery. Otherwise I would be wondering if you were taking the surgery seriously enough. Wishing you luck

It can take a few weeks for the abdominal gas to completely diffuse. During this time we can feel uncomfortable after surgery. Not sure when you had your surgery?

Regarding moving towards a more balanced lifestyle,I strongly encourage an 80/20 rule. What I mean by this is that 80% of your time implement the ideal strategies to help you achieve your goals. However 20% of the time do not be too hard on yourself. Perfectionism breads failure. If you try and do anything surrounding your weight 100% correct all the time you will be setting yourself up to possibly fail.

It is best to wait for Wednesday regarding anatomically what is happening with the Lap Band. In the meantime you may consider having wet easier foods to avoid pressure and discomfort. Good luck Helen

Hi Guys It is normal to feel nervous prior to surgery. It is a big deal, no matter how quick and easy the procedure is done. Keep in mind that all of the medical appointments prior to surgery is to help ensure you are well enough for surgery. Enjoy the process and take each stage at a time. If I can be of further help, just let me know. Good luck Helen

I worked with Allergan soon after this post. Together we developed some great 1-2 minute video presentations, providing an update regarding the research surrounding the band including how and what to eat. The videos can be viewed at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/long-term-diet/ . Please refer to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th clip from the top. Hope you enjoy. Any questions of clarrification please just ask, I'm only a few clicks away. Or you can also attend a FREE online support group meeting if you prefer. http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-support-group/

No matter which category you fit into, your diet is the major player you need to get right to lose weight. These are so many possible sample diets to review to help you self reflect and pin point which areas of your diet you could change. Lets start with the sample indicated below displayed in the table. Can you see the 5 points which can be improved? 9am, 1 weetbix and milk consumed in 10-15mins, no discomfort on eating 11am, low fat late' 2pm, 1 salad biscuit with cheese, consumed in 5 mins, no discomfort on eating 5.30pm pre dinner nibbles of cheese and biscuits, grazed over 40mins, no discomfort on eating 6.30pm 1 chicken thigh and steamed vegetables, eaten in 10-15mins, experienced discomfort on eating 9pm small bowl of nuts while watching TV, no discomfort on eating Assessment: 1. Even though the Lap Band feels tighter in the morning, 1 weet-bix consumed in 5 mins is quite quick. This is indicating that the Lap Band may need more fluid. Hence only 2 hours later more food is consumed again, unfortunately the consistency was liquid again. This means that the receptor sites still have not been stimulated by the diet to induce satiety. 2. 1 salada biscuit with cheese for a meal is not sufficient food. 3. Nibbling pre-dinner will be due to hunger. The Band needs more fluid, insufficient amount of food was eaten during the day and most of the food was of a wet consistency. 4. The evening meal is fantastic, but eaten quite quickly. This confirms the Lap Band needs fluid to help control the hunger more. You would notice that some discomfort was experienced on eating the more solid food. This is due to eating too big mouthfuls of food and inadequate chewing likely followed by not waiting sufficient time between swallows. If fluid is added into the Lap Band ideally but the pace of eating was not slowed down, then discomfort on eating will result in food regurgitation. 5. The evening nibbles in front of the TV could be either from hunger as the Lap Band needs more fluid and or insufficient amounts of food was eaten during the day or habit Reading this article you may be thinking, my diet is so different, I would love some feedback. Well the offer is there. Provide me with a sample days intake and I'll let you know what is wrong with your Lap Band Diet, to help you lose weight. Start typing...........

There is so much dietary information to absorb in preparation for surgery, that it can be very overwhelming. So what can you do? Review and consolidate your knowledge at your own leisure on your own or even with your family to embrace their support at a time that is convenient to you. So let me guide you: Step 1. In preparation for surgery, you may be asked by your surgeon to follow a very low calorie diet such as Optifast to shrink your liver. 1. There is an online lecture you can refer to at: http://lapbanddiet.com.au/optifast/ 2. There are also some recipes to create some interesting meals with your permitted carbohydrate free vegetables at: http://lapbanddiet.com.au/category/lap-band-recipes/optifast-pre-surgery/ Step 2. Immediately post surgery you will need to be on fluids to allow time for the scar tissue to form between the Lap Band and the stomach, for it to settle and minimize the chances of the band slipping. Which type of liquids, how much to drink and possible to issues that you will need to consider are discussed at: http://lapbanddiet.com.au/fluids-post-surgery-diet/ Recipes to help during the fluid phase: http://lapbanddiet.com.au/category/lap-band-recipes/fluids-post-lap-band-surgery/ Please be guided by your surgeons preference regarding the time frame to spend in each dietary phase. Step 3. Begin to transition onto solid food. Recipes are also located at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/category/lap-band-recipes/wet-and-easy/ to begin your transition diet You can also download your free book providing all the details for the pre-surgery and immediately post surgery diet at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/. Look at the bottom right hand column. Feel free to ask any question to clarify also

