Blog Posts

The importance of eating and chewing slowly

December 20, 2019

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:

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age), patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor.