Dr. Fox's Guidelines for Success

1. Three meals a day… at set times… sit down… try to eat as a family

2. No snacking between meals… Do Not eat when you are not hungry !!

3. Eat slowly – put your fork down between bites…but finish your meal within 20-30 minutes; any longer becomes grazing, which is counter productive.

4. Small bites (nickel to dime size)

5. Chew your food thoroughly

6. Small portions – use a small plate and small utensils (always portion out your food…eat the least amount of food that will satisfy you)

7. Eat only good quality nutritious foods… make healthy food choices
Remember protein first!! (at least 50/60 grams of protein per day)
Alternate 2 to 3 bites of protein with 1 bite of vegetable
The more you cheat, the less weight you will lose

8. Stop eating as soon as you feel satisfied – ask yourself “Am I still hungry” before taking the next bite. If you can say that ‘I am no longer hungry’...STOP EATING !!! Only eat till you are 80% full..this is mandatory!!

9. Do not drink while eating … drink lots of liquids between meals (6-8 glasses per day)
Fluid load 20-30 minutes before meals

10. Avoid fibrous and starchy foods, all breads, flour/corn tortillas, and cheap calories/fast food. Avoid all greasy, fried and fatty foods.
Avoid carbonation

11. Limit potatoes, rice, pasta, cheese, milk and juice

12. Take a daily multi-vitamin and calcium supplement

13. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
Don’t find the time, MAKE the time
At least 30 min/day should be a goal
Consider cross training- alternate aerobic vs light weights

14. Keep focused and be self disciplined … just because you can, doesn’t mean you should

15. Routine follow up office visits with your surgeon are required.

16. You MUST return periodically to have your band adjusted.
A well adjusted band will drive your weight loss.