Your doctor may recommend Lap Band surgery if you are obese. Lap Band, or gastric band, is a type of weight-loss surgery that can help decrease your body mass. After surgery, you should avoid certain types of foods and control your calorie intake. Your surgeon can give you the best advice for your specific situation.
Function of the Lap Band
The surgery involves placing an inflatable band around the upper portion of the stomach. It restricts the amount of food you can eat at one time. You will lose weight by having a decreased appetite and restricting the amount of food that can fit in your stomach. The surgery is reversible, and your doctor can adjust the band as needed. You need to follow a restricted diet after surgery. Some foods need to be limited or avoided.
Beverages
Consuming the wrong types of beverages may cause your weight loss to decrease or plateau with a gastric band. Carbonated beverages and soft drinks may irritate your stomach and should be avoided. They also contain calories but do not offer vitamins or minerals. Avoid high-calorie milkshakes, fruit juices and full-fat milk. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol breaks down vitamins that your body needs for everyday functions.
Produce
Certain types of fruits and vegetables may cause distress to your digestive tract with a gastric band. According to the University of California San Diego Medical Center, you should avoid corn, celery, oranges, asparagus, pineapple, rhubarb and grapes. These foods have fibrous parts that your body cannot break down, and they may get stuck in the stoma, or stomach opening. Avoid high-fiber dried fruits. Do not eat dried apricots, apples, pineapple or prunes.
Processed Foods
Avoid processed foods that provide many calories but no real nutrition. Exclude candy, cookies, ice cream, cake and pastries from your diet. These types of foods decrease your rate of weight loss. Do not use honey, syrup, jelly or jam. These toppings are full of empty calories. Replace white processed foods, such as white bread, pasta and rice with whole grain or wheat varieties. Do not eat popcorn, since it is too difficult to digest.
Fatty Foods
High-protein fatty meats can be difficult for your body to digest with a gastric band. Avoid tough steaks, pork chops and hamburger meat. Nuts and seeds provide a high amount of fat and calories, which may adversely affect your weight-loss goals. They can also get jammed in the stoma and cause problems with the band.
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