So, what's the "green zone" and how do you get there from here?

The green zone is an expression that's often used to describe where a LAP-BAND® patient is in regards tohis/her hunger and eating regime. Certainly, just because a patient has had surgery doesn't mean they can eat whatever they want or that they can maintain the same food choices they've made in the past. Far from it.

In order for a tool like the LAP-BAND® System to work effectively, it needs to be fine tuned. That requires multiple visits to a care provider that has the ability to adjust the band, whether that's putting more Fluid in or taking some out which as you likely already know adjusts the "fit" (or restriction) of the band. Just know that it's a process to get there and requires assessments from a healthcare provider to get you to the "green zone".

Many bariatric practices require frequent "office visits" post surgery so as to monitor a patient's progress, offer encouragement and perhaps to perform an adjustment. Many people say that a key advantage of the LAP-BAND® System over the other procedural alternatives is that it's adjustable. And reversible too for that matter. Every LAP-BAND® System has the ability to be customized for fit, so as to bring about a sense of satisfaction(lack of hunger) to the patient after a modest and healthy meal.

Comparisons from one patient to the next in regards to who has what amount of fluid in their specific band is futile. We're all different people inside and out. And even two people of similar size (on the outside) may not require the same amount of fluid in order to both feel satiated. So, stop asking your fellow band patients how much fluid they have in their band. Their answer won't matter to your LAP-BAND®.

What does matter – is your hunger and getting you to your "green zone".

Imagine a color spectrum moving from yellow to green to red. I know, the colors are not in the order we were all taught in school – but bear with me. Think of it as the colors of a stop light. Yellow means caution. Green means go, while red indicates it's time to stop. Some would say that yellow represents "not quite there" while red indicates you may be over filled. And that leaves us with green. The best zone of the 3. It's the "go zone". Fully satisfied after modest meals, eating the right kinds of foods and losing weight.

Here are a few questions to help you identify within which zone you're currently residing.

Your healthcare professional may also ask you

• How often are you hungry?
• What foods have you eaten recently?
• What foods give you trouble?
• What are your portion sizes?
• What time is your first meal of the day?
• What time of day is your last meal?
• Do you drink liquids with your meals?
• And how often do you exercise?

All of these are good questions for self reflection as well – but you'll only get "a fill" (if needed ofcourse) by seeing and being evaluated by a qualified professional from your bariatric surgeon's office.

Allergan's Executive Council of top LAP-BAND® surgeons from across the country recommends 11 visits within the first year of your surgery in order to optimize your excess weight loss results. Read that again. 11 visits within year 1. Let's be clear though, success is not just EWL or # of pounds lost – it's about feeling good and being healthy. And getting back to doing the things you enjoy.

The aftercare algorithm that Allergan's experts came up with are only their recommendations. They are only for others to consider as each healthcare professional is responsible forhis/her own medical decisions. But with that said, here's what they came up with: Follow up visits should occur at week 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 and then again at 24 months.

That's 11 visits within 12 months of your surgery date. So with that said, if you're a year out and you aren't seeing the results you anticipated and also haven't seen your support team several times over the course of the last 12 months, you need to ask yourself why?

And if you're not in the "green zone", call your bariatric surgeon's office and ask for an appointment to discuss your options.

Thanks for the chart Alex!

THANK YOU, ALEX!!

You are very welcome! I'm looking for some more ideas/topics that you think would really help fellow patients and considerers in their journey. Please send 'em my way!

You are very welcome! I'm looking for some more ideas/topics that you think would really help fellow patients and considerers in their journey. Please send 'em my way!

I literally feel like a lightbulb went off; I seriously could cry. The chart with the questions is an excellent way to figure out where you are. I suspected that I was in the yellow zone, but now I know for sure. (I was comparing myself to my friend...) I have been banded for six months and I've only seen my doctor four times.

I said I was going to call and make an appointment sometime next month. But I see now that I have to utilize the band the way it was designed. Go get a fill, Keia!

