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Adjusting To Your New Life After LAP-BAND®

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

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LAP-BAND® surgery can be a very effective way to lose weight over time, providing you are committed to doing the work that comes with your new Band.

Once the Band is in place, you will need to be extremely conscious of how you treat your body, and make sure you are doing everything possible to optimize health and encourage safe, gradual change.

Here is some general information on various aspects of life after the procedure.

Recovery: Most patients will be discharged within 2 to 4 hours of surgery. Typically, you can expect to return to work within one week, and physical exercise including lifting can be resumed around the 3rd to 4th week.

Physical fitness: After you are fully healed from the procedure, you will be able to do the physical activities you enjoyed beforehand, plus any new types of exercise that will help you burn calories and reach a comfortable fitness level.

Return visits: You will be asked to return to the surgeon’s office 1 month after your surgery for your 1st fill. Follow-up visits depend on your needs. Once your “sweet spot” is determined, you will need adjustments once or twice a year.

Results: Remember that gradual weight loss is the goal. Most patients experience a loss of 1-2 pounds per week.

Fullness: The LAP-BAND® helps you feel full by reducing the capacity of your stomach and increasing the time it takes food to get leave the pouch and get through the Band.

Supplements: Patients who do not get enough protein or nutrients from meals alone will need protein supplements and daily multi-vitamins. Shakes are a great way to provide the body with the recommended daily intake of protein.

Diet and nutrition: Since you will be consuming smaller quantities, you’ll want to choose foods that are rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. A high-protein, low carbohydrate mix should be your aim for all meals and snacks. Chew your food slowly and limit your serving sizes. When eating out, order smaller portioned meals or just appetizers, or ask your server to box up half of your meal before it is delivered. Alcohol is discouraged and should be used rarely if at all due to its high calorie content and the fact that it goes through the Band without giving you a full feeling. Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum and nutritionist Dr. Paula Peirce will help you get a good understanding of what foods are most beneficial. For more eating tips, please visit our blog on “Long-term Meal Planning After LAP-BAND®.”

During your initial consultation, the team will inform you of everything you need to know about LAP-BAND® surgery and make sure you are comfortable with the lifestyle changes that are necessary for weight-loss success. To get an inside view of what life is like after surgery, you can visit LAP-BAND® forums and chat rooms and read about recent LAP-BAND® success stories.

If you are interested in the LAP-BAND® as a weight-loss tool, please contact Lap Band Rockies in Denver, Colorado to set up a comprehensive evaluation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Coordinator

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LAP-BAND® Stories: How My Weight Changed

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

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You’ve heard that LAP-BAND® procedure can change lives. But you’d really like to know how much weight can be lost, and how long it might take to see results. Although every patient’s weight-loss rate differs, you can get an idea of the possibilities through the stories of other LAP-BAND® patients who have had success. Here are a few quotes on specific results experienced by patients of Lap Band Rockies in Denver, Colorado.

Since I have lost over 70 lbs in this short time I have come to realize that I was holding myself hostage. It wasn’t my weight that was keeping me from socializing. It was how I felt about myself because of my weight. It was how uncomfortable I felt in my own skin and how uncomfortable I felt with how I looked. — Julie Dearinger

I had struggled with my weight most of my adult life and had tried everything I could think of to lose weight. I would often have small short term successes, but never anything long lasting. It took me approximately 1 year to lose the 100+ pounds, and I have kept that weight off now for over 1 year! —R. Lee Wilson

I have been overweight most of my adult life, my highest weight being 403 lbs. I hit rock bottom about 2 years ago. I had Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and my knees had basically given out. I was on 12 prescription medications. I decided to have Lap-Band surgery in January of 2007 and since then my life has only gotten better… I went from a size 60 to a size 38 my first year after the surgery. I have actually cut a total of 22” from my belt. Now I can finally get on an airplane without having to buy two seats. —Barry Wolner

When I called Dr. Kirshenbaum’s office I was somewhere near 379+. I was afraid Dr. Kirshenbaum would say my weight was too high to proceed with surgery. This morning my weight is 291. To be able to say “TWO HUNDRED” when speaking about my weight feels tremendous. To not say “THREE HUNDRED” has been a huge boost to my ego. —Patty Reeves

