When did you decide it was time for LAP-BANDÒ  surgery? Was it a true and telling look in the mirror? An unflattering picture that took you by surprise? Or was it a comment that hurt your feelings?

If you’re like most people, you’ve promised change, only to fall into old habits down the road. 

But this time, it was like a strike of lightning. Your mind, body and soul were aligned. You became focused, determined that nothing—nothing—will get in your way.

It’s this moment that gives you the power, a force so strong and resolute that you feel it in every fiber of your body. Everything clicks.

Next thing you know, you’re researching LAP-BAND, setting up doc appointments and making healthier choices. Maybe you start walking around the block, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from the door so you can get those few extra steps in.

That moment, that power, also gives you the courage to face your demons. Instead of eating during times of emotional upheaval, you journal and explore your feelings. And when temptation calls your name, you firmly turn the other way.

What made it different this time? Why is your resolution sticking this time? What clicked inside?

And how do you keep that moment alive? What keeps you powerful?

As spankin’ cute newborn babies, our stomachs were tiny and sensitive. We could only hold a few ounces of liquid at a time and we had to eat every few hours to have all our nutritional requirements met.

Your stomach will be in the same condition in the days immediately following your Lap-Band procedure. Before the procedure—and before you leave the hospital—you’ll meet with a certified dietician to review your diet.

Here’s a brief overview of the changes you’ll be making:

• During the first 3 to 4 days following your surgery, you must follow a clear liquid diet. Failure to do so can cause complications such as band erosion or slippage that may require additional surgery.
• No caffeine is permitted for the first three months after surgery. Carbonated beverages may cause gas, bloating and an increase in stomach size, so they’re off-limits, too.
• You’ll soon move onto a modified liquid diet. You’ll consume two ounces of a protein shake every hour for 10 to 12 hours a day and supplement with two ounces of other liquid food (like soup, baby food or sugar-free gelatin) three times per day.
• About six weeks later, you’ll be able to eat food that is shredded in a food processor prior to eating. Meats (or other forms of protein), veggies and salads are recommended. Starchy food and veggies—like bread and potatoes—should be avoided.

The importance of protein

You will be advised to consume 50 to 60 grams of protein daily to avoid protein deficiency.
(Trust us when we tell you that you want to avoid protein deficiency at all costs. It causes hair loss, fatigue, edema, muscle weakness and a delay in wound healing. Lack of protein may also lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, apathy and other mental health conditions. Not to mention, gallstones, headaches, low-blood pressure, anemia and an irregular heart rate. Not fun.)

When planning for your Lap-Band procedure, take into consideration your nutritional needs in the days, weeks and months following the procedure. Remember, your stomach will never hold more than 4 to 6 ounces per meal, so every bite should be nutritious.

Wheaties may own the slogan, but what about three fried egg sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and mayonnaise, an omelet, a bowl of grits, three slices of French toast with powdered sugar, and count ‘em THREE chocolate chip pancakes?

Now, that’s a “Breakfast of Champions.” Well, at least it is for the most decorated Olympic champion in history, Michael Phelps.

The morning spread likely clocks in at about 3,000 calories…1,000 calories more than the typical recommended daily caloric intake. How does he eat like that day in and day out? Training. Serious training…the kind where you’re burning about 1,000 calories an hour, three hours each day. When you consistently log those kinds of workout numbers, the math starts to make a lot more sense when contrasted to Phelps’ lean 6-foot-4-inch, 190-pound frame.

But for the rest of us mere mortals, what’s a good “Breakfast of Champions” look like?

Surprisingly, it’s not as different as you may think. A recent study by Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz, a clinical professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and endocrinologist at Hospital de Clinicas Caracas in Venezuela, reports that a sizable breakfast packed with carbs, lean protein, and even a little chocolate can help reduce cravings and hunger the rest of the day, which can lead to weight loss.

She says that your body is most ready for food in the morning, even if you don’t feel hungry and that if you don’t eat or eat too little, your body begins to harvest energy from muscles tissue, which destroys it.

During the study, Jakubowicz and her researchers designed the “Big Breakfast” diet in which breakfast accounts for nearly half of your daily calories. The study’s “Big Breakfast” included milk, 3 ounces of lean meat, two slices of cheese, two servings of whole grain, one fat serving and an ounce of milk chocolate or candy.

