LAP-BAND Dietitian
Before and after your lap-band surgery, you will meet with a DayOne Health registered dietitian for detailed nutritional counseling and dietary guidelines. During these counseling sessions, you will discuss the pre- and post-operative diet and be encouraged to develop your own balanced nutritional program.
Because the lap-band is not merely a weight loss procedure but an adjustment or change to your whole lifestyle, keeping in contact with your dietitian is crucial for your success. We, at DayOne Health in Chicago, will make sure that you have all the information you need to get the most out of your gastric band. In contrast to other weight loss clinics we have an extensive follow up program that helps keep you on track.
When Do I Meet With My LAP-BAND Dietitian?
During your first consult with the weight loss surgeon you will also meet with your dietitian. The pre-operative nutritional counseling helps you slowly work on your eating habits and prepare you for life with the lap-band. The sooner you start working on your diet, the easier it will be for you to transition into the new healthier lifestyle. Everyone is different and that is why we don’t believe in “one size fits all” lap-band diet. Our dietitian works closely with each of our patients individually to get to know their likes and dislikes when it comes to food. Knowing your preferences allows us to develop a custom diet program that won’t require you make big sacrifices.
Finally, when you get the lap-band, your dietitian will guide you through all the nutritional information you need to reach your weight loss goal. From the time of your surgery, approximately every three months you’ll be contacted by the dietitian and asked to fill out a nutritional questionnaire to make sure you stick to our recommendations. This system ensures not that only you lose weight in a steady healthy manner, but that the diet you started with still works for you.
Three Golden Rules of LAP-BAND Nutrition
Three elements related to your long term eating habits that you should always keep in mind are:
- Quantity - The lap-band will help you feel satisfied with a smaller quantity of food. Satiety (feeling full) with small meals is the main benefit offered by the surgery.
- Quality - Since you are eating less, the foods you choose have greater importance for your nutritional health. We will help you define a well-balanced diet with an emphasis on foods that provide sound nutrition - higher in protein and fiber and lower in sugars, fat and carbohydrates.
- Frequency - Eating three meals a day is one of the most important elements in preventing weight gain. Each meal should consist of a protein food and a fruit or vegetable serving. We recommend that these meals be eaten at a table, not on the move or in the car or at your desk. Three meals a day helps you avoid snacking and promotes faster weight loss.
Talk to LAP-BAND Dietitian in Chicago
If you’re interested in more information regarding diet and a lap-band procedure, please contact our dietitian at our Chicago clinic at (312) 239-3838 or schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our specialists.
