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By now, you’ve probably completed some research on several bariatric weight-loss procedures. Of course, you’ve probably run across a few myths about Lap-Band®. It’s time to set the record straight and find out the truth.

Myth #1: The band doesn’t work

When compared to Gastric Bypass surgery, there’s the common misconception that the Lap-Band doesn’t work as well. Weight loss may be more gradual with the band than with Gastric Bypass, but it is still effective and much safer. Recent improvements in the surgical technique and aftercare have improved results. Some studies even show that the Lap-Band is more successful than Gastric Bypass after five years.

Myth #2: Weight loss isn’t long-term

Studies of participants up to 20 years after surgery show that weight loss is both substantial and long-term. This is a substantial difference between a medical weight-loss program, which doesn’t show durable results beyond 2 years.

Myth #3: Reoperations are needed

In a study, reoperations were common in all types of bariatric surgery. With improved band and surgical techniques, band reoperation has become far less common. A new technique means that there is less post-operative pain and easier band adjustments. Outcomes are far better.

Myth #4: Removal rates are high

In a December 2018 Dixon study, removal rates were only 8.74% (95% CI; 6.6% – 10.9%). The improved Lap-Band and surgical techniques have greatly reduced removal rates.

Myth #5: The port will set off metal detectors

Airport detectors vary, but typically, the port under the skin that administers the saline solution to the band is not likely to set off airport metal detectors during the first walk-through. If a patient is also wearing other metal, the combination may set it off. The port will be picked up more often than not when a secondary screening with a wand is completed. The port or band is also not an issue during an MRI test.

Myth #7: The band is filled with air

The band is adjusted using a sterile saline solution.

If you have any further questions about the Lap-Band Procedure, call 1-800-LAPBAND and talk to a specialist.

Sources:

“Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Weight Loss at 10 or More Years for All Bariatric Procedures and a Single-Centre Review of 20-Year Outcomes After Adjustable Gastric Banding” by Paul E. O’Brien, Annemarie Hindle, Leah Brennan, Stewart Skinner, Paul Burton, et al.
http://bariatrictimes.com/myth-myth-yes-top-10-myths-about-laparoscopic-gastric-bands/
Dixon JB, Eaton LL, Currry T, et. al. “Health Outcomes and Explant Rates After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Phase 4, Multicenter Study Over 5 Years.” Obesity (2018) 26, 45-52.

There are many misconceptions about the Lap-Band® System. One myth is that no one is undergoing the Lap-Band Procedure any longer. Statistics and success stories show that this simply isn’t true.

The Lap-Band is an effective system for many people. It doesn’t involve ineffective tactics like diet pills or fad diets, and patients don’t have to undergo invasive surgery. The Lap-Band Procedure is performed laparoscopically, so there is minimal time spent in the hospital recovering. The procedure is also non-anatomy altering and reversible, contrary to most other bariatric surgeries. The Lap-Band is also adjustable, making it an effective option for many people looking to meet their weight-loss goals. The procedure allows for people to get back to their lives quickly and start their weight-loss journey.

There is a perception that patients aren’t requesting the Lap-Band Procedure. While the Lap-Band appears to have lost popularity, it is most likely due to reduced advertising and increased promotions for alternative procedures or fad diets. Other myths have also been spread about the Lap-Band saying that it is ineffective or that bands have high erosion rates—neither of which is true. Surgeons have continued to train on the procedure throughout the years, improving both the band and the aftercare process for patients. Surgeons are continuously modifying their aftercare protocol, increasing the frequency of patient follow-up. As best practice learned experiences have come about from other successful band programs, adjustment techniques have also been refined, allowing for patients to consume smaller volumes more often.

After receiving the Lap-Band Procedure, countless patients have reported tremendous results. The Lap-Band has allowed them to completely transform their lives, finding happiness and no longer facing the daily issues caused by excess weight. Individual patients’ experiences and results may differ, but if you are considering weight-loss surgery, it is worth talking to a specialist.

Source:

Haskins, Owen, ed. Dispelling LAP-BAND Myths (2019). Bariatric News. (42), 19.

Have you ever been told that you should chew your food a specific number of times before swallowing, and you should set your utensil down after every bite as you chew carefully? Well, it turns out there could be some truth to it. In fact, it is very helpful not only for individuals trying to lose weight and be more mindful while they eat, but individuals who have had the LAP-BAND® Procedure.

The LAP-BAND works best when you are not in a hurry as you eat. You should take your time and chew very well. Take a small forkful, put it down, and chew thoroughly. Only pick your fork back up after you’ve finished chewing and swallowing. Your food needs to be mush in order to easily pass through the band. If you don’t chew well, you may feel a little sick.