The result? The group who ate “Big Breakfasts” every morning lost nearly four times as much weight as those who ate more restrictive breakfasts. They also reported feeling less hungry throughout the rest of the day.

OK, so it’s fair to say that those of us considering LAP-BAND® surgery probably don’t get the kind of exercise that Phelps does, and that eating a 3,000-calorie breakfast probably isn’t a good idea. But the concept of a hearty breakfast isn’t one I think we should leave on the table, especially considering the findings of the study—that the group that ate big breakfasts lost more weight and also reported feeling less hungry. It really makes a lot of sense, and perhaps making breakfast the largest meal of the day isn’t such a bad idea…as long we keep the portions relative to the number of calories we should be eating everyday.

A big question that a lot of people have when they’re considering LAP-BAND surgery is how it will affect their eating habits and what kind of restrictions, if any, they have to follow. The answer is, yes, there will be some changes. Your new, smaller stomach requires less food to get the sensation of being full. And, there are certain foods that you will have to eat in moderation, and some that will be have to be limited or eliminated to reach your weight-loss goals and avoid irritating your stomach. It’s especially important to carefully follow the advice of your surgeon or dietician. And, it’s a reason that I recommend looking into the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers. Their staff and team of affiliated surgeons are among the most experienced in the industry, and will tailor a nutritious and safe diet following your surgery.

One of the best features of the LAP-BAND system is that it’s adjustable to for optimum results with a minimum of discomfort. Because of this, your food intake in the weeks immediately after your surgery will be adjusted to allow your stomach structure to heal in the right position and protect the smaller stomach pouch created by the operation.

The first day after the surgery, you should limit your intake to occasional sips of water, or sucking on an ice cube. From there on, here’s a typical diet regimen you can expect:

• 1—2 weeks after surgery: These first weeks after surgery, you should only drink thin liquids, supplemented by sips of water to keep hydrated. Recommended liquids include clear broth or soup, with no vegetables or meat; skim milk; fruit juice; and sugar-free popsicles.

 

• 3—4 weeks after surgery: During this time, you can begin eating pureed foods with the consistency of baby foods. Following this regimen will help you progress to solid foods. Foods can include pureed skinless chicken or fish; mashed potatoes; peas; and low-fat yogurt or pudding. In this phase you may be eating foods that might not be allowed in you diet later because they’re high in calories.

 

• 5 weeks and beyond: Your meals can now include foods that are cooked tenderly, such as fish and ground turkey, but they don’t have to be pureed. Get into the habit of chewing your foods well. Cutting food into smaller pieces helps. One of main reasons for chewing your foods completely is to help digestion and to avoid irritating your stomach or causing nausea and vomiting, which can affect how the LAP-BAND adjusts.

So now you might be thinking that after undergoing the surgery, you diet is going to be pretty bland and limited. Not true at all. In a future blog, I’ll introduce you to Chef Dave. He’s a chef who underwent weight-loss surgery, and his recipes and tips will open up a whole new world of tasty and nutritious meals. Stay tuned! 

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, there are some important questions to ask your surgeon. If you do some research and speak with the surgeons and support personnel at a bariatric surgery center, it will help you decide if the procedure and facility is right for you. One option I’d like to suggest is looking into the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers and their network of surgical partners. They’ve created a private, sensitive and supportive environment to help you before, during, and after surgery. And here are ten of the most important questions that you can ask your weight loss surgeon to help you in your decision.

1.  Are you board certified?
After the FDA approved the LAP-BAND procedure six years ago, a number of comprehensive training programs have been developed for surgeons and their support personnel. When you meet with a weight loss surgeon, ask if they have received certification from the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). Because the ASBS has established rigorous guidelines for all surgeons performing the Lap-Band procedure, it is critical that the staff of your bariatric surgery center has received certification from ASBS. Again, the surgical staff at the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers all have certification from the ASBS.

2. What is your success rate?
This simple question can often help you decide between bariatric surgery centers and determine which weight loss surgeon is best for you. You should ask about both the success rates of surgery and long-term weight loss statistics for past patients. By analyzing both short-term and long-term success rates, you will gain valuable information about not only the surgical ability of the surgeon, but also the quality of ongoing care and support offered by the bariatric surgery center.