I literally feel like a lightbulb went off; I seriously could cry. The chart with the questions is an excellent way to figure out where you are. I suspected that I was in the yellow zone, but now I know for sure. (I was comparing myself to my friend...) I have been banded for six months and I've only seen my doctor four times.

I said I was going to call and make an appointment sometime next month. But I see now that I have to utilize the band the way it was designed. Go get a fill, Keia!

Let us know how your fill goes....

Any suggestion on future Lap-Band topics you'd like to see articles or posts about ?

Thanks so much for the chart...I'm 50% yellow and 50% green.

Here are some ideas of articles I'd like to see...

• how much weight a person can really expect to lose once they have had surgery.
• Tips for planning meals and organizing your life to be successful.
• A article about nutrition needs after surgery and what foods are the most nutritious and fit well in the eating plan.
• Maybe an article on strategies for people who have 100 pounds or more to lose.
• An article about excess skin and hair loss after surgery.

Thanks for this web site...it has helped me so much in my journey!

Thanks so much for the chart...I'm 50% yellow and 50% green.

Here are some ideas of articles I'd like to see...

• how much weight a person can really expect to lose once they have had surgery.
• Tips for planning meals and organizing your life to be successful.
• A article about nutrition needs after surgery and what foods are the most nutritious and fit well in the eating plan.
• Maybe an article on strategies for people who have 100 pounds or more to lose.
• An article about excess skin and hair loss after surgery.

Thanks for this web site...it has helped me so much in my journey!

Jen those are some really good ideas for articles!!!!!

Thanks so much for the chart...I'm 50% yellow and 50% green.

Here are some ideas of articles I'd like to see...

• how much weight a person can really expect to lose once they have had surgery.
• Tips for planning meals and organizing your life to be successful.
• A article about nutrition needs after surgery and what foods are the most nutritious and fit well in the eating plan.
• Maybe an article on strategies for people who have 100 pounds or more to lose.
• An article about excess skin and hair loss after surgery.

Thanks for this web site...it has helped me so much in my journey!

Great suggestions, I'll get on it.

Could you maybe pin this one so it's easier to find?

Alex- thank you!! That was a great read!

Could you also give us some options for dining out, BBQs and handling social events (parties)? I agree I would love some ideas on options for loose skin. Thanks again!

Could you maybe pin this one so it's easier to find?

Done! We're adding a new area shortly with great articles written by Lap-Band professionals. I'll pin this here in the interim but wil lmove it once we launch this area.

Alex- thank you!! That was a great read!

Could you also give us some options for dining out, BBQs and handling social events (parties)? I agree I would love some ideas on options for loose skin. Thanks again!

Absolutely! Thank you for your feedback.

Thanks for the charts....i have not been filled yet, tomorrow is my first according to ur chart I am in the yellow and at least I know I am ready for a fill. Very informative and helpful!!! I appreciate it! :-)

Here is my? I feel like I'm mostly in the green with the exception of the regurgitations I tend to throw up about every other day especially if I try to eat when I first get up. I feel really good about the ant I'm eating & my hunger control. Also my weight loss has been good thus far 40 lbs in 14 wks. I have been hoping that as I loose weight my band will loosen. I really don't want to drive 2 & a 1/2 hes for an unfill & then find myself hungry all of the time.

I have the same issues therefore I never eat in the morning. I drink coffee to loosen my band. On the rare occasion that I feel hungry I have a protein shake or a yogurt.

Thanks for the chart Alex - SOOOOOOO helpful! I was def yellow until my last fill a week ago (2nd one and I'm 9 weeks post op; 25 down). I am not in the green zone quite yet - kind of a blend of all 3 colors honestly. I'm having a VERY tough time figuring out what to eat. If you come across some useful links/articles/tools please share it's frustrating bc I haven't seen a nutritionist even once (pre/post op) which means I'm learning as I go and although I used to be a fit and healthy person 5 years ago, it seems like I've forgotten how to manage that aspect of my life again. I wonder if anyone has tried support groups offline and if there is an improved response from patients??? Just a thought. Anyway, sorry for getting off topic. THANK YOU AGAIN for sharing such valuable info