Since the age of 27, I had not been under 300 pounds. Just 10 years earlier, I could remember swearing that I would NEVER let myself get over 300 pounds, yet there I stood just a couple of pounds away from 400 pounds. 400 POUNDS! As of May 1, 2009, I currently weigh 235 pounds and have lost 143 pounds since the day of my surgery. Although I still have close to 100 pounds to lose, I feel better than I have in 20 years. —Ramona DeSouza

My weight was 230 lbs. Having Lap-Band surgery was the best decision I could have made. Here I am a year later celebrating Valentine’s Day with a wonderful, romantic man I’ve dated for 5 months. My life changed, all for the better. I have lost 67 lbs an average of 6 lbs a month. My current weight is 163 lbs and I am 10 lbs away from my ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight. —Paula Gardner

As of my 18 month anniversary, I was down to 249, 180 lbs gone and start weight at 429. I have lost 20 inches from my waist. I’m on the cusp of wearing a 2XL, I’m in a 54L suit down from a 66L. Life is good! —Jay Kline

I have lost 173 pounds and I currently weigh 193 pounds with a BMI of 37.5. I am a work in progress right now and I still have more weight to loose. I know I will achieve my goal easily with the support of Dr. Kirshenbaum and his staff. I now have so much more energy in everything I do. —John Townley

After learning more about the surgery and how it worked I decided that weighing 276 lbs myself that it was something I should consider having done. Dr. Kirshenbaum started doing the procedure in July of 2005 and I became his 5th patient. It has been over two years since I had the procedure done and my current weight is 171 lbs. I no longer take blood pressure meds and my borderline diabetes is cleared. —Natalie Cardenas

You, too, can enjoy incredible weight loss with LAP-BAND® — just remember that lifestyle and nutritional adjustments work in combination with the Band to help you reach a healthy weight. To learn more LAP-BAND®, you can contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies. This experienced weight loss surgery team is ready to help you achieve your goals and support you as you journey towards actual results and a positive self-image.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Coordinator

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Adjustable Gastric Band Vs. Other Weight Loss Procedures

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

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Putting on weight is easy, especially since eating right and finding time for exercise can be difficult in today’s busy, demanding world. Excess calories and high-fat foods can catch up to you, leading to obesity and weight-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Thankfully, severely overweight individuals have more options than ever before for surgical weight loss. Here, we discuss three weight loss surgeries and some pros and cons.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is intended to help patients lose weight by manipulating the digestive system to absorb fewer nutrients and calories. The Gastric Bypass surgery involves cutting and stapling to reduce the size of the stomach, combined with a move that re-routes a portion of the intestine to the stomach pouch so it “bypasses” most of the stomach and part of the intestines. Gastric Bypass is not an adjustable surgery. Gastric Bypass creates malabsorption by the design of the operation. There may be an advantage for this operation for patients with diabetes. There are many post-operative complications including leakage because the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been divided and rerouted.

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric Sleeve is a procedure that promotes weight loss by significantly reducing a patient’s stomach size. A stapling technique is used to create a very small stomach section, and then the larger stomach portion is completely removed. This permanent procedure does not directly alter the digestive process, but creates an environment where patients can only consume small amounts of food at a time. The risk of leakage is inherent in the procedure because the GI tract is violated. Gastric Sleeve is still considered experimental by many healthcare professionals and insurance companies, and the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery does not recognize or endorse this procedure as a safe, effective weight loss option.

Adjustable Gastric Band

The Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band) is a minimally invasive surgery that produces steady, healthy weight loss by reducing the stomach capacity, so patients feel satisfied with a reduced volume of food. The Band also helps patients feel fuller longer by slowing the stomach’s emptying process. Healthy nutrition and a fitness program work in conjunction with the Band to induce weight loss.

