Bariatric surgery, like the LAP-Band procedure, is only the beginning of your weight loss journey. After surgery, there are still steps you need to take to achieve your weight loss goals. The surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to offer advice to help you maintain weight loss after LAP-Band surgery.
What is a LAP-Band?
The LAP-Band is just one of many options available for weight loss surgery today. It involves a hollow band being placed around the upper end of the stomach to create a small pouch and narrow passage into the lower portion of the stomach.
By reducing the stomach’s capacity, the LAP-Band induces weight loss. It is rather effective, with an expected loss of about 40% of excess weight within two years. A bariatric surgeon at BMI can help you determine if this procedure is right for you.
How to Maintain Your Weight After LAP-Band Surgery
While bariatric surgery, including the LAP-Band procedure, is effective in helping patients lose weight, it is possible to regain weight afterward. This is a common occurrence, with 1 in 4 patients regaining weight lost within 10 years.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain your weight loss after your procedure. Like other lifestyle changes, these steps should be implemented under the guidance of your bariatric surgeon and primary care physician.
Diet
After any bariatric procedure, you will need to change your eating habits. To start, you will need to eat smaller portions of food as your stomach capacity is reduced. You should also add filling foods higher in nutrients, like protein and fiber, to your diet.
If you’re unsure which diet is right for you, consider taking a nutrition class designed for those who have had or are considering bariatric surgery. BMI offers such classes to our patients through a partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham.
Exercise
As soon as you can do so after surgery, start exercising, as it can help you maintain your weight loss. You only need around 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise to achieve your weight loss goals. Some exercises that are ideal for those who have had bariatric surgery include:
- Aerobic Exercises – Walking, running, and cycling help you build endurance and stamina as you begin exercising.
- Joint Exercises – Swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi are exercises that are gentle on the joints while still increasing your balance.
- Strength Training – Along with lifting weights, consider doing squats, pull-ups, and other exercises that strengthen your muscles.
While many exercises can be done at home, some patients find joining a gym or fitness class adds a social component, which helps them enjoy these activities more.
Join a Support Group
Seeking the support of others on your weight loss journey can help you achieve your goals. Having someone to encourage you and that you can lean on for emotional support can be a valuable asset.
While friends or family members can fulfill this role, having others in your exact situation can be helpful. Joining a weight loss support group, like those hosted by BMI, can help you find that support.
Revisional Weight Loss Surgery
As effective as surgery can be for weight loss, not every procedure is right for every patient. If you find you’re not seeing the results you desire after your bariatric procedure, revisional weight loss surgery may be an option.
One such procedure is a LAP-Band conversion, during which the LAP-Band is removed, and a gastric sleeve is performed. Your surgeon can help you determine if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure.
Manage Your Weight With BMI
Managing your weight, especially after bariatric surgery, can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Through nutrition classes, support groups, and other resources, BMI makes reaching your weight loss goals easy. For more information, contact us at (205) 858-1211.
Maintain Your Weight With BMI
If you have had bariatric surgery and want to maintain your weight, the BMI team is here to help. We offer nutrition classes, support groups, and resources designed to help you reach your weight loss goals. To get started, contact us at (205) 858-1211.
