What Can I Eat On A Clear Liquid Diet After Lap Band Surgery?

The FDA approved the LAP-BAND System, used in adjustable gastric banding procedures for weight loss, in June 2001. As of 2011, more than 500,000 LAP-BAND Systems have been sold throughout the world. For the first 8 to 10 weeks following LAP-BAND surgery, patients progress slowly from a clear liquid diet to regular food to allow their bodies to adjust and heal.

Lap Band Surgery

Bariatric surgeons perform LAP-BAND surgery through small abdominal incisions using special instruments and a tiny video camera. This minimally invasive surgery involves looping a silastic band around the upper stomach to restrict the amount of food the patient can eat at one sitting. The system includes an access port that is placed near the skin to allow the surgeon to adjust the band after surgery by adding or removing saline -- sterile salt water -- through the port. Inflating the band narrows the opening to the stomach, making it more difficult to eat, while deflating the band makes eating easier.

Diet Progression

To allow the body to heal after surgery, weight loss surgeons instruct their patients to follow a four-stage dietary progression. The clear liquid phase generally lasts for the first 1 to 2 days, followed by the full liquid phase for 10 to 14 days. The patient then eats pureed foods for 10 to 14 days, followed by soft foods for 14 days before beginning a regular diet. Patients should follow the specific instructions of their bariatric surgeons, which may vary somewhat.

Clear Liquid Guidelines

Clear liquids include non-dairy fluids that leave minimal residue in the digestive tract, as well as clear solids that become liquid at body temperature. After LAP-BAND surgery, choose artificially sweetened liquids instead of sugary beverages to facilitate weight loss. Surgeons also recommend avoiding liquids containing caffeine and carbonation that may cause the pouch to form ulcers or stretch due to expanding gas. Drinking at least 64 oz. of fluids daily will prevent dehydration, but a clear liquid diet does not provide adequate nutrition so patients should add protein supplements if the diet continues beyond 24 to 48 hours, according to a report in the September 2008 issue of "Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases."

Clear Liquid Choices

Cold sugar-free, caffeine-free clear liquids appropriate for LAP-BAND patients include water, commercial sugar-free diet teas, lemonade and fruit drinks. For variety, include hot liquids such as herbal tea, caffeine-free coffee and clear broth -- beef, chicken, vegetarian or ham -- as well as clear liquid solids, such as sugar-free gelatin and sugar-free popsicles without added fruit. Clear protein supplements are also appropriate for this phase.