3. How much experience do you have with the Lap-Band procedure?
When trying to select a bariatric surgery center, you should ask the surgeons how many Lap-Band procedures they have performed. Ideally, the bariatric center you choose will be staffed by surgeons that focus exclusively on weight loss surgery, rather than acting of general surgeons. Additionally, as the LAP-BAND procedure represents a relatively new advancement in the field of weight loss surgery, you will want to find a surgeon that is well versed in the required technology. At NewHope Bariatrics®, their surgical centers are entirely dedicated to performing LAP-BAND procedure exclusively.

4. What kind of post-operative care will I receive?
One of the most important factors in for your long-term success is the post-operative care offered by the bariatric surgery center – it’s just as important as the initial success of the surgery. You should ask your weight loss surgeon specific questions about the type of care and support you will receive after surgery. To ensure that you receive the best possible care, be sure your bariatric surgery center offers both physical support immediately after surgery and ongoing guidance for successful weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. At NewHope Bariatrics®, for example, they offer a comprehensive aftercare program, designed to nurture your overall well-being and support optimal weight loss following LAP-BAND surgery. Many of their staff has personal experience with the LAP-BAND, which is why they provide some of the most compassionate and understanding aftercare available.

5. Does the bariatric surgery program offer evaluation and treatment for conditions associated with obesity?
Because obesity is often responsible for other health conditions, you should ask your weight loss surgeon about the types of care offered for secondary conditions. If you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or any other condition related to obesity, be sure that the bariatric surgery center has the expertise to treat the conditions as part of your ongoing weight loss regimen.

6. Does the program offer support services for psychological needs?
In some cases, higher rates of depression can go along with obesity. Also, since undergoing any type of surgery can be taxing, you should ask your surgeon about the mental health elements of the weight loss program. A bariatric surgery center such as NewHope Bariatrics® provides compassionate counseling leading up to surgery, and also ongoing psychological support after the surgery and throughout your weight-loss program.

7. What input will my primary care doctor have in the process?
Because your primary care doctor has an in-depth knowledge of your medical history and any ongoing conditions, you will want to make sure that your weight loss surgeon is able to work with your regular physicians. While your bariatric surgery center will help you track your weight loss progress, it is important for your primary care doctor to be a part of the process, especially for the diet and fitness programs after surgery.

8. Can you assist me in getting insurance approval?
Insurance coverage and funding are one of the main concerns for many weight-loss surgery candidates. Fortunately, many insurance companies now recognize that obesity can contribute to the development of serious health conditions and cover the costs of the LAP-BAND procedure. However, it’s important to work with a bariatric surgery center that is experienced in working with insurance companies and can help you determine if your policy covers the surgery, and offer assistance filling out the necessary paperwork.
 
In a past blog, “Will my insurance cover the cost of weight-loss surgery?” I wrote about how an experienced staff like the one at NewHope Bariatrics®, can help you navigate through the approval process, and help support you through each step along the way.
 
9. If insurance refused to cover the surgery, do you offer other payment options?
If your insurance company refuses to cover your weight-loss surgery, you should ask the bariatric surgeon about other payment options. Look for a center like NewHope, which can design a plan that allows you to pay over time, or can put you in touch with financial institutions that specialize in financing weight-loss surgery.

10. Does your program offer support groups following weight-loss surgery?
Ongoing support after your surgery is one of the most important components for success as you continue your weight-loss journey. Meeting and talking with other patients who have gone through the same procedure as you have can provide motivation to keep focused on your goals. Sharing day-to-day living experiences with others can help assure you that you’re not alone. Be sure to ask your bariatric surgeon about what type of support groups are available, how often they meet, and where they meet. Find out if they have an online forum. Knowing that there are others that you can sit and talk with, especially after a difficult week, can make all the difference.

Finally, when you do talk with your weight-loss surgeon, don’t be afraid to ask these, and any other questions you might have. Deciding on weight-loss surgery is one of the biggest steps you can take in you life. These questions are a good start. I’d also suggest do a lot of research so you can jot down any other questions you may have. And, you may want to visit some websites. Again, I’d suggest taking a look at the NewHope Bariatrics® site (www.newhopetoday.com). It’s full of valuable information on all the above topics, and can help you ask the right questions when talking to your weight-loss surgeon. Making an informed decision on doctor and weight-loss center that’s right for you will make all the difference in the world when you take that first step to a new life.

