Helen Bauzon

One of the biggest mis-understandings or hope to achieve post weight loss surgery, is that the surgery will force the individual to stop on a certain amount of food, or restrict the. This is not the goal of surgery long term. Short term sure, swelling can provide false sense of restriction. However surgery has a stretch factor. If it is helpful for you, I have created a 20min master class video comparing all surgeries and how to get the most out of each surgery regrading appetite and portion support control. The following link will help you watch the video https://helen-bauzon1.aweb.page/p/776a1a9a-fd05-4851-a838-208a39db2975 Feel free to clarify any questions

Are you able to share what the surgeons said was ok and others said was not ok by any chance? Curiosity has gotten the better of me. I could possibly help you also address these discrepancies,, as I have over 20years consulting lifestyle and mindset management for weight loss surgery.

That is so exciting. Congratulations

Can you tell us more about what makes you feel like you have failed? What has failed? Your quality of life has done a complete flip

Correct, you need to start eating solid food to maxmise the effect of the band. 6cc in 10cc band is a good amount, should ideally be in or close to the green zone. I have created a 20min master class video that will help you in your journey if you would like to take a look at https://helen-bauzon1.aweb.page/p/d4ff1c92-6d88-4860-bd57-cc44aaa50e3a

Hi Guys There is certainly some clear explanations that can help you. It is quite an answer, t help I have developed a 20min master class video which will certainly answer your queries. The link is following https://helen-bauzon1.aweb.page/p/d4ff1c92-6d88-4860-bd57-cc44aaa50e3a Please take a look and then feel free to ask any question to clarify I find the biggest issue, is that most people actually forget how the band works, this may sounds odd. The band does not create a small stomach but rather a 30ml funnel.

It sounds like this is a lactose issue. Cheese iso very low in lactose and yohurt has bacteria to support the digestions, so it often poses little or no problem. After surgery you may also consider general IBS issues, if you experienced ay of these after surgery also, could be causing some issues. The good old food diary is key to track everything. Good luck

If the surgery is working, leaving it be if it isn't broken I say. Well done

I agree, it is likely head hunger also. A few other things you can look at is to ensure you are managing your physical hun ger with the sleeve as much as possible. Please consider the following the options: (1) eat solid food that needs chewing, helps to reduce hunger (2) 50% meals are protein based, of a solid form also to help reduce hunger (3) Be well nourished with nutrition have a shake with extra protein powder and a MV for weight loss surgery (4) avoid looking for fullness Hope that helps Helen

Your band is far too tight. Yes swelling can result after each adjustment but this is unreasonable. When the band is so tight it becomes very temperamental to fluid changes in the body, stress and time of the day to mention a few that can make the band tightness vary so much each day. Hope that helps

I would consider a few things in the following order: (1) check to ensure your band is in the green zone (2) ensure you are eating to maximize the effect of the band to control portions and appetite (3) highlight and recognise the core things in your lifestyle that may need to be looked at, such as non hungry eating, food types, fasting, activity levels, stress levels Hope that helps as a start

Thanks for the clarification Debbie. There is no reason why this concept could not be used with left over roast vegetables with Protein of legumes even. Happy jarring (if there is such a word).

As the weather becomes warmer, lighter meals are more appealing, such as salads. However a a common problem results in unappealing soggy salads. The exciting news, this can be avoided by preparing a salad in a jar. I have prepared a video to help you create your own salad in a jar There are two key points to preventing a soggy salad. Place the dressing first into the jar Place hard vegetables next that do not absorb the dressing and become soggy With all weight loss surgeries you want to make it more suitable to your nutritional needs. A consistent message with all surgical procedures is to cut all salad ingredients into small pieces such as a salsa.This allows the smaller components of the fibrous skin to be better tolerated. These salads can be prepared the day before and kept fresh in the fridge. Regarding the ideal balance of foods in the jar, protein is crucial to help make you feel fuller for longer, which can include tinned tuna, flavored tofu, scrambled egg and legumes as examples. Each type of surgery will request different portions. A sample recipe is indicated below Moroccan Salad In A Jar Ingredients 4 oranges, peeled, white pith removed 250g packet cooked beetroot, cut into wedges 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 x 400g cans chickpeas, rinsed, drained 120g pkt Coles Baby Spinach Leaves 6 radishes, halved, sliced http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/37794/moroccan+salad+in+a+jar Reminder; eat a portion that suits your weight loss surgery

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.

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.

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

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

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/

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/

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 Carolina Thanks so much. It is amazing how much easier it is to eat out with the Lap Band when the above principles are applied. Give it a go and let me know.