Lap-Banding is a form of weight-loss surgery that has grown in popularity since the FDA first approved use of the device in 2001. According to the New York Times, gastric banding carries a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies than other types of weight-loss surgery, and 80 percent of patients who undergo the surgery experience some degree of weight loss. Though a Lap-Band may make it easier for people to lose weight, significant dietary changes are necessary to help your body work with the device and achieve the results you want.
About Lap Band
The trademarked name Lap-Band is commonly used to refer to a procedure known as adjustable gastric banding, in which a surgeon places a flexible silicone device around the upper portion of the stomach. This device creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach, which limits your food intake. Your doctor can adjust the band via a port located underneath the skin of your abdomen.
Post-Surgical Diet
Adjustable gastric banding is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, but it takes several weeks for your body to heal and for your stomach to adjust to the presence of the device. For the first one to two weeks following surgery, you will be limited to thin liquids such as broth and fruit juice. Over the course of the next five weeks, you can gradually progress to solid foods.
Suggested Foods
As you progress to solid foods, choose tender cooked foods that are high in protein, such as ground turkey, eggs or fish. MedlinePlus recommends eating mostly protein, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Eat small meals and stop eating as soon as you feel full.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods may be difficult to digest or cause gastrointestinal distress with your Lap-Band. You may find it helpful to keep a food diary and observe your reactions to certain foods to determine the best diet for you. Foods to avoid include dried fruit, carbonated beverages, corn, popcorn, nuts and seeds, grapes, asparagus and pineapple. Avoid junk food and anything containing high amounts of fat, sugar or carbohydrates. Also avoid fibrous foods such as celery or kale, which may be difficult to chew thoroughly.
Considerations
Cut your food into small pieces and chew thoroughly. According to the University of California San Diego Medical Center, your new stomach opening is roughly the size of a dime, and too much food or large pieces of food can cause an obstruction. Do not drink during meals, as liquids may flush foods through the stomach opening, which will impede the band's ability to restrict your food intake.
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