If you are considering having LAP-BAND surgery, one of the things you may be concerned about is the cost of the surgery. Fortunately, many insurance companies now recognize that obesity can contribute to the development of serious health conditions and cover the costs of the LAP-BAND procedure.

However, getting approval from your insurance company for the procedure can sometimes be a complex and lengthy process. Good advice can make it a lot easier. You may want to get some help from a leader in the industry.  A good place to start is by visiting the NewHope Bariatrics® website (www.newhopetoday.com). The staff at NewHope are experienced with helping clients navigate through the approval process, and can help support you through each step along the way.

And, here are some preliminary steps you can take on your own to make the process easier:

• First, review your insurance policy. Check the “What is Covered” (or “Covered Expenses”) and “What is Not Covered” sections to see if it mentions weight-loss surgery.

 

• Obtain documents that show that LAP-BAND® surgery can be classified as a medical necessity. Get copies of your medical records from your doctor or any other health care professional that may have treated your obesity and other health complications such as heart or respiratory conditions, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. You should also have documents that show your weight (100 pounds higher than your ideal weight, or a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35 to 40; and the number of years you have been overweight (5 or more).

 

• Ask your doctor for a letter referring you to a weight loss surgeon. It should contain specifics about your current height, weight, and BMI as well as any health conditions related to your obesity and any medications or treatments you may be receiving. Also, you’ll need to fill out a consent form allowing your doctor’s office to release information to your insurance company.

 

• If you’ve used commercial weight loss programs, have been to a weight-loss center, or undergone a medically supervised weight loss program, gather your receipts that show you’ve attempted other methods to deal with your obesity that were not successful.

 

If your insurance company denies your request, you may be able to appeal the decision. Again, the staff at NewHope Bariatrics® can offer you valuable advice in the appeals process and even recommend attorneys who can help you in your appeal.

Maybe you’ve been reading some of my blogs, and have been doing some research on your own, but you’ve still got questions about LAP-BAND® System surgery. Well, there’s a great way to answer some of those questions, and it’s just a click away on your computer. You can do it without ever leaving your home, and you can invite family and friends to join you.

The staff at NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers have put together a virtual seminar on LAP-BAND® surgery. NewHope Bariatrics® is a leader in the field, and they are completely dedicated to helping you achieve your weight-loss goals. The seminar is 30 minutes long, and you can stop and start it to view it at your convenience.

Simply log onto www.newhopevideo.com, and follow the registration instructions. You’ll receive a password that’s valid for 14 days. There’s no cost to view the seminar, and again, you can watch it when it’s most convenient for you. You can also write down any questions you might want to ask about the surgery.

So, if you’ve been considering LAP-BAND® surgery, you should definitely look into taking your own personal seminar brought to you by the people at NewHope Bariatrics®. And, while you’re at it, explore the rest of their site (www.newhopetoday.com). It’s a comprehensive guide to LAP-BAND® surgery that covers everything from what to expect before, during and after the procedure; comparisons of your surgical options; financing; and their extensive support network.

One of the big factors in deciding whether or not to undergo weight-loss surgery is the cost of the procedure and follow-up care. However, if you’re suffering from obesity, you’re probably already aware of some of the personal and physical costs of the disease. But you may not know estimates from private and government research show that the financial burden of obesity can average over $18,000 a year! In future blogs, I’ll break down some of those costs for you.

Losing weight and keeping it off can help alleviate or even eliminate many obesity-related health conditions. Plus, it can help improve your psychological and social well-being, and your overall quality of life. If you’ve tried every type of weight-loss solution without success, weight-loss surgery might be one of the better investments you’ve ever made in yourself and your future.

The LAP-BAND® System is regarded as the most affordable weight-loss surgery option. It requires a simpler laparoscopic procedure than comparable gastric bypass surgery, and generally requires a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.

The cost of LAP-BAND surgery depends on your individual needs. It’s partly determined by your medical history and current health condition.  Many health plans, including Medicare, and, in some states, Medicaid, may cover most, if not all, of the costs of LAP-BAND® System surgery. However, each health plan will have certain criteria that must be met before you can undergo surgery. And, in some cases, your insurance plan will deny your request due to restrictions in your policy or plan.

That’s why I think it’s important to pick a surgical center that specializes in LAP-BAND procedures and has the expertise to help you through the financial process. I’d like to suggest looking into the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers and their network of surgical partners.  When you contact NewHope Bariatrics®, their staff will not only schedule a medical consultation, but a financial one as well. Once you’ve met with your physician, they’ll personalize a care program and estimate your costs. The staff at NewHope is truly committed to helping solve your obesity problem; it’s their goal to find the best ways to help you.

