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»: The Adjustable Stomach Band and how it will Help You Significantly Lose Weight

The Adjustable Stomach Band and how it will Help You Significantly Lose Weight


The advantage of the lap band is that it is a reversible surgical intervention. This intervention is achieved by placing a silicone collar (strip) consisting of soft balloon, around upper part of stomach dividing the stomach into two parts, creating an hourglass shape that dramatically reduces the amount of food that can be ingested. This is because ingested food fills only the small upper part of the stomach (pocket) and consequently passes slowly through the narrowing/constriction caused by the band, into the bottom section. Only a small amount of food is needed to fill the upper part of the stomach and a signal goes to brain from this pocket, as it would if the whole stomach was full. A patient will consequently feel full earlier with the  feeling of fullness lasting longer, although less food has been eaten.
 
The adjustably of the band gives an opportunity to alter the constriction of the stomach to make it larger or smaller.  This is achieved by filling the balloon band with liquid (physiological solution). The more the inner part of the collar is stretched – filled by solution, the narrower the channel between the upper and lower part of the stomach and the slower the passage of food through the channel. During surgical intervention a small port is introduced subcutaneously (under the skin) of the patient which is connected to the stomach collar by a thin tube. Subsequently, liquid can be imported into the band through this port to adjust the tension of the  band. The band that surrounds the stomach is initially emptied immediately after the operation.
 
The first band adjustment using liquid is carried out as required and according to the progression of the patient’s weight loss. Band adjustment is part of post operative care and it is carried out without the necessity to  administer pain killers or use anaesthesia.
 
The physician and his team decide what setting of band is suitable for the patient according to individual weight loss achieved.
 
A stomach band does not permanently alter the anatomy of the digestive tract in any way, allowing the possibility to return to the original anatomy after band removal.
 
The process of digesting and absorbing  food does not change after lap band insertion.
 
The cooperation of the patient is vital for a successful result with this type of surgical intervention. Post operative instructions must be religiously followed after the operation as well as the  adoption of a new lifestyle and eating habits. Failure to comply with the  surgeon’s instruction, can result in dilatation of  the upper part of stomach rendering the operation useless in controlling weight.
 
Energetic balance     =     Energy Intake /  Energy Expenditure
 
 
The Adjustable Stomach Band and how it will Help You Significantly Lose Weight

1.       Reduced upper part of stomach (pocket)
2.       Swedish adjustable stomach band (SAGB)
3.       Larger bottom part of stomach
4.       Input port



SAGB VC

Swedish Adjustable Stomach Band (SAGB VC)

Bear in mind that a stomach band is only ever a tool to weight loss – it is not miraculous cure-all. The only thing that can ensure a truly successful treatment result is your determination and discipline.
 
The operation is the beginning of a new phase of your life.
 
Although the stomach band can help you lose weight, it is not a weight loss method that would work on its own. Weight loss is a long-term process. Surgical intervention is only a tool for weight loss achieved by reducing the amount of food it is possible to ingest. The final result depends entirely on your discipline and on how you well you follow your surgeon’s instruction.
 
If you start this e program with new eating habits, your weight loss will be safe and successful. A new more active life style and psychological encouragement will help you to create a better self image and a completely new approach to life. It is also very important that you check your weight regularly and maintain data of your health (blood pressure and pulse).
 

 

Change of Eating Habits

 
Change your energetic balance – the most important step to weight reduction.
 
Energetic balance is the proportion of energy that you receive and amount of energy that your body gives.
 
Energetic balance     =     Energy Intake / Energy expenditure
 
Excess energy is stored as fat that serves as energy storage. If the amount of energy used during physical activity is larger than amount of energy contained in food consumed, than you will burn off the excess fat to produce sufficient energy. Reducing of food intake or increasing physical activity results in weight loss.
 
Diet for individuals with a lap bands is carefully prescribed so you will obtain significant weight loss. If you adopt new eating habits and follow the appropriate dietary guidance, then you will lose weight in the long term. You will have discussed this with your dietologist prior to your procedure. You will receive several dietary instruction after the surgical intervention that will be adjusted to your individual needs. You will have only liquid food after the operation and then mashed food. In the final phase, your food will consists of small portions of a wide variety of healthy foods.
 
You will have to adjust your food intake over  several phases after the lap banding. Immediately after the operation, you will be receiving only liquid food. You will then move to soft food full of proteins. Eventually, your food will consists of small portions of normal food although the size of portions will be much smaller than before. Your surgeon and team will decide how long the separate diet phases last and when you are ready to move to next step.
 
During all phases of diet adjustment, is extremely important that you drink sufficient amounts of water and keep to a diet regime.
 
Generally food that you eat after lap banding application, should be rich in proteins and contain only a small amount of fat, sugar and calories, with sufficient vitamins and minerals. Keeping to these dietary instructions does not mean that you will not be able live a full life.  You will be able to visit  a restaurant with your family and friends, but you will need to adopt new eating habits and a new way of thinking about food, that will help you to avoid large amounts of food that could lead to unpleasant side effects. Do not rush eating and enjoy the company you are in by concentrating on conversation at the table. Do not focus too much on food, restaurant visits and eating in general, should be seen as an opportunity to relax.

 

Your New Eating Habits:


 Eat Only Small Portions

The new shape and volume of stomach that is produced with lap banding can accommodate only a small amount of food. As soon as you feel full, stop eating. If you continue to eat, you may start to feel unpleasant symptoms, such as „dumping syndrome“ (e.g. pain, sickness, weakness, sweating or even vomiting). Thoroughly chew each mouthful and eat slowly.


Thoroughly Chew Each Mouthful and Eat Slowly

Put aside enough time for eating and eat always only small mouthfuls. Do not eat when watching TV or when walking.


Never Eat and Drink at The Same Time

There is not enough room for food and drink together in your small gastric pocket. Drink in between meals rather than while eating and you will avoid overfilling of gastric pocket.


Do Not Lie Down After Meal To Have A Rest

Reverse infiltration of food back into esophagus/throat producing an urge to vomit or heartburn may occur if you are in a horizontal position after you have eaten. If you lie down, the food will remain in the  gastric pocket longer and that could also cause unpleasant sensations.


Eat Daily 4 to 6 Small Portions of Meal

Eat more portions daily. If you eat only 2-3 meals a day, you are increasing the risk that your body will not receive sufficient amounts of energy and nutrients. Because during each meal you eat only small amounts of food your body will not receive sufficient amount of proteins, minerals and vitamins. If you eat several times a day, it is less likely that you will feel hungry and risk abandoning your new eating habits.


Drink Only Drinks That Do Not Contain Sugar and Avoid Fizzy Drinks

Consumption of high calorie food and drinks e.g. full sugar soft drinks; milk shakes, alcohol and ice creams can restrict your weight loss. Avoid fizzy drinks for the first month after the procedure. Tolerance of this type of drink is individual and, after a month, taking up drinking fizzy drinks again should be done with caution as results can vary from patient to patient.



What Next?

So, considering bariatric surgery?  Then why not consider weight loss surgery abroad with BBC Direct (Bodies Beautiful Clinics Direct). BBC Direct can offer a full range of weight loss procedures, such as gastric balloon prague, and lap band abroad, gastric bypass, but please remember, try the natural way first, good diet and exercise.



Need free advice, not sure of your options, then please give BBC Direct a call,
Lines are open 7 days, from early until late.

Help is only a call away.

UK 0845 686 5005




 
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