The lap band is a gastric banding device that is used as a weight loss aid to help combat obesity. This device is positioned around the stomach to decrease the size of the usable stomach pouch. It can be inflated or deflated as needed to accommodate the needs of the patient. Once this device is in place, a strict diet must be followed to maximize the weight loss.
Purpose
After having the lap band device put into place, your stomach needs a chance to heal and adjust. If you follow the gradual progression of the lap band diet from all liquid foods to solid foods, your stomach has time to heal. Additionally, this diet allows you to get accustomed to your new eating habits without any risk of stretching your new stomach pouch.
Stages
The lap band diet moves you slowly through four phases. In the first phase, you are allowed only liquids like broth, juice and Popsicles. Follow this phase for approximately one to two weeks. From there, progress to eating pureed foods that have the consistency of baby food. This phase also lasts one to two weeks. The third phase is the soft foods phase. During this phase, you'll eat foods that can be easily mashed with a fork, such as mashed potatoes or soft fish. This phase lasts approximately one week. The final phase of the diet is the eating plan you follow for life. It includes solid foods like chicken breasts and cooked vegetables.
Off Limits Foods
Once you have the lap band surgery, there are certain foods you shouldn't eat because they may not pass properly through your digestive system. Nuts, seeds, popcorn and stringy fruits and vegetables are all off limits. Corn, dried fruits and vegetables, hard-to-chew meats, pineapple and carbonated vegetables are also forbidden. Also refrain from eating any high calorie or high fat foods.
Warning
Because of the diet you follow after lap band placement, you are at risk for certain conditions associated with this procedure. Malnutrition, dumping and blockage are the three most common. To combat malnutrition, your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements. To minimize the risk of dumping, which occurs when food moves too fast through your stomach, you shouldn't drink anything for 30 minutes before or after eating. Blockage is most likely to occur when you eat forbidden foods or if you don't chew your food thoroughly.
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