NewHope’s financial consultant will review your health plan or insurance policy, and estimate out-of-pocket expenses for your surgery. They’ll explain what your options are, and can help you appeal your insurance company’s decision if they deny your claim.  They have a variety of negotiated packages and discounts available to help you manage your expenses for the surgery, and can refer you to financing companies and banks who specialize in qualifying LAP-BAND patients for a variety of loans that allow you to have the surgery and pay over time. As a leader in LAP-BAND® System surgery, NewHope Bariatrics® is constantly expanding their affiliated surgical partners throughout the United States, so if there isn’t a center near you now, there may be soon. You can get a more detailed explanation of all your options by visiting their website, www.newhopetoday.com.

Weight-loss surgery is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life, and there are a number of factors to consider. First, weight-loss surgery is an “elective” procedure. Unlike other surgical procedures that may be required in response to an immediate health problem or illness, you are not necessarily limited to hospitals or medical facilities where your doctor or a particular specialist or surgeon is on staff. It also means that you have choices about where you choose to have the surgery, and who will perform your surgery.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re considering this type of surgery. But, it’s also important to do some research on your own. Investigate your surgical options. One good place to start is the Internet. When you’re looking for weight-loss surgery providers, have a list of questions that you want answered. How experienced is the staff and/or affiliated surgeons? What is their success (and failure) rate? What type of clinical support do they provide before and after surgery? How much is it going to cost, and will your medical coverage help pay for it?

One option I’d like to suggest is looking into the New Hope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers and their network of surgical partners.  New Hope Bariatrics® specializes in one type of weight loss procedure using the LAP-BAND system.  You may have read about it in one of my earlier blogs. The surgeon uses a laparoscopic procedure with smaller incisions and places an inflatable band around the upper part of your stomach. The people at New Hope are compassionate and really care about enhancing your quality of life. And, they’re expanding their affiliated surgical partners throughout the United States, so if there isn’t a center near you now, there may be soon. You can get a lot more information by visiting their website, www.newhopetoday.com.

Again, it’s important to consider all your options But I’d suggest visiting the New Hope website. It’s very comprehensive and will answer a lot of questions you may have about one of your weight-loss surgery options.

For many people, trying to lose weight can be frustrating, and at times, downright discouraging. Maybe you’ve tried almost every kind of diet, whether it’s a formal program, one you’ve read about in a book, magazine, or been told about, and found that you lose weight only to regain it later when your diet ends. Or maybe you’ve tried popular medications or diet pills, with the same results and some unpleasant side effects. This usually leads to more dieting, and the cycle begins again. It’s the appropriately named “yo-yo effect.”

Well, you’re not alone. Several studies have shown that patients on diets, exercise programs or medications are able to lose approximately 10% of their body weight but tend to regain two-thirds of it within one year and almost all of it within five years.

If you’ve reached the point where nothing seems to work, and you’re concerned about how obesity is affecting your life and your health, then you may want to consider weight-loss surgery.

I want to suggest a solution that you can discuss with your doctor. It’s called the LAP-BAND® System, and it’s helped hundreds of thousands of people take back control of their weight and their life. It’s far less invasive, with fewer risks and side effects than other obesity surgeries. Surgeons use laparoscopic techniques with smaller incisions to place an inflatable band around the upper part of your stomach. The new, smaller upper stomach pouch and a narrowed stomach outlet mean that there’s less room for food and you feel full and satisfied after a small meal. There is no intestinal rerouting or cutting or stapling of your stomach wall or intestines, and your recovery time and hospital stay are much shorter. In fact, the LAP-BAND System can even be performed in an outpatient setting, so people are back home within hours not days. And, unlike other obesity surgeries, the LAP-BAND System is adjustable and reversible.

One of the pioneers and leaders in the industry is the NewHope Bariatrics® and their network of clinical partners. Working with surgeons dedicated to weight loss, the NewHope Bariatrics program starts with education and counseling, and then helps you to reach and maintain your goal through aftercare programs and long-term clinical support. Each week, I’ll be brining you more news about their programs, innovative solutions, and success stories of patients who have reclaimed their life and their health.