Great comments guys. It is great to hear that we all agree with eating more solid food to maximize the effect of the Lap Band. Outside that I am SO HAPPY to see catfish87 report that it is not enough Protein at the meals, especially the second meal. That;s right. If we are feeling hungry with the Lap Band it doe snot mean that we automatically put Fluid in the band. Lets look at the food choices and consistency first. Or an over tight band will make eating healthier food too difficult and move to slush. Carolina, STOP DIETING, perfect once again. Yes we need to have a healthier relationship with food to help control the emotional eating. Or the Lap Band will be sabotaged. This is where my following comments may not be welcomed. I do encourage carbohydrates form all food groups, and here is my disclaimer, based on an individuals personal preferences.I feel it is unrealistic to completely avoid foods from the breads and cereals category life long. Portion control is the better answer. So when I look at the second meal, I would transfer the dry biscuit/cracker to a slice of bread as it will be more filling. Guys I would encourage that you don't try and avoid carbs completely. Otherwise all you will be left to eat is animal protein and carb free vegetables. I like to summarise the dietary plan as below: Eat solid food requiring chewing Include protein at each meal regarding carbohydrates, there are two choices: 1. Avoid carbs at a meal 2. Include them but portion them to 1 serve per main meal Hope that helps

Unfortunately so many people still believe the Lap Band creates a small stomach. This is so far form the truth. Back 14 years ago when I started working in the area of Lap Band Surgery, I always described the Lap Band as creating a funnel effect. This explanation has never changed, except for the greater level of understanding that we now have due to the research that has occurred via CORE in Melbourne. There is a great 2 minute video clip presented by Professor Paul O'Brien explaining the Lap Bands functioning via an animation. Certainly worth a look at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-surgery-how-the-band-works/

Great work. To help address the first mouthful syndrome, I always recommend to take a sip or two of Water prior to beginning to eat. Then you need to consume a 1 tsp per minute chewed very well. This pain must not occur on a daily basis or the area above the band could possibly increase in size resulting in the band not working as effectively.

Thanks for bringing my attention to this. It is very strange. The link in the article is as http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-surgery-how-the-band-works/ . This takes you to the page where the video clip is. Sorry about the issue with modern technology. I'm not sure how it is sending anyone to buy anything, as it shouldn't. Very strange. I have checked the link and it sends me to the home page of my website. But it should be sending you to the page with the video clip. So I have cut and pasted the link again in this message.

The Gastric Balloon is a short term weight loss solution involving surgery. The inflated balloon is placed into the stomach to help reduce the stomach capacity. After 6 months the balloon is removed. On my website I have a page allocated to explaining this further with video clips showing the procedure. http://lapbanddiet.com.au/gastric-balloon/

This explanation has never changed, except for the greater level of understanding that we now have due to the research that has occurred via CORE in Melbourne. There is a great 2 minute video clip presented by Professor Paul O'Brien explaining the Lap Bands functioning via an animation. Certainly worth a look at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-surgery-how-the-band-works/

WOW your adjustments are moving slowly, hence the hunger pangs are driving you crazy. Some tips to cope with include: Keep to solid dry food to maximize the effect of the band to trigger the receptor sites to trick the brain into making you feel fuller for longer As your portions may be on the larger side of things at present, if medically able consider removing carbs from your diet dinner onwards. Focus on Protein as a major part of your meal and lots of salads and vegetables as fillers with less carbs for now If you consider using Protein powder etc to help control the hunger, I recommend the Protein Bars over shakes at this stage for you to trigger the receptor site as much as possible Hang in there, the adjustments will catch up. Good luck. By the way if you need help via support groups I can help From my perspective, that thing that really sends alarm bells off for me is your comment about "needing a another fill". Please make sure that you do not make it too tight. If the band becomes too tight it will often hold you back from eating the ideal foods to lose weight. If you wake up and begin to feel hungry about 3-4 hours later ,the band is likely to be very close to the ideal fill to control your interest in food. From my experience when my clients make the band too tight, they can'teat sufficient quality food and then crave the sweeter foods as the body needs fuel from somewhere. So when cutting down on the treats/sugar also think about why am I eating them? Is it based on emotional reasons or requiring some fuel? Hope this helps. I am a big fan of a food diary also to check in/clarify exactly what we are eating. Also keep in mind that I do run monthly online support group meetings if interested. http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-support-group/ Good luck

