The Lap-Band gastric banding procedure diet is a diet that works to slowly introduce foods back into the diet following the gastric banding procedure. As a patient progresses through the diet, he is slowly introduced to the new eating habits that he will follow for the rest of his life. Even if the patient decides to fully deflate the Lap-Band and stop using it, the eating habits he learned while on the Lap-Band diet may help him to maintain a healthy weight.
Purpose
The purpose of the diet after the Lap-Band procedure is to allow the stomach to heal and adjust to the Lap-Band device. By gradually moving from clear liquids to a healthy, permanent diet, the stomach is provided time to make these adjustments and the body is allowed to adjust to the new diet.
Time Frame
There are four phases in Lap-Band post surgical diet. The time frames for each phase are general guidelines and may be altered depending on a patient's individual needs. Phase one, or the liquid diet, encompasses the first two weeks after band placement. Phase two, or a pureed food diet, is followed during weeks three and four. Soft foods are slowly added to the diet during week five. Starting with week six post-op, the permanent diet is followed. After Lap-Band adjustments, these phases must be followed again, but usually, the time frame for each phase is significantly reduced--sometimes by as much as 75 percent. The patient's history with the diet progression is considered when the doctor decides the post-adjustment schedule.
Components
During phase one, clear liquids such as broth, protein or meal replacement shakes, skim milk, and water are the diet's components. In phase two, pureed meats, vegetables and fruits are slowly added. In some cases, baby food is eaten during this phase. During phase three, soft cooked foods, such as fish or soft scrambled eggs are introduced. A well balanced diet of low-fat proteins, low-fat or non-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and heart healthy fats is followed during the fourth phase.
Considerations
By the time the fourth phase of the diet is reached, only three small meals will be consumed. Prior to this phase, it may be necessary to eat and/or drink more often to get the calories and nutrients needed daily. When solid foods are introduced, it is important to avoid drinking for at least 30 to 45 minutes before and after eating to avoid alleviating the full feeling and to avoid flushing the food through the stomach too quickly, notes Lap-Band.
Warning
Failing to chew food to a liquid consistency while eating may result in food getting stuck in the Lap-Band pouch. By chewing food thoroughly---at least 15 to 20 chews per bite---the stomach pouch can fill up properly and produce a feeling of being full. When the feeling of being full is noted, you must stop eating, as continuing to eat may cause nausea and vomiting. Vomiting with the Lap-Band may stretch the stomach pouch and cause complications.
Member Comments