• If you don't feel hungry for breakfast, or if your band feels tight first thing in the morning, you do not have to eat breakfast. Hot coffee or tea seems to help loosen your pouch...so drink something warm.
• Set a clock if you have to remember to eat.
• Protein shakes are not recommended by Dr. Simpson, because Lap-band only works with real, solid foods.
• He says to make sure you measure your food.
• Twice a day you should get in 4 ounces of protein food and 6 ounces of veggies or fruit (preferably veggies)
• Make sure all food is chewed well and is taken in very small bites. He suggests a cocktail fork, a salad fork or chop sticks. No food should be larger than a the tongs of the fork or larger than your pinkie fingernail. Use a small plate.
• No bread, pasta, rice, or nuts, except walnuts. (avoiding foods that are sticky or tend to swell)
• Never reheat meats of any kind. Reheating tends to dry out meat or make it too dense. Remember small, slow and easy. (the podcast are great learning tools)

For more information, free online newsletters, videos, podcast and more visit Dr. Simpson at www.southwestweightloss.com.