Taken originally from: Gail Jenkin's post to Bandsters.
I believe she got this from her doctor. Makes good sense to me, so I'm passing it along.
These are good guidelines to follow after banding. I believe that the more we can adhere to these rules, the quicker and less painful the weight loss will be. Although I think that food choices are also important (and have been known to 'band-diet' from time to time), these guidelines are sufficient for daily banded life.
The upper pouch formed by the band empties rather slowly, throughout the day. If you eat frequently, even small amounts will result in more food eaten at the day's end. An occasional snack will not bring the weight back on, but beware of developing a grazing patten.
Soft food goes down easily. This is good in that we don't have to chew as thoroughly and have less fear of blockage. However, we can usually eat more soft food than solid food, hence more calories. Also, many soft foods tend to be high in fat or empty carbs -- something to be avoided from a nutrional stand-point.
I personally choose softer foods when in public situations where I'd rather not risk a blockage amongst company. I also find that really thick and nutritious soft foods, like chili or hummus, don't go through the pouch too quickly and leave me full and well-fueled. These might be things to consider.
If you are so restricted that you find yourself only eating softer foods, chances are you could be overfilled. This means that you're so tight that only soft foods can go through, and you're subverting your weight loss. Experiment by having a small amount removed from the band and rely more n healthy solid food choices and see if the plateau moves along.
This one takes a while for new AGBers to learn. Most of us probably didn't feel full unless we ate huge amounts of food, and some people said they never felt full before their operation. I know I wolved my food down at an alarming rate, just waiting for that post-Thanksgiving fullness to overcome me.
My best advice to newly banded people is to take *tiny* bites, the smaller the better, and chew 10-25x and then swallow. Repeat as necessary. At some point you will feel a tightness in your chest. Get up from the table and go do something else. If you are still hungry 5 minutes later have another few bites.
But if you keep eating after feeling that first sign of fullness you risk a blockage or some pain. Most of us have pushed onwards after the first sign, to test the band, and usually paid the price. After a few rounds of feeling like a stuffed goose, I decided it was easier to leave well-enough alone.
We all learn this, some sooner than others.
See first point. We all do this from time to time, but the idea is to break the snacking habit.
Liquids can wash food down the pouch, making room for more food. Many of us will have small sips of water to lubricate the passage, or because it's an old habit. But the less you can drink with meals, the better off you'll be. If you find yourself on a plateau, see whether or not you are drinking with meals, and if that can be eliminated.
I freely admit to breaking this rule -- I have a caffe latte most mornings, and a glass of wine once a week. However, the principle is valid -- liquids will go through the band and will add to your dily intake. But I think common sense rules here -- women need calcium, and non-milk is a good source. Just stay away from the juices, regular sodas and full-fat milk. If you are plateauing, see if you can make alterations here.
YES! YES! YES!
Exercise is essential to any weight loss program. Not only does it increase your daily caloric needs, building muscle mass maintains your metabolism -- which is important when drasticaly reducing your weight. Not to mention the cardiovascular and general health benfits of exercise. We got the band because we wanted to be healthier and have a new lease on life -- and exercise is part of the bargain. Walking is perfectly wonderful movement -- no need to go to a gym or work yourself into the ground, although I love that myself.