The Band is placed around the upper stomach laparoscopically, giving the patient the benefits of minimized pain, reduced surgical trauma, reduced hospital stay, and comparatively quicker recovery time than other weight loss surgeries. This surgery requires no cutting or stapling of the stomach or bypass of the intestines, and it is also fully reversible. One very notable distinction is the Band’s ability to be customized through post-surgical adjustments. Band surgeons work with each patient to find the “Band sweet spot” that promotes optimal weight loss and health.

Lap Band Rockies in Denver is one example of a highly successful Adjustable Gastric Band center that provides much more than surgery, caring for patients months and years after the procedure to ensure steady progress.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Adjustable Gastric Band and find out if you are a candidate, please visit the Lap Band Rockies website for more information. You can also e-mail Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum to set up your personalized weight loss consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustable Gastric Band

Friday, April 30th, 2010

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How would you like the opportunity to shed the excess weight that has been standing in the way of your happiness and confidence? The Adjustable Gastric Band (LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band) has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide by initiating gradual weight loss through hunger and portion control. Whatever questions you may have, the staff at Lap Band Rockies in Denver is excited to fill you in on all the details and show you what makes this procedure so successful.

How much weight will I lose, and when will I see results?

The amount of weight lost by each Band patient will vary based on their starting weight, diet, Band size, and fitness efforts. Keep in mind that you are in charge of your personal success —the more committed you are to a healthy lifestyle, the better your results will be. Patients who work hard at healthy eating, portion control, and exercise often see weight loss of 2 or more pounds per week during the first year. The majority of patients experience a rate of one to two pounds per week. Your surgeon will work with you to help you reach a weight loss rate that is safe and optimal. (Please see our blog on 8 Easy Tips for Weight Loss After Band Surgery.)

How does the Band cause weight loss?

The Adjustable Gastric Band, implanted using the laparoscopic technique, works by satisfying hunger with a reduced volume of food. The presence of the Band reduces the stomach capacity and your hunger. By eating less and adjusting your diet and fitness program, weight loss is accomplished. Keep in mind that the Band also helps you feel full faster, so you can expect to be satisfied after meals. To achieve an optimal balance of weight loss and nutrition, your physician and nutritionist will provide you with diet guidelines and advise you on how to maintain weight loss after Band surgery.

What can I expect during the recovery period?

Because the Band procedure is performed laparoscopically, you can expect to leave the out-patient surgery center in about 4-5 hours from when you check in. Typically, Band patients resume work functions in about a week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. You will need to return for check-ups every 1-2 months during the first year assuming you are in the Denver area. For patients who have to travel to Denver for follow-up, a customized follow-up program will be set up.

When is an adjustment needed and how is it done?

One of the greatest features of the Band is its ability to be customized throughout the weight loss process. While some patients will see results with just one adjustment, others will require 4-5 adjustments during the first year to find that “Band sweet spot.” Depending on factors like your hunger, calorie intake, weight loss rate, and personal comfort, your surgeon will recommend an adjustment to optimize the Band’s effectiveness. These adjustments are done in the office. During an adjustment, the surgeon inserts a fine needle through the skin into the access port to add or remove saline. This process usually takes only a few minutes and causes little discomfort.

Am I a good candidate for Adjustable Gastric Band?

The Band is safest and most effective when it is performed on patients who fit the ideal candidate profile. The Adjustable Gastric Band procedure is only recommended for people who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with hypertension, sleep apnea, or joint pain, or 30 or greater with Type II diabetes. To find out if the Band is a good option for you, you can contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies for an evaluation.

Please visit the Lap Band Rockies website for more answers to your frequently asked questions about the Adjustable Gastric Band. You can also e-mail Dr. Kirshenbaum set up your in-depth weight loss surgery consultation.

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Top Five Reasons to Consider LAP-BAND® Surgery

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Five Top Reasons to Consider Lap-Band SurgeryAs you weigh your options for reaching a healthy weight, consider the following draws that lead people to choose the Adjustable Gastric Band.

  1. Investment in Your Health and Wellness — When considering the various weight loss surgery costs involved, remember that the cost of LAP-BAND®, when compared with the lifetime costs of obesity, makes this procedure a wise investment. Surgery through Lap Band Rockies delivers a comprehensive service plan that includes pre- and post-op care, adjustments for three months, participation in support groups, and more.
  2. Experience and Safety — When you choose a center like Lap Band Rockies for your Adjustable Gastric Band, you can rest assured the surgeon and staff will do everything to ensure your success. Lap Band Rockies offers a comfortable environment, with a nutritionist and psychologist on staff. Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum has helped many men and women lose weight and keep it off. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.
  3. Minimally Invasive Procedure — The Adjustable Gastric Band is placed during a minimally invasive procedure. A laparoscopic technique is used to implant an inflatable silicone band into the abdomen, so there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved. Recovery is also quicker than other weight loss surgeries. Read more about how the procedure is performed.
  4. Customizable Results —The Adjustable Gastric Band is customized with an adjustable size that can be modified after surgery according to your needs and the rate of weight loss desired.
  5. Long-term Weight Loss — The Adjustable Gastric Band works by satisfying your hunger with a reduced volume of food, and this in conjunction with behavioral modification, diet and exercise is how you lose weight. Read some of the Lap Band Rockies success stories.

Learn more about the Adjustable Gastric Band and find out if this is the best procedure to help you reach a healthy weight. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today for a personal consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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How to Decide if LAP-BAND® is Right For You

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Weight loss help

Diet and exercise alone may not be delivering the results you desire. If you struggle with being overweight, you should consider the unique way that weight loss surgery may help you achieve your weight-loss goals. As you compare your options for fighting obesity, the team at Lap Band Rockies would like to make you aware of the many benefits the LAP-BAND® procedure has to offer and help you decide if this method is your ideal choice.

Here are a few suggestions to help you evaluate this increasingly popular weight-loss option:

Have Realistic Expectations — The pounds won’t fall off immediately after surgery. Remember that long-term success with LAP-BAND® requires your commitment to following a nutrition plan and keeping up with fitness routines.

Remember That Everyone Loses Weight Differently —Weight loss tends to occur gradually as you burn calories at a faster rate than you consume them. The patients who will see results more quickly are those who restrict their diet while simultaneously improving fitness.

Commit to Lifestyle Changes — Our nutritionist will work with you to design a diet plan that is comfortable and meets all your nutritional requirements. After weight loss surgery, LAP-BAND® patients do not need to attend boot camps or become instant athletes — walking is the most common fitness activity among our patients (or the elliptical machine for patients with knee and joint problems).

Schedule a Consultation — Only an experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon can give you the green light for surgery. First, visit our Candidate Profile page to research the qualifications for LAP-BAND, and view our weight loss surgery photos. Then set up an appointment with Dr. Kirshenbaum to discuss whether or not this surgery is right for you.

Find out if the LAP-BAND® procedure is is a good option for you to accomplish significant weight loss. To learn all you can about the benefits of surgery and get information on weight loss surgery cost, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies to set up a one-on-one consultation.

— Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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How Weight Loss Can Improve Your Quality of Life

Monday, December 7th, 2009

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Being severely overweight is an uncomfortable condition, limiting your mobility and making it difficult to participate in certain activities. But obesity is not just a physically limiting condition — it can affect all areas of your life.

The Effects of Obesity

If you are significantly overweight, you understand the many ways that extra weight can affect your quality of life with respect to self-esteem. In addition, obese individuals are at an elevated risk for developing serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and arthritis.

The LAP-BAND® Solution

If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pains, or 30 or greater with Type II diabetes, you may be a appropriate candidate for the LAP-BAND® procedure. The LAP-BAND® works by satisfying your hunger with a reduced volume of food, and this in conjunction with behavioral modification, diet and exercise is how you lose weight.

LAP-BAND® surgery can help you achieve many health-related goals, including:

  • Improving serious health conditions
  • Making it easier to become more mobile and active
  • Increasing your energy
  • Limiting calorie intake

Find out if LAP-BAND® is your ticket to a healthier, happier lifestyle and get the weight loss surgery support you need. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today for details on benefits and weight loss surgery cost. There is no obligation and we welcome the opportunity to answer all of your questions about the effects of obesity and how weight loss surgery can help.