Chewing slowly will help you feel full. The LAP-BAND sends the signal to your brain that you are full, so if you are eating too quickly, your band and brain don’t have enough time to process. You may eat too much and feel overly full once you are done. That is why you need to give your band a minute for it to process. You may even feel the food move through the band. The key is to pay attention to your food and your band to know when you’ve eaten enough to feel satisfied. Not only does eating slowly help with eating less, but you also enjoy your food more.

Some studies show that individuals who eat quickly may weigh more than individuals who eat slowly. They may also be prone to gaining weight over time. It may have something to do with hormones. Ghrelin makes you feel hungry, while leptin makes you feel satisfied. As you eat, hormones will be released to help you feel full and stop eating. The release of these hormones can take upwards of twenty minutes, which is why you need to slow down and give your brain time to receive these signals. If you eat slowly, there is often an increase in fullness hormones.

Eating slowly, in addition to helping you eat less and feel full, can lead to improved digestion and nutrient absorption.

Sources:

There are a number of myths out in the world that make claims about the Lap-Band® Procedure. One of those misconceptions is that the Lap-Band System does not work. In fact, though every patient experience is different, there are countless examples of the Lap-Band being a successful long-term weight-loss tool.

The perception of some people is that the Lap-Band provides poor long-term weight loss, weight loss is not durable, and there are better options out there such as the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The evidence shows that one size does not fit all when it comes to bariatric surgery. Many patients don’t want the risks that are associated with other bariatric surgeries that involve cutting the stomach or rerouting the intestines. They want a customizable and reversible option that has the lowest risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies (i.e., the Lap-Band). Lap-Band has the lowest rate of early postoperative complications and mortality among approved bariatric procedures. Calling it a less effective option is simply not true; everyone is different and one person’s lifestyle may not be suited to one procedure over the other.

Multiple studies completed through the years note the long-term effectiveness of the Lap-Band ranging from two years after the procedure to twenty years after the procedure. After two years, 70% of patients maintained extreme weight loss; after five years, 60%; after fifteen years, 47%; and after twenty years, 49%. Numerous studies also show that comorbid issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep problems, and asthma either improved or resolved after having the Lap-Band Procedure.

In comparison to other bariatric procedures, the Lap-Band holds up. There is a 73% increased risk of nonvertebral fracture after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery compared to gastric banding. When compared to sleeve gastrectomy results, the Lap-Band shows higher rates of maintained weight loss. It’s also the safest operation in terms of complication rate and severity. Balloons and endoscopic procedures have temporary results and lower weight loss.

To talk to a LAP-BAND Specialist in your area, call 1-800-LAPBAND.

Sources:

ASMBS. Bariatric Surgery Procedures. https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-procedures#band
Elaine, W.Y., Kim, S.C., Sturgeon, D.J., Lindeman, K.G. and Weissman, J.S., 2019. Fracture Risk After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Adjustable Gastric Banding Among Medicare Beneficiaries. JAMA Surgery.
Golomb, Inbal & Ben David, Matan & Glass, Adi & Kolitz, Tamara & Keidar, Andrei. (2015). Long-term Metabolic Effects of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. JAMA surgery. 150. 10.1001/jamasurg.2015.2202.
Lauti, M., Kularatna, M., Hill, A.G. et al. (2016) Weight Regain Following Sleeve Gastrectomy—a Systematic Review OBES SURG (2016) 26: 1326.
Manish S. Parikh, Scott Laker, Matt Weiner, Omid Hajiseyedjavadi, Christine J. Ren, Objective Comparison of Complications Resulting from Laparoscopic Bariatric Procedures, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Volume 202, Issue 2, 2006, Pages 252-261

Michaelson, et. al. Obesity (2013) 21:1148-1158
Ray et. al. “Safety, Efficacy, and Durability of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in a Single Surgeon U.S. Community Practice.” Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 7 (2011) 140-144
O’Brien, Annemarie Hindle, Leah Brennan, Stewart Skinner, Paul Burton, et al. “Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Weight Loss at 10 or More Years for All Bariatric Procedures and a Single-Centre Review of 20-Year Outcomes After Adjustable Gastric Banding.” Obesity Surgery. The Journal of Metabolic Surgery and Allied Care. Published online: 06 October 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3525-0
Dixon et. al. “Marked Improvement in Asthma after Lap-Band Surgery for Morbid Obesity.” Obesity Surgery, 9, 385-389
Dixon et.al. “Health Outcomes of Severely Obese Type 2 Diabetic Subjects 1 Year After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.” Diabetes Care 25:358-363, 2002
Dixon et. al. “Sleep Disturbance and Obesity. Changes Following Surgically Induced Weight Loss.” Arch Intern Med 2001:161:102-106
Dixon et. al. “Gastroesophageal Reflux in Obesity: The Effect of Lap-Band Placement.” Obesity Surgery, 9, 527-531