From my perspective, that thing that really sends alarm bells off for me is your comment about "needing a another fill". Please make sure that you do not make it too tight. If the band becomes too tight it will often hold you back from eating the ideal foods to lose weight. If you wake up and begin to feel hungry about 3-4 hours later ,the band is likely to be very close to the ideal fill to control your interest in food. From my experience when my clients make the band too tight, they can'teat sufficient quality food and then crave the sweeter foods as the body needs fuel from somewhere. So when cutting down on the treats/sugar also think about why am I eating them? Is it based on emotional reasons or requiring some fuel? Hope this helps. I am a big fan of a food diary also to check in/clarify exactly what we are eating. Also keep in mind that I do run monthly online support group meeting if interested. http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-support-group/ Good luck

I always like to keep things simple and practical. The closer you get to your goal weight the harder it is to lose the final few Ibs. I agree, take a look at your clothing,, are you happy how they feel and fit. If so perhaps refocus your assessment on measurements rather than the scales. I personally I rarely weigh clients in the clinic. I always get them to be guided by the same outfit, with the ultimate goal for it to become too big to wear. In addition, I always recommend a food dairy for 1 week in this case. I have not met anyone who has not achieved weight loss by doing this. Recently a client who only lost 2 kgs in 3 weeks, suddenly lost 10kg in 3 kg by keeping a food diary and emailing me daily. If this is too time consuming, you can then use a plate diary. What I mean by is that all food must be eaten off a plate sitting a table or bench doing no other activity. This is called mindful eating. Let me know how you go Cheers Helen Bauzon Dietitian

It is interesting that you note "note sure what the restriction feels like". Regardless of whether you have Fluid in your band or not, it is exciting to see that the Lap Band has already kicked and begun to work for you because you are not really feeling hungry. The reason for this is that the Lap Band itself and swelling that may have occurred at surgery is placing a nice amount of pressure onto the receptor sites that tricks your brain into feeling satisfied for a longer period of time. Exciting stuff. try and keep this in mind, as long term when the adjustments begin, you are seeking to feel this level of satisfaction and disinterest in eating after a meal. If you need further explanation on how the Lap band works, take a look at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-surgery-how-the-band-works/ Also you can take a look at the 5th video clip at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/fluids-post-surgery-diet/ where I discuss managing hunger levels during the fluid phase Good luck Helen Bauzon Dietitian

Are you looking for ideas to make your diet more interesting with various flavours and textures? Most importantly variety!!!! Variety is crucial to help you move further and further away from feeling like you are on a diet, which will help you stay on track. I would like to change your thinking and open your mind up to migrate away from looking for cook books specifically tailored for the Lap Band. Instead learn how you can quickly and easily create your own Lap Band friendly meals yourself. This will enable you to eat in all social settings freely. To achieve this there are two key take home messages, to creating Lap Band friendly meals. Avoid biting into food Modify the food prior to cooking or food served to you, as though you were feeding a one year old to prevent them from choking Let me reassure you, this will make sense if you understand how the band works as a "funnel" concept rather than a small stomach. Professor Paul O'Brien who I also work with has produced a great 2min clip explaining this at http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-surgery-how-the-band-works/ (the second clip on the page) Lets extrapolate the above two points further. 1. Avoid biting into food As adults we have big teeth and big mouths. If we bite into food we are likely to exceed a teaspoon portion. This is likely to result in inadequate chewing and over filling the "holding bay" before the esophagus pushes the food through the Lap Band. Pick with your fingers and eat with a knife and fork to portion control instead. Try an oyster fork. 2. Modify the food prior to cooking or food served to you on a plate, as though you were feeding a one year old to prevent them from choking Removing tough skins, strings and food cut into small pieces, makes an amazing difference in being able to tolerate a big variety of foods. The third mouthful syndrome is less likely. For example, salads can be challenging because they are usually present in large chunks of vegetables which have leathery skin. An alternative example would be a cherry tomato cut into half is much harder to eat compared to being cut into 4-8 segments. Diced salad is easier than an untouched chunky salad as an alternative. Another example would be at a food court,. The falafal wrap looks appealing but there is no way you would attempt to eat this because the chances of a food blockage is high. Well with the above two suggestions to creating Lap Band friendly meals, all you would need to do is place the wrap on a plate, unravel it and cut into small pieces before eating with a knife and fork rather than biting into it. Voila, the meal has become band friendly. With the above two key messages you can create meals and snacks appropriate for you with only a 5% modification. So the best Lap Band Cook Book is the one YOU create. To help you, I have uploaded a large number of recipes and made comments in red how to modify them that tiny 5% to create Lap Band Friendly Meals. Take a look and enjoy increasing the variety in your diet. http://lapbanddiet.com.au/dietary-advice/