Finding The Lap Band Green Zone

[Coop10 1]

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

[Keia 4]

Let us know how your fill goes....

Hi, Alex. I believe I am finally in the green zone. My hunger is at bay and I am able to eat only 3 times a day (before I had at least one or two Snacks daily). I feel restriction now and my satiety is much sooner than before.

The only thing that's different and kind of weird, is that I cannot drink cold stuff anymore. Cold Water causes restriction and takes a moment to go down. This happened the day of my fill and every day since. Cool or room temperature Water is fine. I posted the question on another board and one person responded and said she's been this way for six years. Ice cream and cold yogurt are also a problem for her. This isn't the end of the world for me, I was just curious.

And my good news is that I'm down 4 pounds since last week! Yeah! All of the exercising and tracking food is finally paying off. Thanks!

[Alex Brecher 10,484]

Hi, Alex. I believe I am finally in the green zone. My hunger is at bay and I am able to eat only 3 times a day (before I had at least one or two Snacks daily). I feel restriction now and my satiety is much sooner than before.

The only thing that's different and kind of weird, is that I cannot drink cold stuff anymore. Cold Water causes restriction and takes a moment to go down. This happened the day of my fill and every day since. Cool or room temperature Water is fine. I posted the question on another board and one person responded and said she's been this way for six years. Ice cream and cold yogurt are also a problem for her. This isn't the end of the world for me, I was just curious.

And my good news is that I'm down 4 pounds since last week! Yeah! All of the exercising and tracking food is finally paying off. Thanks!

I've read quite a few posts where members have very similar issues drinking cool liquids. Same with cold weather. It might be helpful for you to read through some of them::

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/133356-i-cant-drink-cold-stuff/ (your own post )

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/128042-problem-with-cold-fluids/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/99285-cold-weather-and-more-restriction/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/97491-impact-of-cold-beverages-food/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/88315-hot-food-vs-cold-food-being-able-to-go-down/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/86462-warm-fluid-goes-down-cold-does-not/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/80693-problem-with-really-cold-liquids/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/68296-tea-goes-down-fine-cold-water-doesnt/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/45063-does-cold-weather-effect-a-lapband/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/25032-hot-or-cold-drinks/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/20367-why-does-cold-foodliquids-hurt/

I've had similar issues in the past up to a few months after receiving a fill. You sound like you're doing fantastic, keep up the great work!

[Alex Brecher 10,484]

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

Where did you have your surgery ? It's usually a requirement to see a nutritionist pre and post Lap Band surgery. I **HIGHLY** recommend you see a nutritionist that specializes or deals with Bariatric patients at least once.

[Alex Brecher 10,484]

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.

You shouldn't be throwing up. Either you're not eating right or you need to get a drop unfilled. I'd call your surgeon and discuss your situation directly with him/her. You've lost an amazing amount of weight thus far! I have a very nice sized fat free yogurt drink for Breakfast. Most Bandsters I know skip or eat a very light Breakfast. While you're on the phone with your doc, ask him what he suggest you do for breakfast. Let us know what happens please....

[sassyfrass 24]

This is a great post. I am still "looking" into getting banded, so all the info I can get, is better. Thank you for sharing, Alex, and other posters.

[BarbaraG 10]

Thank you Alex. This is most helpful. I was banded June 21 and had my 1st 4cc fill 3 weeks later. I have another fill scheduled for next week. I'm not at the sweet spot yet but after reading this, I know now what the green zone will look like. BTW, is is common to feel like you are adjusting to a fill even 2 weeks afterwards?

Other questions:

For the over 50 crowd, dealing with joint pain and exercise. I know I have to move more and with arthritis pain in my knees and ankles, it's really hard. Especially since my doc wants me to cut out nsaids due to potential stomach inflammation issues. I'm early in the process and know even a little bit every day pays off. Maybe I'm expecting too much from myself...

[jennifer1 180]

i'm so glad you posted this. i got tired of people asking my what size my band was and how much i had in it. i was also told by my doc that that number is totally irrelevant from one bandster to the next. everyone is different. great questions to ask.

alex is it possible (without having had a fill) for you to be able to tolerate a certain food one day and not the next.

i've had this happen to me with several foods and once they get stuck and i know i've chewed properly they go on my no no list

i'm just curioius

thanks,

jennifer

[carymom 4]

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.

[Grace35 0]

Hi. Alex I don't know if I'm in the red zone cuz it hurt when I eat and I have a bad taste in my mouth every time and I eat more Sweets then usaly and I want to know if the band is to tie or was happening to me please ale I'll wait for your answer thank you

[Pammie Sue 0]

Very Informative! Thanks!!

[LifeChangerBand 1]

Banded today, September 22. 2011!!!

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

[Carly246 0]

Anyone want to help me what Zone I might be in? I'm confused.

1-discomfort when eating 75% of the time.

2-still hungry so choose wrong foods to eat to fill me up, ice cream, Snacks, etc.

this is where I get confused

3-only have spit up (sorry, gross) Water mucousy stuff once since banded in June AND

4-have only loss 28 lbs total since banded in June (start was 243 and now 215).

Seem to be stuck and not loosing any more weight!

I can eat but it takes me about 45 minutes to eat a meal. I feel hungry and I can eat but it takes me a long time and I think sometimes I might not be banded enough b/c of not loosing any more weight but it usually hurts to eat. So where am I???? I am still hungry after some meals so I will eat bad foods for me, ice cream or milk and Cookies. Being honest here. lol I definately couldn't imagine getting a fill since it hurts so much to eat now but I'm not loosing weight either.

Thanks and thanks for posting the chart Alex!

[BarbaraG 10]

Anyone want to help me what Zone I might be in? I'm confused.

1-discomfort when eating 75% of the time.

2-still hungry so choose wrong foods to eat to fill me up, ice cream, Snacks, etc.

this is where I get confused

3-only have spit up (sorry, gross) Water mucousy stuff once since banded in June AND

4-have only loss 28 lbs total since banded in June (start was 243 and now 215).

Seem to be stuck and not loosing any more weight!

I can eat but it takes me about 45 minutes to eat a meal. I feel hungry and I can eat but it takes me a long time and I think sometimes I might not be banded enough b/c of not loosing any more weight but it usually hurts to eat. So where am I???? I am still hungry after some meals so I will eat bad foods for me, ice cream or milk and Cookies. Being honest here. lol I definately couldn't imagine getting a fill since it hurts so much to eat now but I'm not loosing weight either.

Thanks and thanks for posting the chart Alex!

Hi Carly

I am really concerned - when you go in to the doc, what does he/she say about your discomfort when you eat? I only have discomfort when I eat too fast and or don't chew enough. I am in the "green zone' and want to help but this issue concerns me.

[hopeful2 be slim 121]

Thanks a lot Alex..I had my surgery in march 2011 and have seen my doc only 3 times...:othats bad isnt it..no wonders I am not loosing weight....

I have got just 1 fill which has not helped me....i cant exercise much as I have OA...but your article has really motivated me..

we keep finding excuses for ourselves....and so we fail...

thanks again..