The Lap-Band® is a tool designed for those who are ready to make a serious commitment to weight loss. To see best results, patients should begin incorporating a healthy dose of exercise into their routine. Their diet is also of the utmost importance. Without all of these healthy behaviors in place, patients may not receive the ideal results they hope to achieve. Incorporating healthy recipes into their diet after the Lap-Band Procedure is the best way to lose weight safely and intelligently.

Following the surgery, you’ll need to let your stomach heal properly, which means you’ll need to ease back into solid foods. For the first two days, you’ll stick to water, clear liquids, and ice chips. For the remainder of the first week following surgery, you will need to maintain a liquid diet. You can have broth (without cream), skim milk, sugar-free juice, and water. During weeks two through three, pureed foods are allowed, such as pureed proteins and vegetables, hummus, mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, and pudding. Soft foods like egg salad and cottage cheese are also allowed. Days twenty-two through forty-two, soft foods like fish and ground turkey can be incorporated, along with a list of foods provided by your specialist or dietitian. Liquids are allowed, but should not be consumed with meals. It’s important to follow this diet, chew slowly, and take small bites to accommodate your smaller stomach opening.

Once you’ve eased into eating solids foods again, you’ll need to continue to adopt healthy eating habits and follow a healthy, balanced diet. You should only eat when you are hungry. Your new stomach pouch can only hold about one-quarter cup of food at a time, which equates to about three small meals per day. Protein should be consumed first to ensure you get the proper fuel; continue with your other nutrients like fruits and vegetables, and slowly eat until you are satiated. You should not feel overly full. Don’t eat until your next meal; break the habit of snacking.

Because you are eating less food, it’s important to eat high quality foods high in nutrients, protein, and vitamins. Avoid junk food, such as foods high in fat and sugar. Consume meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Stick with low-calorie drinks; water is best, and if you choose to drink fruit juice, it should have no sugar added.

Be mindful when planning your meals and deciding on preparation. You can add a lot of extra calories and fat depending on how you prepare your meals. Instead of frying your meat, grill or bake it, and avoid heavy, filling, calorie-laden breading or sauces. Relying on seasonings can add plenty of flavor. Choose plain, low-fat yogurt for breakfast with a small handful of berries for added flavor. Try a piece of toast with fruit for lunch, followed by grilled chicken and a salad for dinner. Avoid creamy, fattening dressing, and opt for a fat-free kind or make your own using olive oil and vinegar.

Do you have any questions regarding maintaining a healthy diet after Lap-Band Surgery? Give our experts a call at 1-800-LAPBAND.

Source:

LAP-BAND System: Surgical Aid in the Treatment of Obesity: A Decision Guide for Adults
https://www.www.lapband.com/tips-for-success/

The holidays can be an incredibly difficult time for individuals trying to follow a healthy lifestyle. Temptations are in every direction—cookies, special holiday drinks like peppermint mochas and eggnog, side dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy and stuffing, and boxes of candy brought to the office by colleagues and clients. Slipping up might feel inevitable. Not only may you struggle to follow your eating plan, there’s a good chance you might be struggling to get enough exercise in. It is especially important to eat well after the Lap-Band® Procedure.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it is especially crucial with the Lap-Band. Not only should you stick with water because it is free of calories and sugar, unlike holiday drinks, but it will help you digest your food effectively. It will also help you maintain feelings of fullness. Be sure you drink a glass of water before you begin any holiday meal. It may turn out that you aren’t as hungry as you anticipated, but were simply thirsty.

Plan meals accordingly

If you know you’re going to be at a party or meal with lots of fattening and calorie-laden foods, come prepared with your own healthy options. Arm yourself with healthy, on-plan foods that you can feel good about enjoying while still enjoying yourself. If you do decide to eat the prepared meal, remember to fill up on vegetables first. Skip the vegetables coated in butter and sauce, and opt for steamed or fresh vegetables. If you’re cooking the meal, show your family how good healthy recipes can be by preparing meals with minimal butter, cream, and fattening sauces. And remember, if you’re waiting for the meal to start, don’t stand by the food table; you’ll be prone to snack. Pop a stick of sugar-free gum if need be.

