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With all the benefits that bariatric surgery brings, there are also some side effects. These side effects may include vitamin or mineral deficiency, as well as some uncommon conditions, like metallic bone disease, osteoporosis, and/or anemia. For most bariatric surgeries, taking vitamins and supplements can help deter these side effects, but those supplement routines can get expensive quickly.

However, if you choose the Lap-Band® procedure, the risk of vitamin and nutritional deficiencies is greatly lessened.

Malabsorption and Supplements After Bariatric Surgery

Malabsorption occurs when your body is unable to properly absorb nutrients from food. Bariatric surgeries like the gastric bypass change the way your body absorbs nutrients, which can lead to deficiencies.

Whether or not you’ll require daily supplements depends entirely upon the bariatric surgery you decide to get. If you do not want to take a variety of  vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life, then the Lap-Band procedure is perfect for you. During the Lap-Band procedure there is no cutting, rerouting, or removal of your stomach or digestive tract, meaning malabsorption isn’t an issue.

The Lap-Band surgery limits the amount of food that patients consume by placing an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach. While malabsorption isn’t an issue, the amount of food your stomach can hold is reduced, meaning you have less opportunity to absorb the proper nutrients. This can be remedied by taking a complete daily multivitamin. Expensive supplements, like the ones recommended after other bariatric surgeries, are typically not needed after the Lap-Band procedure.

At Illinois Bariatrics, we provide the highest quality care to all of our bariatric patients. If you’re considering a surgical weight-loss procedure, learn more about why the Lap-Band may be right for you.

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Without realizing it, you may be subconsciously influenced to eat certain things or at certain times, whether you’re hungry or not. These subconscious triggers are called food cues, and unmanaged, they can prevent your weight-loss success with the Lap-Band.

What are Food Cues?

Food cues are the subconscious associations we make with our food, usually formed through memory and habit. These triggers trip our body’s urge to eat, whether hungry or not, and they can lead to mindless or bored eating if not reigned in.

In some cases, these triggers are visual, like a commercial for food or a billboard advertising treats at a fast food restaurant . Food cues can also be auditory cues: the jingles of restaurants or the sound of food cooking. Our sense of smell is the strongest sense tied to memory, which is why it also creates the strongest food cues—think of the smell of fresh fries or a grilling burger. Even our memories can create food cues, like the meal of a first date or the traditional snacks you eat when hanging out with friends or family.

Understanding Food Cues

An important part of achieving healthy, lasting weight loss with the Lap-Band is understanding your personal food cues. Pay attention to your triggers. When you feel the urge to eat, ask yourself: “Do I really feel hungry?” If the answer is no, try to identify what the trigger was. Understanding and identifying your food cues will make them easier to recognize and resist, stopping mindless eating in its tracks.

Food Cues vs. Hunger Cues

It’s important to remember that food cues are external. When it comes to determining if you’re hungry, pay attention to the internal instead. Your body’s physical signs of hunger are the best way to tell if you’re hungry or being tricked by a food cue.

Many people who struggle with obesity find themselves out of touch with the physical signs of hunger. Reconnecting with your hunger cues can be a valuable tool during your weight-loss journey. Look for:

• “Growling” stomach
• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Shakiness

For any weight-loss journey, examining unhealthy relationships with food is a must. The Lap-Band Program is more than just the procedure—we also aim to help our patients build healthy habits that will serve them during their weight-loss journey and beyond. To learn more about the Lap-Band Program and the qualifications for surgery, visit the Illinois Bariatric Center website.

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What is an Adjustable Gastric Band?

The Lap-Band, an adjustable gastric band, is placed via minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. During surgery, a doctor places the band around the stomach—limiting the amount of food you can consume. The band is fully adjustable by accessing a port just beneath the skin. This port allows you to work closely with your medical team to create a weight-loss experience tailored to your needs.

The Lap-Band is also fully removable because it doesn’t rely on partial amputation of the stomach or intestines. Weight-loss surgery isn’t the only aspect of the Lap-Band Program. After surgery, the program will also work with you to establish long-term diet and exercise habits to support your weight loss. Even if you know all about gastric banding, you may not know who qualifies for an adjustable gastric band.

Who Benefits from Weight-Loss Surgery?

The Lap-Band is a proven method for weight loss, with more than 1,000,000 patients worldwide benefiting from this treatment. Adjustable gastric banding is recommended for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or a BMI of 30 with one or more related comorbidities. If you want to lose weight and improve your health, the best place to get started is by contacting a Lap-Band specialist.

Working With a Lap-Band Specialist

Illinois Bariatric Center offers patients the Lap-Band Program. With the help from our staff, you can experience a gradual and sustainable way to lose weight. In addition, the program will help you cultivate a healthier lifestyle with exercise and healthy eating. To get started with the Lap-Band, contact us today.

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