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The True Cost of Losing Weight

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Have you ever considered how much being overweight may cost you in the long run? Since obesity is associated with a host of medical issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, sleep apnea and more, the financial consequences of obesity could become extremely taxing. And, of course, there’s the toll all of these issues may take on your overall health, well-being and emotional status.

Supporters of weight loss efforts like LAP-BAND® feel that losing weight could potentially save your health and your pocketbook. A recent article from MSN Money compared the cost of major weight loss options and revealed the following results:

The Jenny Craig® program, a 12-month guided, personalized health and nutrition plan, includes sign-up costs of $359 or $399, plus the cost of food, which runs approximately $4368 - $6552 (for a minimum annual cost of $4,727).

The Nutrisystem® program, an at-home prepackaged meal plan, is priced at about $3,599 per year, including food but excluding fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Weight Watchers, a flexible meal plan with a point system, averages in the $760 range annually (online cost plus weekly meeting fees and registration) but does not include any food.

The Zone™ Diet’s “Chef Selected” delivery program, available in many metropolitan areas and focused on limiting carbohydrate intake, can cost nearly $15,000 if followed for one year!

While these major diet plans run the gamut as far as cost is concerned, each one is only for a limited amount of time. There are no guarantees, and if you’ve tried any of these programs, you know that they have the potential to help you lose weight initially and gain it back just as quickly. The Weight Watchers program is said to have the best success rate with only 5 percent of their participants reaching goal.

The LAP-BAND® procedure at Lap Band Rockies is a comprehensive surgery, nutrition and fitness plan that includes the following:

  • Pre and post-op interaction with Natalie Cardenas, our Bariatric Coordinator, who is a LAP-BAND® patient of Dr. Kirshenbaum’s.
  • Pre-op & post-op consultation with Paula Peirce, a dietitian with her PhD in nutrition
  • Pre-op consultation with Dr. Kirshenbaum
  • LAP-BAND® surgery
  • Post-op care by Dr. Kirshenbaum

Surgery itself includes the following:

  • LAP-BAND® AP System (only available in the US, not in Mexico)
  • LAP-BAND® placement by Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum
  • Surgical assistant
  • Anesthesiologist
  • Outpatient surgery at a JCAHO accredited surgery center
  • Participation in our LAP-BAND® support group run by Susan Silver, PhD in Counseling Psychology
  • Follow-up care and adjustments at no ADDITIONAL charge for 3 months. Thereafter, the charge for adjustments is $15.00. This is an incredible value when compared with other area surgeons who charge from $100 TO $285 for post-op fills!

How much is your health and longevity worth to you? What would you pay to lose weight and keep it off? If you can find a plan that works for you, the benefits could be priceless. The problem is, self-monitoring on a day-to-day basis can be difficult with so many responsibilities to manage. Systems like LAP-BAND® not only give you the physical change as a head start to weight loss, structured follow-up programs help you stay on track over the long term. At Lap Band Rockies, our team is committed to helping you achieve long-term success after your surgery.

If you are tired of trying diet plan after diet plan, LAP-BAND® may be your solution. During your personalized consultation, we’ll go over all the cost and financing information to help you fit weight loss surgery into your budget. To discuss the physical and financial benefits of weight loss, contact Dr. Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver.

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LAP-BAND® Pre- and Post-Adjustment Instructions

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

The LAP-BAND® System is part of a continued program that requires some definite guidelines. If you are interested in the weight-loss benefits of LAP-BAND®, a sneak peak at the guidelines can help you prepare and give you an idea of what to expect after surgery. Here are some of the basic post-surgery instructions:

General Instructions:

  • Eat only when you are hungry
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
  • Stop eating in anticipation of fullness
  • Make good dietary choices
  • Drink 64 oz of water throughout the day
  • Large pills and irregularly shaped pills must be crushed: oval shaped pills, peanut size or less, are small enough to pass through the band.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day

Pre-Adjustment Instructions:

  • It is very important that adjustments be performed on an empty stomach. We suggest that you ingest only liquids the morning of an anticipated adjustment.
  • Try not to eat or drink anything for 2-3 hours before your scheduled procedure.

Post-Adjustment Instructions:

  • Staying hydrated is especially important after a recent fill.
  • We recommend you start with liquids & rapidly progress to full liquids then soft foods for the next 24 hours.
  • Do not have any HOT liquids for 24 hours following an adjustment
  • Remember to eat slowly and chew food well. If something becomes stuck you can try drinking ½ tsp of meat tenderizer mixed with ½ cup of water to help soften what ever may be lodged. You can also try drinking small sips of pineapple juice it contains an enzyme that will help dissolve any food that is stuck. If neither of these remedies relieves the problem please call to schedule an un-fill.
  • A tight band is counter-productive. Indicators that you may be too tight include:
    • Difficulty in swallowing food or saliva
    • Regurgitation
    • Waking up at night coughing or vomiting
    • Frequent heartburn/reflux symptoms

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately.

To learn more about your responsibilities before and after the LAP-BAND® procedure, and discuss the risks and benefits, contact Dr. Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver. Our team is happy to discuss all of the details with you and help you decide if LAP-BAND® is your preferred weight loss option.

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Do You Need a LAP-BAND® Adjustment?

Monday, October 26th, 2009

The great thing about the LAP-BAND® procedure is its versatility. Dr. Kirshenbaum can adjust the band to fit your individual needs and to maximize its weight-loss effects. You may need a band adjustment when:

  • Your weight plateaus and everything else is truly the same.
  • The same amount of food no longer satisfies your hunger.

Your First Adjustment

Your first adjustment is usually done four weeks after surgery. Kirshenbaum will discuss with you what size of band you have at your post-op appointment. We will also provide you with a post-op packet of information that will come with an identification card once you register your band online they will send you a permanent identification card.

How Much of a Fill Is Needed?

Every patient is different; there are different size stomachs and different amounts of fat surrounding each stomach. Just because one patient has a fill of 2.5cc and is losing weight at that level of fill does not mean that it is the magical number that will work for another.

How Many Fills to Get It Right?

Dr. Kirshenbaum’s approach is to add fluid until you have restriction and then back off by 0.1 ml. He does not limit any one fill to any specific amount. He wants you to have a effective fill every time you do a fill with him. It may require 3-4 fills before you’re actually at what we call the “sweet spot.” The body changes as the patient loses weight, so the fill volume that is right today may not be right after the patient has lost another ten pounds. In weight loss, everything gets thinner, including the stomach.

The right restriction is one that permits eating roughly a third of pre-surgery solid intake. A band that is too tight will not permit eating solids, and you will be forced to consume mushy foods and liquids which will not allow you to lose weight optimally.

The Days after the Fill

Once the fill has been performed, the band will be tighter. You will not feel it, of course. The urge to eat the same amounts at the same velocity will be there, but the ability to do so will not. Typically, due to inattention, you may ingest food that has not been chewed well enough. When this occurs, you will often experience PBing, or Productive Burping. This is not a burp, but a regurgitation of food that backs up into the mouth from the lower esophagus.

Scenarios: When a Fill May Not Be Needed

Reflux Symptoms

Reflux symptoms are caused by inflammation of the esophageal and/or stomach lining and usually occur after you have recently had an adjustment, or there has been an episode of food dislodging, PBing, and vomiting. Treatment for this is a self-imposed liquid diet. If the symptoms do not resolve or are clearly related to the fill, you must contact the doctor to arrange an unfill.

Band Tightens and Loosens During the Day

Typically, the band is tighter in the morning. Acid contact during the night can cause temporary thickening of the lining and, thus, greater restriction. Keep away from extremes such as very hot or very cold foods that can trigger esophageal spasm and further prevent you from eating an adequate breakfast. Some banded people cannot eat for a number of hours after rising, no matter if they drink hot liquids or not.

The fill is a vital part of band management and you need to be aware of the correct tightness at all times. Also, the fill is an essential part of the overall success of weight loss journey and need attention by your doctor to reach the goal you want to achieve.

Get all the facts on the LAP-BAND® adjustment process when you schedule your consultation at Lap Band Rockies in Denver.

Check back next week for our blog on LAP-BAND® pre- and post-adjustment instructions.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

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