FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS, contd.
11. Q: Is it true that the LAP-BAND
seems “tighter” in
the morning?
This is a fairly common feeling, especially for people
with bands that are tight or just after an adjustment.
During the
day the water content in the body changes and this may
cause the band to feel “tighter” some of the
time. Some women have also noticed that the LAP-BAND feels
tighter during
menstruation.
12. Q: Will
I feel hungry or deprived with the LAP-BAND?
The LAP-BAND makes you eat less and feel full in two ways – by
reducing the capacity of your stomach and increasing the
time it takes food to get through the band channel and into the digestive system.
After a small
meal, the amount of which varies from person to person,
you should feel full. If you follow the nutrition guidelines
when
you choose your food and then chew it well, you should
not feel hungry or deprived. Remember that the LAP-BAND
is a tool to
help you change your eating habits.
13. Q: What will happen if I become ill?
One of the major advantages of the LAP-BAND® System is that
it can be adjusted. If your illness requires you to eat
more, the band can be loosened by removing saline from it.
When
you have recovered from your illness and want to lose weight
again, the band can be tightened by increasing the amount
of saline. If the band cannot be loosened enough, it may
have to be removed.
14. Q: What about pregnancy?
Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your
menstrual cycle may become more regular. If you need to
eat more while you are pregnant, the band can be loosened.
After
the pregnancy, the band may be made tighter again, and you
can resume losing weight.
15. Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
You may. It’s possible you may not get enough vitamins
from three small meals a day. At your regular check-ups,
your specialist will evaluate whether you are getting enough
vitamin
B12, folic acid, and iron. It is recommended to take a
daily chewable multiple vitamin and calcium supplement.
16. Q: What about other medication?
You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may
need to use capsules, break big tablets in half or dissolve
them in water so they do not get stuck in the band opening
and make you sick.
17. Q: What if I go out to eat?
Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer or share a meal.
Eat slowly. Take small bites and chew well. Finish at the same time as your table companions.
You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance
that you cannot eat very much.
18. Q: What about alcohol?
Alcohol has a high number of empty calories. It also breaks
down vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other
alcoholic beverage,
though, is not considered harmful to weight loss.
19. Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?
After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods
that don’t cause you discomfort. However, because
you can only eat a little it is important to include
foods full of
important vitamins and nutrients and as advised by
your surgeon and/or dietitian. If you eat foods that contain
lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of “empty” calories,
such as milkshakes, the effect of the LAP-BAND may be greatly
reduced or cancelled. Some foods, such as bread or carbonation, may not be "band friendly" and should be avoided.
20. Q: Will I suffer from constipation?
Not likely. There may be some reduction in the volume of your
stools initially, which is normal after a decrease in food
intake because you
eat less fiber. This should not cause you severe problems.
An occasional over the counter laxative may be necessary, e.g.,
milk of magnesia. Fiber supplements should be in the powder form only!!
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