Helen Bauzon

Great comments thus far. The main one to add from here is that I would like you to eat the absolute minimum 800 calories, but my preference is 1000 to 1200. You need to eat to lose weight. Starving is not the way. I agree wound healing is the focus during this phase. Weight loss should also be monitored via your measurements and not only the scales, find a a shirt and a pair of pants that are too tight and wear them each week and enjoy the feeling of them getting too big, SLOWLY. Take care Helen Bauzon Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

An overly tight band is not good, however lets qualify this. If you find it does take some time in the morning like at 6am, (a glass of water over 5 minutes) this is not uncommon. However if you are struggling to consume fluids all day long, this is not correct and you need to go back to the clinic asap, to remove some fluid. I am sure that the doctors were just wanting to get you started by feeling restricted. Good luck Helen Bauzon Specialist Bariatirc Dietitian

Hi Guys, Fluid changes in the body, hence fluid restriction with the menstrual cycle explains why the band feels tighter at different times. In addition the band also feels tighter first thing in the morning. This is due to fluid changes. While asleep horizontal the fluid is distributed more evenly throughout the body, hence more around the band site. This makes the band feel tighter in the morning. As fluid drains south in your body during the day, less fluid around the banded area means it feels looser later in the day. I agree to get the nice restriction you need for dinner, often a banded individual can't cope with solid food in the morning until about 10am. Hope that helps. Helen Bauzon Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

The warning bells that I hear is that you have a PB 3 times a week bc you are going too fast. If you have another fill before you address this the PB's will only get worse and you will be more prone to eating the ice-cream, which is easy and soothing after a PB. I would recommend you manage things to reduce the PB to 1/fortnight the most then determine if you need or can manage another fill. If old habits are sneaking in, yes a little amount of Fluid will help take the edge off, but as others have commented (great to see), re-address your total food intake and exercise levels. Hope this helps Helen Bauzon Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

It sounds like you could improve your food choices. The best way to get re-focussed is to keep a food diary for 3 days, recording your intake as the day progress not at the end. Weight loss is slow and steady with the band. Avoid making the band too tight as this will likely increase your calorie intake further by not been able to eat "normal healthy food". Even being in the best head space at the moment, perhaps some counseling is an idea to help ward of the negative self talk sabotage your efforts. I am not keen on fad diets, bc if you have a history of dieting it will actually make you crave more when you return to normal eating and likely overindulge. Lastly what is happening with your exercise? A few things to think about Good luck Regards Helen Bauzon Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

At any time of the process, ensure you eat the correct texture to maximise the effect of the band, dry and solid food, everything else is too easy and will tend to cheat the band either high or low in calories, This early on in the program, you certainly need some fills. The extra gas is from surgery, and some people it can take a few weeks to completely settle. Try and avoid constipation, as this would make you even more bloated and uncomfortable. You need to consider a laxative in consultation with your dr and slowly increase the fibre back into your diet to normalise your motions. Good luck Specialist Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

This dietary phase is not easy, but consider it the last time you will ever be on a diet. If you follow the plan closely enough, your body will go into ketosis, within 3-4 days your hunger will be under control. If the diet is broken, your appetite does return. Clients of mine if still hungry after the initial 3 days I add more protein into their plan and they are pretty happy. Good luck. All for a good cause to shrink the liver done to make your surgery safer. Regards Specialist Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

The first time can be very scary, it is very important to learn from the experience and work out what caused it. Perhaps, too much food per mouthful, swallowed too quickly, did not chew properly, the food type, time of day, emotional state etc. Using a smaller eating utensil is crucial, take nibbles of bites into food and chew down to a mush and allow 30-60 seconds between mouthfuls. Good Luck Specialist Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Dear Anita, Boy that is bad luck. I must say having seen thousands of people with the band, this level of complication I have not seen. The weight gain you have experienced may be due to the frustration and feeling let down by the whole process. I would hope that your Dr is giving some extra TLC. Keep at it and be extra patient until the process gets started. IN the mean time gain some control back in your life by focusing on what you can have control over. I think being active does wonders for your mind set, that includes fresh air. Good luck Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Hi Jenwan, It is always best to discuss things with your doctor. My theory about weight loss with the band is simple: (1) Understand how the Lap Band works. (most people miss understand this) (2) Chew your food to a mush. It takes more than 20 chews. (3) Focus on the texture - solid and dry food and enjoy eating a little of everything We know what to eat to lose weight most times, but it is another thing getting through the Lap band and understanding why sometimes it fails to do so smoothly. It is lots of fun as you learn every day on your journey. Chat soon Helen Bauzon Bariatric Dietitian Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Hi Guys, Jenwan you must be starving. Clear liquids for two weeks I don't believe this is necessary. The only reason you are on liquids post surgery is to allow the band to form scar tissue between itself and the stomach and to consolidate its position. I always recommend clear fluids for the day of the surgery, then free fluids up until week 2 and then transition slowly onto solid food. Regurgitation will only occur if you you take too much volume per mouthful, swallow too quickly and not chew your food properly. I also would recommend that you clarify with your doctor but I believe they are being far too strict. Good luck Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Numerous of my clients confessed to me that they had not followed the transition diet strictly, but they had not blockages or discomfort, so in the end similar to you, the band is still in the correct position. If the band has slipped you would find it difficult to keep both liquids or solids down. You are doping ok. Cheers Helen Bauzon Bariatric Dietitian Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Hi Guys, The feedback is great. The restriction varies between individuals. The degree of swelling, the size of band, whether the surgeon inflated the band at all during surgery plus more. Yes it will take on average 4-5 fills to hit the "Sweet Spot" as mentioned. I would like to clarify one important aspect though. The rule of 1/2 cup of food in total at a meal is incorrect. The key is to take small mouthfuls (no more than 1 tsp) and chew this down to a mush and allow time for it to pass through the band, before you swallow the next. Eating must be pain free. Once the band is tight enough to control your interest in food you will notice that a small toddler meal with take you about 20 minutes to eat. This is a very positive sign. Keep traveling towards your goals. Kind regards Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Hi guys, Slow and steady wins the race. If you try to be too perfect, we set ourselves up to fail. Keep chipping away Regards Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon