Nic's Top TIps

Living with a gastric band you never stop learning!  Days can be challenging but the more knowledge and education you have around the gastric band will really help!

Check out some of my hints, tips and important things to remember below 

• Slow down - 20 seconds between mouthfuls is a must especially once you are entering the optimal zone
• You are only human, stuck episodes will happen - Go back to fluids for a day or 2 will help settle any inflammation around the band site - suck some ice lollies
• Don't be tempted to keep your band too tight - it will have a negative impact overall and could put your band at risk of slipping or erosion 
• Don't forget to do your bit - Approx 30% of the weight loss success is down to the band, the other 70% is what you bring to the table! 
• Regurgitation isn't reassurance that your band is working well - Get Advice sooner rather than later
• Your band can tighten with other factors - heat, dehydration, stress, hormones, if poorly and many more - know your own triggers and manage them well - take your diet back to soft/liquids if need be till things settle 
• If fizzy drinks give you discomfort, stir out the fizz, add ice or choose a flat alternative 
• Download an eating app - it can help with the transition of slowing down - try 'The chewing diet' app - you can time your 20 seconds easily this way 
• Use a small fork, this will naturally help you pick up less food
• Watch eating and drinking - if you need a sip of fluids whilst eating make sure you leave the 20 seconds after chewing before you have a sip - don't be tempted to start swilling food down.  This is cheating the band and you haven't paid all that money to do that
• Make sure your meals are a chewing challenge - don't slip into the slider trap.  Textured food will make you feel fuller quicker and for longer! - no brainer
• Feel a little off the rails with your diet - do a food diary, plan and prep for a few weeks to help get things back on track 
• Challenge snacking - has this become a habit - biscuits or crisp mid meals.  Or are you snacking because you are hungry?    Review your textures/make sure you are drinking adequate water and hitting minimal 50-60g protein a day.   If you are doing this and still hungry maybe a little top up is needed in your band 
• Make sure you are taking your multivitamin and minerals daily 
• Find an exercise that you enjoy and be consistent with it - it really is an important part of the journey all around 

Check out my other blogs for more pearls of wisdom from Nic 

Qualified Specialist Nurse 🙌🏻
25 years in Healthcare 🙌🏻

Any questions please give me a shout

Nic 🩷