Hit a weight loss plateau with your Lap Band?

In our practice (including myself Dr. Ron Hekier, and my wife Dr. Rachael Keilin) we are learning as we go on. Having performed over 700 Lap Band procedures over the years we can notice trends in our patients. We have both noticed that a number of patients do very well with their weight loss for a year or so and then hit a weight loss plateau.

It seems to occur often in people who have lost two thirds of the weight we are trying to lose. For example, if you are trying to lose 100 pounds, you might hit the plateau after you lose about 65 pounds.

Here are some suggestions.



1) Are you getting enough calories spread out evenly throughout the day?

"What, I need to make sure I eat enough?" Absolutely. You need to eat to lose weight. Your body needs to be supplied with adequate energy otherwise it will store energy from the food you eat. Quick quiz what is the most efficient storage of energy in the body? That's right, fat tissue!So, are you eating at least 1200 calories a day? Are you eating regularly? Make sure you don't skip meals. 3 meals a day with small healthy snacks in between. Don't go more than 3 - 4 hours without eating anything. The



2) Are you exercising adequately?

This is usually the biggest problem. You hear people say they want to "increase their metabolism" and what they mean is that they want to burn more calories throughout the say. The only way to do this is to increase your level of activity. And not just leisurely walking, what Dr. Keilin calls "going out for a stroll." Exercise means getting your heart rate up, it means sweating. Work at it!

3) What is the composition of your food intake?

Out of the calories that you are eating are you getting adequate protein? Are you getting too much fat and carbohydrates? Make sure you are having an appropriate mix. Come to support group to speak with Amy, the dietitian, to help make proper choices. See her earlier post on Protein Power on this blog. Look at the products offerred by Bariatric Advantage to get some possible choices for protein supplements.

4) Have you forgotten the positive changes you have made?

Sometimes people forget that hard work it took to get them to their point of weight loss and they slack off and revert to old habits. Are you eating high calorie snack foods? Are you exercising less than you used to? Have you forgotten Betty's 10 Lap Band rules to stay in the box?

What works for you?
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