First introduced in 1978, gastric banding procedures use a silastic band to limit food intake and make the patient feel full sooner, according to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two brands of gastric bands: the LAP-BAND in 2001 and the Realize band in 2007. Although banding provides a tool for severely obese patients, long-term weight loss success requires permanent lifestyle and dietary changes.
Gastric Banding
To perform laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, also called LAGB, the surgeon inserts a tiny video camera and special instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen. She loops a hollow silastic band around the upper portion of the stomach to create an egg-sized pouch that limits the amount of food the person can eat in one sitting. After an initial recovery period, the patient returns periodically to the surgeon's office for band adjustments. Injecting sterile solution into the lining of the band tightens it, making it more difficult to eat, while withdrawing solution loosens the band. Finding the optimal restriction may take several attempts over several months.
Vitamins and Minerals
Unlike the gastric bypass and other malabsorptive procedures, gastric banding does not reroute the digestive system or block absorption of calories and other nutrients. However, gastric banding patients may also experience nutritional deficiencies, especially with vitamins A, D, B complex, and calcium, says Linda Aills, R.D., lead researcher in a study published in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases." Deficiencies occur because of limited intake, poor eating behaviors, food intolerances and loss of appetite. Unless otherwise instructed, if you undergo gastric banding you may expect to take daily supplements for the rest of your life, including one multivitamin; 1,000 mg calcium citrate with vitamin D; and vitamin B complex, according to the University of Wisconsin.
Protein
After gastric banding surgery, you will need more protein -- at least 60 to 80 g per day -- than you needed before the procedure, says Aills. Although protein deficiency rarely occurs with gastric banding, you must ensure that you meet your daily protein goals to ensure that you do not lose lean muscle mass instead of fat. Protein shakes help to boost protein intake until you can eat enough meat, fish, poultry, eggs and low-fat dairy products to meet your needs.
Diet Progression
To allow your body time to heal after surgery, expect to be limited to only fluids for the first 10 to 14 days after surgery, says Aills. Although surgeons' guidelines vary somewhat, most restrict patients to clear liquids -- water, sugar-free gelatin, apple juice, broth, herbal tea or Popsicles -- for the first day or two. The next stage, called full liquids, includes strained cream soup, creamy hot cereals, sugar-free puddings, artificially sweetened yogurt and nonfat milk. A pureed diet follows for the next 10 days, during which you may eat fruits, vegetables, meat and fish blended to the consistency of applesauce. The next stage, a soft diet, continues for 14 days and includes ground or chopped meat, fresh fruit, cooked vegetables and grains. Finally, at six to 8 weeks after surgery, you will begin eating a regular, high-protein, low-fat and low-sugar diet.
Long-Term Diet
For long-term weight loss success, learn portion control and pouch-friendly eating habits to ensure that you feel full without consuming empty calories. After the initial recovery period, eat three small meals of solid foods each day with no snacks in between. Do not drink fluids immediately before, during or immediately after meals as the food you have eaten will wash through your stomach and you will feel hungry again. Eat protein-rich foods first during each meal, followed by small amounts of vegetables, fruits and grains. Avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, including sugary desserts, fried foods, fatty meats, starchy foods, and drinks such as alcoholic beverages, whole milk, milkshakes and fruit juices, according to the LAP-BAND website. Many gastric banding patients find certain foods difficult to digest, so try fibrous vegetables and fruits -- celery, corn, asparagus, oranges, pineapples and sweet potatoes -- in small bites or avoid them altogether. Follow the same approach for popcorn, nuts, seeds and tough meats, including pork chops, steak and hamburger.
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