Rule 4: Do not drink while you are eating

The lap band operation can work only if you eat solid food. If you drink at mealtimes, the food you have eaten becomes liquid. Then the effectiveness of the lap band is greatly reduced. You should not drink anything for one to two hours after a meal. That way you can keep the feeling of fullness as long as possible.

Rule 5: Do not eat between meals

After a meal do not eat anything else until the next meal. Eating snacks between meals is one of the major reasons for weight loss failure. It is very important to break this habit.

Rule 6: Eat only good quality foods

With the lap band in place, you should be able to eat only a small amount. So the food you eat should be as healthy as possible. Do not fill your small stomach pouch with "junk" food that lacks vitamins and other important nutrients. Your meals should be high in protein and vitamins. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, and cereals are good foods to choose. Foods high in fat and sugar are not. You may eat apples and oranges, but try to avoid orange juice and apple juice. Ask your lap band doctor or dietitian before you take any vitamin supplements.

Note: Solid food is more important than liquid food. The lap band will have little or no effect if you eat only liquid food. Liquid food passes through the stomach outlet very quickly and does not make you feel full.

Rule 7: Avoid fibrous food

Food such as asparagus that contains many fibers can block the stoma. That's because you can't chew this food well enough to break it up into small pieces and your saliva can't break it down. Fibrous food should be avoided. If you would like to eat asparagus or other fibrous foods once in a while, then you must be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces first and then chew thoroughly.

Rule 8: Drink enough fluids during the day

You will need to drink large amounts of liquid every day in order to urinate more and excrete these waste products from your body. Individual needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. Remember: you should only drink water, tea, or coffee (without milk or cream and sugar). Also keep your food and drinks completely separate during the day.

Rule 9: Drink only low-calorie liquids

Drinks including those containing calories simply run through the narrow outlet created by the lap band. If you drink liquids high in calories, you will lose little weight, even if you otherwise follow your diet.

Rule 10: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day

Since physical exercise consumes energy and bums calories, it is very important to successful weight loss. Exercise can help improve your general health. Your size may make it hard for you to exercise as much as you should. But get started, even if it is a little at first. The more weight you lose, the easier it should get. Start with simple exercises, such as walking and swimming. Gradually expand your program to include more vigorous forms of exercise such as cycling, jogging, and aerobics.

Increase your activity level in the course of daily living. For example stand rather than sit, walk rather than stand, be outside rather than inside, walk rather than drive, climb the stairs rather than use the elevator, etc. Always check with your lap band doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you.

Note: Although these rules restrict your food intake and the types of food you are able to eat, make sure to keep your diet as varied and balanced as possible.