A reading must for anyone with a Gastric Band

Contrary to belief!

Most foods should go through a gastric band 🤨

OK the opening to the stomach maybe the width of your little finger, so there are guidelines that need to be followed for this to be the case👌🏻

Reasons why this may not be the case for some 👇🏻

⚫️Band simply is too tight - common one! People tend to think the tighter the band the less they eat the more weight they lose! I can totally understand the thought process behind this one but it’s not always the case - trust me, you are more inclined to start developing bad eating habits and fall into the slider trap! High calorie zone! Beware!

⚫️Not got the 20+ brief - or you have but not applying this. You simply cannot eat the forkfuls you used too or at the speed you did. Working with your 20202020 is non negotiable with a gastric band - download ‘Chewing Diet’ App to help you master this 🙌🏻 so so important for you and your band to get on that you work together on this. Take the filling stages slow - changing eating habits of a lifetime doesn’t happen overnight but with a little practice and consistency you will get there!

⚫️How you cook food & your choices - dry or doughy foods, no mater how good you are at chewing may still cause an issue, try different foods/cuts & cooking methods but remember to always make texture a priority!

⚫️Bands can tighten with other factors. Known triggers can be stress/excitement/hormones/heat/altitude/illness/dehydration. Know your triggers and manage these well, even if it’s back to soft or fluids for a day or so. Avoiding further irritation is paramount! Or you could find yourself in the ‘Red Zone’ 🛑

The function of a gastric band is a pretty easy concept. Band around the stomach reducing the amount you can eat and hunger. The management of this is what brings the challenges

Any of this ring home to you? Then I’m always happy to lend an ear or catch up face to face in clinic for support 🫶🏻

Nic 🩷 13 years experience working with WLS patient
Bariatric Nurse
Fully insured
Offering support, education & adjustments
Locations Liverpool,Leeds,Manchester,London