Do you want to undergo LapBand surgery? If so, a consultation appointment with a surgeon will determine if you are an eligible candidate. If so, your surgeon will begin to discuss expectations. Not will he or she outline what you can expect from surgery, but they will outline what is expected from you. In terms of the LapBand system, that is diet restrictions.

Diet restrictions are important to the success of the LapBand surgery. The LapBand surgery involves inserting an adjustable gastric band around the stomach pouch. The stomach is reduced in size. This assists in weight loss, but to maximize results and minimize complications, patients must restrict their diet. Diet restrictions are necessary in the pre and post-surgery stages.

If you are severely obese and seeking help from the LapBand, this likely isnt your first time attempting to lose weight. In fact, you may have already tried healthy eating and diet restrictions. If your attempts where unsuccessful, you may be concerned about the LapBand surgery. After all, if you couldnt restrict your diet before, what would be different now? Drive and determination. If you are serious about undergoing weight loss surgery, you do not have any other options. In most instances, surgeons will not perform the LapBand procedure if you cannot restrict your diet.

So, how can you make the transition to healthy eating before surgery?

Get started early. The moment you decide to undergo LapBand surgery is the moment you should start restricting your diet. Not only will you get a healthier body with a reduced fat content around the stomach, but you lower your risk of surgical complications. Two to three weeks before surgery, you will need to eat healthy and increase protein intake. Why not get started now?

Try different foods. As previously stated, two to three weeks before surgery, patients are asked to restrict their diets to healthy foods and protein supplements. These foods may include lean means, eggs, yogurt, vegetables, and fruits. Before your doctor advises you to restrict your diet, you are provided with some forms of freedom. Experiment with healthy foods to find the foods that best curb your cravings. As long as they are healthy, these are foods you can later consume post-surgery.

Start in small steps. As previously stated, diet restrictions are difficult for those suffering from obesity. This is because many have poor eating habits. Many eat too much and opt for junk food. It is virtually impossible for most to stop these bad eating habits overnight. So, start the transition early and do so in small steps. Do you have cookies for snack three times a day? If so, eliminate one of those snacks and opt for a healthier option, such as an apple. Over time, eliminate cookies from your diet.

Plan your meals in advance. Those who suffer from obesity and eating problems are known to eat food whenever it is available. This means that meals and snacks are often last minute decisions. Instead, plan your meals each week. Use your meal list as your grocery shopping list. Reduce temptations by not buying junk food.

Remember your goal. Whether you start to curb your eating habits three months or three weeks before your LapBand surgery, you will have trouble. Those who rely on food for taste or emotional comfort can experience withdrawal and cravings. You may want to give up, but dont. Remember, your surgeon may refuse to perform the surgery if you do not show a true commitment to the procedure, which involves diet restriction.

Meet with a nutrition expert. Nutrition experts come in a number of different formats. There are those who specialize in healthy eating and weight loss. Appointments are available for free or for an affordable fee. Seek help from a professional. That professional can not only give you healthy eating ideas, but recipes and detailed meal plans.

Finally, track your progress. Have a notebook handy and record what you ate each day. At the end of the week, reward yourself. Remember no sweets, but opt for something fulfilling in a different aspect, such as a new book, watching a movie, or a new shirt from your favorite store.

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