Do you have a lap band and are not satisfied with your weight loss, started to regain or have medical complications?
By Lori Skurbe, MPH, CDE, Prime Surgicare Bariatric Dietitian
You’re not alone.
Many weight loss surgery (WLS) patients with this implanted device are now looking to switch to another bariatric surgery procedure to get back on track with weight loss.
When a bariatric patient switches from a “band” to another bariatric surgery (usually gastric sleeve or gastric bypass), they typically have to wait 2-3 months for the stomach to heal after a band removal before they can have the next operation.
The process of changing from a band to another procedure is called a revision.
Learn more about having a bariatric revision.
Medical insurance may also require patients to see a Registered Dietitian (RD) for a certain number of visits before having the next surgery, which can be done while the stomach is healing from the band removal.
These meetings with the bariatric dietitian can be a helpful time to hone in your nutrition and exercise habits so you get the most out of the next operation you are having.
All WLS procedures require that you change your eating and exercise habits permanently to lose weight and sustain that weight loss.
As with all WLS procedures, your diet and exercise are still of utmost importance, before and after a bariatric revision operation.
What to Expect at Your Nutrition Visits
Your visits with the RD will be a chance to evaluate your current eating and exercise habits and
discuss strategies for improvement and to prepare for long-term weight maintenance.
The main focus will be to:
- Get back to basics – protein based, low-fat, low calories meals
- Become more mindful of your current eating habits – start to log your food intake
- Start regular physical activity, if not already active
- Learn about proper vitamin and mineral supplements
- Understand proper hydration
- Review cooking tips
- Explore dining out guidelines
- Review transitional diet used right after your WLS
- Avoid grazing/snacking and erratic eating patterns
You will also follow-up with the bariatric nutritionist after your gastric sleeve or gastric bypass to make sure you are on track, losing weight and taking your prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements.
Dr. Seun Sowemimo Explains How to Get Off the Lap Band Wagon
Nutrition Visits – The Secret Sauce of Successful and Sustained Weight Loss
Make no mistake–It requires a lifetime commitment to optimal nutrition and regular physical activity to lose weight–and sustain that weight loss–which is why it is so important to make the most of your pre-surgery and post-surgery nutrition visits.
While the lap band was a leading bariatric option years ago, the sleeve and gastric bypass have been scientifically proven to increase overall weight loss, producer fewer complications and help bariatric warriors keep the weight off for the long-term.
We welcome you to this new journey and would be happy to offer our guidance; call our friendly team of weight loss surgery experts at (732) 982-2002 to reignite your weight loss and achieve your goal.