Be mindful

Be mindful when you are eating. Chew slowly and mindfully. Enjoy each bite. Not only will the experience be more enjoyable, but you will be able to pay attention to hunger cues more easily. If you eat too quickly, it is easy to overeat because your stomach doesn’t recognize how full you are. It also helps if you aren’t starving when you start the meal.

Be mindful when you are in grocery stores as well. There are special holiday foods around every corner. Before you pick up those goodies, think about how the foods will make you feel. Is it nutritional? Will you feel good after you eat it? Don’t go to the store hungry, either. You’ll be more prone to impulse buy.

Grab your walking shoes

Bring your walking shoes with to the holiday party. Suggest a walk before or after the meal. Going for a slow walk after dinner is a great way to promote digestion.

The holidays aren’t all about the food. They’re about enjoying festive cheer with family and friends; put the focus on that and you’ll be good to go.

Many individuals make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. While there’s nothing wrong with that, many people make unrealistic, drastic weight-loss goals. These unrealistic weight-loss resolutions can end up being damaging to your mental health and can set you back. It’s better to set more positive, health-centered New Year’s Resolutions that are easier to reach.

Losing weight, especially after having bariatric surgery, is an understandable resolution to make. However, the best way to lose weight with the Lap-Band® is not drastically, but slowly and steadily. Rather than making a goal of seeing a specific number on the scale, focus on healthy behaviors. Chances are, incorporating these healthy behaviors will help you naturally lose weight.

Work up to a fitness goal

If you’ve never been a runner, but you make a resolution to run a half marathon by the spring, you may be setting yourself up to fail. Instead, consider making a more attainable goal. Work up toward a 5K by the end of the year. Make it a goal to do 25 push-ups in proper form. Aim to increase your flexibility, and define what that means to you. Maybe you just want to be able to touch your toes, or maybe there’s a tough yoga pose you’re hoping to land. Maybe you’ll reach your goal before the end of the year, and that’s okay. Just make another one.

Eat mindfully

Practicing mindful eating is a great New Year’s Resolution. The practice is definitely beneficial after having the Lap-Band Procedure. Listen to what your body is telling you. Eat slowly, and focus on the flavors and textures you’re experiencing. Chew your food thoroughly. Eating shouldn’t be a race. Take your time so that your stomach and brain are on the same page and you can quit eating when you’re full. Mindful eating is a great way to prevent you from overeating, which in turn will help you naturally lose weight.

Skip the fad diets

Because many people want to lose weight quickly, they resort to fad diets. Don’t do that. They can be tough on your body, and oftentimes they aren’t all that healthy in the first place. They can cause you to self-sabotage and gain more weight in the end. Small changes make all the difference. Resolve to make small, healthy changes to your diet and continue to adapt as each small change becomes habit. Your Lap-Band Support group will be able to help you with appropriate dietary choices.

It’s important to remember that any sort of lofty resolution can both be damaging to your mental health and your physical health. Drastic resolutions, such as deciding to work out every single day when you normally never exercise, can cause you to burnout and give up your resolution by February. Small changes and consistency are key.

Many patients wonder if they can still consume alcohol after the Lap-Band® Procedure. Can you make alcohol a healthy part of your post-Lap-Band Procedure life? Let’s discuss!

To succeed with the Lap-Band System, you must stick to your goal of making major, lifelong changes to your eating habits. That means, as you recover, it’s crucial to eat and drink the right way. It’s going to take a month or more for your new stomach structure to heal completely. You must follow your dietitian’s instructions carefully. Not only can eating too much too fast cause you to become sick and vomit, but the same goes for drinking too much or too fast. For the first several weeks after your surgery, you’ll need to follow a specific food list, with liquids limited to water, skim milk, vegetable broth, and sugar-free juice. That means no sugary, carbonated alcohol.

Once you are adjusted to the Lap-Band, you will want to drink only low-calorie liquids. Those containing calories will simply run through the narrow outlet created by the band. There is the chance that, if you drink high calorie liquids like beer, wine, and liquor, you may not lose weight even if you are otherwise following your diet. It is recommended that you avoid alcohol for at least six months following your procedure. When your specialist gives you permission to start drinking alcohol again, avoid sugary and carbonated beverages. Keep your consumption to a minimum, as you can become intoxicated quicker and drinking after bariatric surgery can lead to low blood sugar. Be aware of calorie content, and consume your beverage slowly with a meal. Pay close attention to your consumption to ensure it isn’t becoming a problem.

It is not recommended that patients addicted to alcohol or drugs undergo the Lap-Band Procedure. It puts you at significantly higher risk for dangerous side effects. It also makes it more difficult to follow the strict food rules and make the necessary lifelong changes to your eating habits.

If you have questions about your alcohol consumption after Lap-Band, speak with your dietician or specialist.

Sources:

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-blog/2012/july/can-you-drink-alcohol-after-weight-loss-surgery

LAP-BAND System: Surgical Aid in the Treatment of Obesity: A Decision Guide for Adults

The weight-loss journey can be an incredibly emotional one. Not only are there emotional setbacks that prevent you from starting the journey, but doubts may creep in during the journey too. Finding strategies to overcome these emotional setbacks is crucial to maintaining long-term success.

Before you begin your journey, you’ll need to understand that some of your relationships may suffer and fall apart entirely. Not everyone will understand your commitment to your weight loss. They may be frustrated when you say no to a Friday night pizza outing, or when you refuse to skip the gym to hang out with them. Others may not be ready to embrace your new lifestyle, and that’s okay; find the people that are.

On your weight-loss journey, it’s important to remember that you are a person, not a math problem. Weight loss might seem entirely like a numbers game, but it’s so much more than that. The numbers on the scale are important, but there may be weeks that you don’t lose as much weight as weeks prior. It can be easy to fall into the trap of feeling like a failure. However, staying consistent is key. The weight will come off. You also need to pay attention to how you feel in your body, and how the healthy lifestyle changes you’ve made are contributing to a happier life. There are activities you may not have been participating in previously because you were uncomfortable in your body or didn’t feel like you could do it; embrace these new activities and prioritize self-care. Weight loss is just as much about improving self-esteem as it is about improving health and seeing the numbers on the scale drop.

On your journey, there are times you’re going to feel like the “fat person” at the gym or studio. You might feel ashamed because you can’t physically complete an exercise another person is demonstrating. You might find yourself comparing your fitness levels to another’s. All of these feelings are normal, yes, but you must remember that everyone deserves to be at the gym—no matter their size. If you find that you’re extremely uncomfortable, look for a new gym with a stronger support system or find a workout buddy who will encourage you and be a source of positivity at the gym. If you feel comfortable enough, try working with a trainer. They’ll slowly help you build strength so that you can work up to exercise that you never thought possible.

There will be times you might want to give up. You might feel guilty or unworthy of being a healthy person. You might start to doubt yourself and feel like you can’t lose the weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a result, you may participate in self-sabotaging behaviors. It’s normal that your self-image may take a while to catch up to your physical changes. Get to the heart of these negative feelings, reach out to your support system, and start engaging in regular positive self-talk.

Source:

http://www.lifetime-weightloss.com/blog/2013/10/19/8-insights-into-the-emotional-journey-of-weight-loss.html

Do you food journal? Are you hoping to get into the habit? Studies suggest that food journaling can double weight loss, but it’s much more than simply writing down your food intake. You should include information like your mood, hunger level, and dining environment. Observing these patterns can help you understand why you eat the way you do and evaluate any changes you need to make.

The act of writing down what you’re consuming each day tends to encourage people to consume fewer calories. When everything is written down, you have an accurate understanding of just how much you are eating for each meal, each day. You’ll begin to notice patterns. This awareness can help you dial it back if you notice you are consuming too many calories or too many carbs, and so on.

When food journaling, take it one step further by monitoring other factors so you can truly understand your eating habits. Track your hunger level so you can begin to understand hunger cues. How hungry are you when you eat meals? Do you feel like you’re starving? Are you just the right amount of hungry? Are you not hungry at all and you’re eating because you’re bored? If you’re eating when you’re not hungry, you’re probably falling victim to emotional eating. If you’re starving when you go to eat your next meal, you might not be eating enough at mealtime or you need to start eating small, healthy snacks in-between meals.

What is your mood like when you eat? Write it down. If you’re feeling a bit irritable, is it because you waited too long to eat? Moods can often contribute to what you end up choosing to eat—whether it’s a good choice or a poor choice. If you are feeling low, do you punish yourself by restricting caloric intake or eating fatty, greasy foods? Stress (and being tired) often leads people to crave a quick pick-me-up in the form of unhealthy foods.

In your food journal, you should also keep track of your environment. Who are you eating with? Where are you eating? Are you eating on large plates or small plates? We eat with our eyes, which means that we often compare our meals to those around us. We can also be tricked into thinking less is more when using a smaller plate. When eating with a friend, many people tend to eat more because you’re enjoying conversation and lingering at the table longer than you normally would. If you’re mindlessly eating in front of the television, it’s easy for you to consume a lot more than your body needs.

Take all these factors into consideration when you’re food journaling; you’ll begin to notice potentially detrimental patterns. Once you grasp these patterns, you can work on systematically changing them into more positive behaviors.

Sources: