Gastric band is a form of weight loss surgery that is becoming more common. Gastric band surgery is less invasive than some other weight loss surgery options, making it a more popular option. But just like other weight loss surgery options, gastric band has numerous dietary restrictions to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals and maintain their health.
What is Gastric Band Surgery?
Gastric band surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that restricts the amount of food an individual can consume. In gastric band surgery, according to the Obesity Action Coalition, a band is placed around the top portion of the stomach dividing the stomach into two parts. The band is adjusted at regular intervals to help increase the feeling of satiety. The adjustments are performed by injecting a saline solution into a port that is connected to the band and placed under the skin in the abdominal region. Once the band is placed and adjustments are made, individuals will start to lose weight. The average weight loss for gastric band patients is 35 to 55 percent of excess weight.
Dietary Restrictions
After the gastric band is placed, there are certain dietary restrictions that patients must follow in order to achieve their goals. The University of California at San Diego's Center for the Treatment of the Obesity says foods to avoid includes dried fruits, nuts, seeds, celery, asparagus, pineapple, corn, popcorn, carbonated beverages and any high-calorie foods or beverages. Carbonated beverages can cause excess gas in the new smaller stomach, thus causing discomfort. High-calorie foods and beverages are detrimental to weight loss effort. All the other foods listed are difficult to digest making them more difficult to pass through the small opening between the new pouch and the rest of the stomach. For gastric band patients, sugar consumption does not cause problems, therefore dietary choices have to be more disciplined.
Importance of Dietary Progression
Gastric band patients have a specific progression to follow once they have had surgery. It is important realize that each individual surgeon and weight loss center may have their own specific guidelines to follow. Following the diet progression is essential to allow the stomach to heal and become used to the band.
Dietary Progression
Lap-Band, the original gastric band, provides potential gastric band patients with general guidelines. Most patients will be on a liquid diet for at least one to two weeks after surgery. This includes broth, sugar-free Popsicles, sugar-free gelatin and milk. For the next few weeks after surgery, the diet progresses to pureed foods. In this phase, food is the texture of baby food, such as pureed meat, sugar-free pudding and cream-based soups. At this point, patients will start following the guideline to eat protein first and then finish with fruits and vegetables. Around four to six weeks after surgery, patients are finally allowed to eat solid food, but only soft solid foods, such as very tender cooked meats, ground meats, very tender cooked vegetables and soft fruits. After six weeks, most patients can tolerate most foods, but in smaller portions.
Final Considerations
Once patients reach around six weeks after surgery, most foods can be worked into their meal plan. But patients must keep a few key components in mind. The University of California at San Diego Center for the Treatment of Obesity lists these components as the 10 rules to follow to achieve the best results after surgery. Keep meals to three small meals per day. The size of the new stomach is only about 2 oz. Overeating can cause the new stomach to stretch and possibly move the band. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and stop eating as soon as you even think you are feeling full. Do not drink while you are eating. Eat protein first and only choose high-quality foods. Do not drink high-calorie beverages. Avoid fibrous foods. Unless otherwise instructed, do not eat between meals. Exercise at least 30 minutes per day.
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