Lap band surgery, also known as gastric band surgery or gastric banding, is a weight-loss surgery used for weight reduction in obese patients. During lap band surgery, a small, inflatable band is placed on the upper portion of the stomach, according to the University of California San Diego Medical Center. Gastric banding is not to be confused with stomach stapling, which portions off an area of the stomach but is unable to adjust the size of the area. A gastric band, on the other hand, can be tightened or loosened depending on the patient's weight loss goals and needs. Once you have committed to lap band surgery, there are a few lifestyle changes you must commit to in order to lose weight in a safe and healthy way.
Step 1
Begin activity immediately. When you get home from the hospital, walk around every 30 minutes, even if you don't feel like it. This will begin your exercise regimen and prevent blood clots from forming due to inactivity. Let your body tell you how much exercise to do as you are recovering, especially during the first month. Walking is good for the first few weeks, then build up to more strenuous exercises. Do not lift more than 20 lbs. the first month after lap band surgery.
Step 2
Eat according to your doctor's instructions, especially the first few weeks after surgery. The UCSD Medical Center recommends drinking only water and clear liquids approved by your doctor. For one to two weeks after surgery, eat only clear broth, like chicken or vegetable broth, fruit juice, skim milk and sugar-free popsicles. Three to four weeks after surgery, switch to very soft foods, including pureed fish and chicken with no skin, peas, mashed potatoes and yogurt. During week five, add ground turkey and fish to your diet, but chew your food very carefully.
Step 3
Stop eating when you feel full. Although gastric bands are made to be durable and strong, eating too much can stretch the band or create a stoma, or hole in the stomach. Do not count on emptying your plate every time you eat--instead, listen to the demands of your body and stop as soon as you feel full to prevent complications.
Step 4
Add weight training to your exercise routine during the second month after surgery. Ideally, you should be doing 30 minutes of exercise every day, including aerobic exercise and weight training. Your doctor will determine what exercises are safe for your health and body type, but may include walking, jogging, elliptical training, swimming and biking.
Step 5
Avoid drinking and eating at the same time. Liquid is designed to pass directly through the gastric band, while food will digest more slowly, giving you the feeling of being full without filling your entire stomach. Drinking directly after eating will flush the food out of the upper section of the stomach, making you feel the need to eat more.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid eating popcorn, seeds, grapes and pineapple after having lap band surgery.
- Consult your doctor before going on any type of unapproved diet or exercise plan.
Things You'll Need
- Broth
- Fruit juice
- Skim milk
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Peas
- Mashed potatoes
- Pureed chicken and fish
- Solid fish
- Ground turkey
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