 |
 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
||
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
||||
| Daily Self Image and Body Image We see our own bodies practically every day. Whether you’re checking your face in the mirror before you head out for work or to drop the kids off at school, or whether you are shopping for a new outfit to go out for dinner, each time we pass in front of a mirror or other reflective surface, we catch a glimpse of ourselves, whether we like it or not. Your own body becomes the most familiar to you. Because we see ourselves so frequently, small changes may not register form day to day, yet over time, they become apparent. That is why we look back on our prom pictures and suddenly realize we have gained 50 pounds! Once you have undergone a surgical weight loss procedure, you will initially notice significant changes over a short period of time, for the initial year at least. But then, the tendency is to take the weight loss for granted and to possibly slip back into old eating and lifestyle habits. After 2 years, often weight loss slows and even some weight can return. Fluctuations are common, so it is helpful to chart your progress. |
Charting as a Visual Aid To achieve positive long term goals and continued success, it is important to keep some sort of visual record of your progress so that you can refer to something other then you own reflection to gauge your actual results The graphs below demonstrate the 4 to 5 year weight loss curve typically experienced by patients who undergo a Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass. Charting your progress enables you to have a quantifiable visual touchstone for observing your long term progress and is essential in making necessary adjustments to your diet, exercise and lifestyle choices. Dr. Nowaradan and his clinical staff are always eager to guide you through your particular best post-surgical practice. |
|||
 |
 |
|||
| Unique Weight Loss Curves Lap Band patients typically lose 1-2 pounds per week consistently, but heavier patients often lose faster in the beginning. This comes to roughly 45 – 100 pounds the first year for most band patients. It is important to keep in mind that while most of the Roux-en Y patients drop the weight faster in the beginning, Lap Band patients may have the same percentage of excess weight loss and comparable ability to keep it off after only a couple of years. Gastric banding patients may have to work a little harder in the first couple of years, but the procedure tends to encourage better eating habits which, in turn, helps in producing long term weight stability. However, without behavior modification, including improved eating habits and increased exercise, weight regain is common after 18 -24 months with the Lap Band system. |
The Sleeve Gastrectomy, while medically most appropriate for some patients, especially as the first of a 2-stage strategy for those who are extremely obese, the Sleeve Gastrectomy alone has the potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is possible for all procedures, it is more common with those that do not involve an intestinal bypass. Certain foods, such as ice cream, milk shakes etc can still be absorbed and may slow weight gain. Behavior modification is critical in achieving success with the Gastric Sleeve; therefore, charting your progress can be a valuable visual aid in recording your success and adjusting your behavior.
Suggested Charting Techniques |
|||
   |
||||
 |
|
|||
 Back to Support Groups Page of "Outreach" Section |
Forward to Physician Follow-Up Page of "Outreach" Section |
