Before your Lap-Band surgery, your doctor will likely place you on a special nutritional program designed to help prepare your body for surgery and ease your recovery period. Adhering to your doctor's recommendations during this period will also help prepare you for the restricted diet you will have to follow for several weeks after your surgery.
Purpose
Your pre-surgery diet will help prepare your body for surgery by helping you lose weight, shrinking your liver and reducing the risk of bleeding or other complications during your surgery, notes the University of San Diego Medical Center. The diet also serves to protect your muscle tissue during and after surgery so your body can burn fat more effectively.
Nutritional Counseling
Some surgical centers or insurance plans may also require nutritional counseling as part of your preparation for surgery. Nutritional counseling will teach you how to cook healthy meals and help prepare you for the nutritional needs specific to weight-loss surgery patients. You will learn about the importance of protein in your diet, supplements and vitamins recommended for Lap-Band patients and how much fluid you need daily to stay hydrated.
Pre-Surgery Diet
Your pre-surgery diet may consist of high-protein foods and reduced levels of calories, fats and carbohydrates. According to the website Lapband.us, your pre-surgery diet may include yogurt, eggs, fruit, cereal, lean meats and vegetables. Your doctor may also ask you to take protein supplements. You will need to limit or eliminate your intake of bread, pasta, high-sugar foods, fats, fried foods and high-calorie beverages.
Day of Surgery
Because you will be placed under general anesthesia for your surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. If you need to take any medication, do so with a small sip of water. Check with your doctor before surgery to find out which medications or supplements you should take.
Considerations
Before surgery, you will also need to quit smoking and drinking carbonated beverages, such as soda and beer. Your doctor may ask you to quit taking aspirin or any medications that thin the blood and prevent clotting. Your doctor may also ask you to start an exercise program in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Establishing a regular exercise routine before surgery will make it easier for you to continue the habit after your recovery period.
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