The Lap-Band device is an adjustable band that is placed around the stomach to make the usable stomach pouch smaller. By making the stomach pouch smaller, you won't be able to eat as much as you usually do, which leads to weight loss. Before going in for your surgery, you will be required to follow the Lap-Band placement, or pre-op, diet. This is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet.
Purpose
The pre-op Lap-Band diet helps to ensure the success of the surgery while decreasing the risk of complications. The diet helps to reduce the size of the liver, which must be manipulated to properly place the Lap-Band device. Additionally, the diet will reduce the amount of abdominal fat and decrease the chance of excessive bleeding as a result of the surgery.
Time Frame
Your bariatric surgeon will take your specific medical file into account when deciding how long before the surgery you must start to follow the pre-op diet. Generally, you will follow the diet for 14 days if your body mass index is 50 or more, 10 days if your BMI is 40 to 50 and seven days if your BMI is below 40.
Types
There are two basic types of pre-op diets for Lap-Band patients: full liquid and partial liquid. The type your surgeon requires is based on your dietary needs, the amount of weight you have to lose and the specifics of your medical history. On a full-liquid diet, you will drink special drinks prescribed by your doctor without eating any solid foods. In some cases, you will be able to eat clear broth and other clear liquids as long as they are low-fat and sugar-free. A partial-liquid diet involves drinking the special drinks prescribed by your surgeon but you also are allowed to eat some regular food.
Considerations
In most cases, your surgeon will require you to start an exercise program before your surgery. You should start doing light exercises as soon as possible to get you into the habit of exercising, which is vital to your post-surgery weight-loss program. Walking short distances, swimming and water aerobics are some exercises that are easy on the joints.
Warning
To minimize the risk of complications during and after surgery, you must stop smoking and using tobacco as soon as you decide that the Lap-Band device is the right weight-loss option for you. Don't take any medications -- herbal, prescription or over-the-counter -- unless your surgeon approves, since some medications interfere with blood clotting and other factors that can affect your surgery. Additionally, you should stop drinking sugary drinks, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
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