For some people who are severely overweight, traditional diets and exercise do not bring about the necessary weight loss to avoid the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects of the condition. Lap-Band surgery -- where an adjustable band is placed around the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch -- can assist with significant weight loss when combined with proper diet. You have to follow a dietary progression after the surgery to allow your stomach to heal as well as change your habits over the long term to facilitate weight loss and healthy eating.
Clear Liquids After Surgery
You can generally start clear liquids one day after the Lap-Band procedure. You have to watch the amount of fluid that you drink at one time to avoid vomiting and discomfort from stretching your stomach pouch. You can drink anything that is liquid, at room temperature and clear during this phase of your recovery. Examples of acceptable foods include water, sugar-free ice pops, sugar-free gelatin dessert and clear broths. You should avoid carbonated drinks and straws because they can lead to abdominal discomfort; your surgeon will tell you when to advance your diet to the next phase.
Full Liquids
Your surgeon may advance you to full liquids anywhere from a few days to two weeks after the Lap-Band procedure. Consuming adequate protein is key during this portion of your recovery; your body needs protein to function and to heal. Low-fat creamed soups, low-fat milk, instant breakfast powders and protein drinks are good sources of protein; you can also drink fruit juice, coffee and tea at this time. You still have to be careful about the amount of fruit juice you drink because these beverages can add extra calories that may interference with your weight loss.
Pureed Foods
After two or three weeks, you will be allowed to start soft or pureed foods which should be the consistency of baby food. Baby foods, applesauce, cream of wheat and rice, and puddings are all foods you can eat during this part of your Lap-Band recovery. You can also puree foods like vegetables and meats with milk or broth in a blender. Drinking plenty of fluids is still important during this phase but you have to drink beverages before or after meal time to avoid getting too full to eat; you also should eat the protein part of your meal first for the same reason.
Adjusted Regular Diet
As you transition into your new regular diet, you should start with soft foods first and then move on to regular foods. You can include well-cooked meats and fish in your diet, as well as well cooked vegetables and fruits. If you can tolerate these foods, you can continue to add other foods, like cooked pasta, rice, raw fruits and vegetables; you should add one new food at a time to gauge your reaction to it. Your final diet plan will include three meals each day with low-fat proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole-grain breads and cereals. Your portion sizes will be significantly smaller than the ones you consumed before the surgery. Stop eating when you feel full to maximize your weight loss.
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