Lap band surgery, and other types of weight loss surgery, often appear to be an easy way to weight loss. The truth is that lap band surgery, as well as other kinds of weight loss surgery, are not the easy way to lose weight. The most important thing anyone considering getting the lap band, or any other weight loss surgery procedure, should understand is that these surgeries are not "magic," they are a tool that you can use to make losing weight easier.

If you want to lose weight permanently and safely, you must follow the instructions your surgeon gives you for eating after getting the lap band. How do I know? I had lap band surgery over 5 years ago. First I lost 90 pounds pretty quickly, unfortunately I regained almost all of my weight loss when a personal tragedy happened and I discovered how easily I could consume things like ice cream and chocolate.

Right now I'm, thankfully, on track with losing weight again -- partially due to having 9 teeth out and not replacing them yet. So now that I have only two teeth that I can chew with, I'm forced to take the small, well-chewed, bites of food that I was prescribed following lap band surgery. The weight is coming off slowly this time, and perhaps when I reach my goal weight I'll consider replacing the lost "chewing" teeth with implants or partials.

One of the most important things I've learned during my weight loss battle, is that exercise plays a key role in successful weight loss. In my opinion, regular exercise is almost more important than the food you eat. For many women, the thought of exercising is overwhelming, but no matter how overweight and out of shape you are, you can exercise. If twenties minutes of walking is too hard in the beginning, start with just five or ten minutes -- the important thing is that you make the effort, soon you'll be able to increase the time and effort you put  into your exercise routine.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?

Tips For Starting An Exercise Plan

Lap Band Makes Weight Loss Easy originally appeared on About.com Women's Health on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 13:56:59.

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