Try to answer these 2 questions before reading my comments.

1) What is the first rule of lap-band eating?

2) Give an example of where this rule applies in a social setting

Here are my answers and comments.

1) What is the first rule of lap-band eating? Protein First. This means that at each meal you should eat protein before you eat carbohydrates or fat.

2) Give an example of where this rule applies. This means that you have to wait until your “main dish” or “meat dish” arrives! What happens when you go to a Mexican restaurant, for example? They bring out chips and salsa, of course! “Protein First” means that you have to pass on the chips and salsa. “Protein First” means you have to say no to the warm, hot bread that many restaurants bring you after you order. “Protein First” means you have to pass on salads. It means that when you are waiting to be seated at a restaurant, you cannot try the bar nuts. You have to wait until your protein comes before you eat.

This was an excerpt from my new book, Ultimate Lap-Band Success:The Support Surgeon's Guide on How to Get More From Your Gastric Band. This book covers many topics that I believe a banded patient needs to master if they are going to be happy and successful long-term. The book will be available April '09.

If you found it helpful, you can preorder this book at a 10% savings and be the first to get it, if you will send me an email at morefrommyband@gmail.com

Thank you, and best of luck.

I would think nuts would be permitted since they have high protein.

that was helpful...how much is the book

not enough Protein to counteract the salt and sugar content most bar nuts have. a lot of bars these days have also gone to "trail mixes" which are usually a hodgepodge of various salty treats.

regardless, it still violates the First Rule

First rule really is this: Do not Drink 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal... How many people still find themselves wanting to drink something...

2nd rule is Protein First

3rd Rule is Chew Chew chew chew ( till mushy) we all know what getting stuck is like.

4th rule : 20 minutes per meal

Just some of the rules that I follow very carefully as Im sure most of us bandsters do. By the way Did you have the lap band Doctor V?

One needs to follow the diet information that goes along with the Lap band procedure instructions. First thing is eat only three times a day, no snacks in between meals. Solid foods only at meal time eat slowly by properly chewing the foods. Eat as much required once you feel full stop eating and try to choose healthy foods. Protein intake should be increased. Drink plenty of fluids or water to keep stay hydrated. Do not drink for 30 minutes before or after meals.

Interesting how many "teachers" are on this site. Thank you Dr. V. for your information. Also interested how each provider may provide different information. I have found it important for me to follow the directions, and I choose to follwo the directions of my physician at this time. Peace

I honestly believe that ALL other rules, guidelines, suggestions, hints, complaints, tricks, cheats, compromising, bargaining, justifications, woes, etc, regarding the lap-band comes down to this First Rule.

This is because I lead support groups three times a week in my clinic and I see first hand the struggles people have, whether internally or externally.

Best of Luck,

Dr. Vuong