How to conquer the Plateau after Lap Band?

Copyright (c) 2010 Ready 4 a Changeand will help your weight loss team pinpoint the
Lap Band, or laparoscopic gastric band surgery isreason for the plateau.
a restrictive bariatric operation, which reduces theVery often, the plateau can be attributed to
size of the stomach, thus reducing the calorieconsumption of calorie intensive foods, especially
intake with no malabsorptive element, orliquids like milk shakes and health drinks, which can
alteration in the anatomy of the intestinal tract.even in small quantities result in weight gain, or at
On an average, you will lose about 1-3 pounds aleast cessation of weight loss as their transit time,
week during the first 12 months after theeven through the narrow outlet of the stomach,
operation, losing about 40-50 percent of your initialis not significantly reduced.
excess body weight over two years.In case you find yourself feeling sad or angry or
Your initial weight loss will be slower than thatfrustrated at your inability to conquer the weight
following a gastric bypass, and may come to aloss plateau in spite of your best efforts to
standstill after some time. So, how to conquer theadhere to the significant lifestyle changes the
weight loss plateau after Lap Band is thesurgery has caused, make sure you discuss it
emergent question.with your weight loss team and counselors. Being
The first thing to do in such a situation is topart of a support group or an online service can
consult your weight loss team for a completeoften help you get a fresh perspective of your
evaluation. Your bariatric surgeon may decide tosituation.
adjust the Lap Band by injecting some fluid in theIn case your exercise program is at fault, or you
band to increase restriction. If your surgeonfind yourself unable to adhere to the prescribed
believes that the weight loss plateau is due to anregimen, community based activities, including
over tight band, he will loosen it so as to facilitatesports and music or dance can help you develop a
optimal results.program of movement and activity which enables
In case this is not the reason for your stagnatingyou to burn calories, while interacting with your
weight, or if either of the interventions do notpeers. This also distracts you from the inevitable
help you conquer the weight loss plateau, yourtrap of binge emotional eating. Alternatives at the
nutritionist will advise you to maintain a intakelocal sports club like exercise programs in therapy
chart or a "food diary" where you will bepools, nature and heritage walks also comprise a
expected to enumerate the quantities and timingsvery enriching experience in this regard.
of the food consumed, and also to maintain anThe basic thumb rules to conquer the plateau
exercise log. The exercise log will be a detailedafter Lap Band are really very simple.
chronicle of the nature and duration of exercise,