The average weight loss goal of Gastric By-Pass surgery is 80% of the excess weight in 1 year.  The average weight loss goal with the Lap-Band is 50-60% of the excess weight lost in 2 years.

The end result of gastric bypass surgery is that you will always continue to require only small portions of food, and will eventually be able to tolerate all types of food.

Remember the weight loss you achieve is really in your hands no matter what type of surgery you choose.

There is no painless way to "melt" the pounds away.

Always follow the low fat, high fiber, and low sugar/sugar free eating pattern given by the Dietitian for success.

Overeating or consuming the wrong foods can stretch out the pouch over time allowing the pouch to hold larger amounts of food leading to weight re-gain.  It will also cause vomiting and can lead to Lap-Band slips.

It will be imperative to choose foods wisely emphasizing protein since your stomach will initially be the size of an egg.  This will help maintain optimal nutrition status, and prevent malnutrition

The quantity of food that you will be able to consume after surgery will be changed dramatically by the surgery.  You will be initially eating 1/3-1/4 cup of food at a time.

This is an individual/learning process for each patient.  It will take approximately six months before you can tolerate all types of foods, especially meats

Lap-Band patients never tolerate thick meats and thick breads as long as they are adjusted properly.

There may be foods that won't appeal to you after surgery and/or foods that you may not tolerate. This occurs on an individual basis.

Taste changes may occur after surgery.  Some people experience a "bad taste" in their mouth during the first month after surgery.  This is normal and should resolve within a few weeks.

You will not become protein malnourished in two weeks; your protein stores will cover you.

It is very important to follow the eating pattern prior to surgery for weight loss and to build up protein stores prior to the surgery.

Protein will help the healing process after surgery.

Patients must exercise regularly to maximize weight loss and maintain weight loss long-term.

Eating healthy alone does not cause continued weight loss.

It is important to have a good support system for motivation while adopting new lifestyle habits.