Lap-Band surgery, also known as laparoscopic band surgery or adjustable gastric band surgery, is a procedure that is approved for some obese and overweight patients to lose weight. An adjustable band is placed over the top area of the stomach, which can be tightened and loosened depending on the patient's weight loss needs. After the surgery, eating habits must change significantly in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Step 1
Suck on ice or take very small sips of water if you are thirsty the night after surgery. You should not eat anything that night, to allow the stomach to heal and to prevent vomiting, which could tear the gastric band.
Step 2
Drink clear, thin liquids for the first two weeks after surgery. These liquids may include clear broth, like chicken broth, vegetable broth or beef broth, sugar-free popsicles, skim milk and juice. Soup broth cannot contain noodles or vegetables.
Step 3
Eat food the consistency of baby food during weeks three and four after gastric band surgery. Mashed potatoes, mashed peas, pudding and yogurt are good choices for these two weeks. Puree chicken and white fish without the skin, which will make it soft enough to consume.
Step 4
Continue to eat soft foods during week five, but add in ground turkey and fish, which no longer needs to be pureed. Chew your food slowly and very carefully to prevent vomiting and stomach upset.
Step 5
Eat any healthy foods in moderation during week six and throughout the life of your lap band. Avoid soda, grapes, corn and popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, pineapple, seeds, asparagus and rhubarb. Your doctor will give you a list of other foods to avoid.
Tips and Warnings
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full to prevent vomiting.
Things You'll Need
- Broth
- Sugar-free popsicles
- Juice
- Skim milk
- Pureed fish and chicken
- Ground turkey
- Fish
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