Nutrition after lap-band surgery is important to recovery and to prevent complications. Laparoscopic gastric banding is a bariatric procedure to treat obesity. Lap-band surgery has been available in the United States since 2001 and has been used worldwide since the mid 1990's. A medical device is placed around the stomach to reduce its size. The reduction in food intake leads to weight loss. Recovery is faster than it is with other bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass.
Day One
Your doctor will discharge you on a clear liquid only diet. Your doctor will recommend a high protein drink. You can choose high protein, nutrient-drinks specifically designed for bariatric patients and available at your pharmacy, or purchase alternatives at your grocer. Drink 60 g to 70 g of protein per day. Along with your high protein liquids, drink broth, apple juice and herbal tea. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages. Drink 6 oz. to 8 oz. of water per day, between meals.
First Two Weeks
Transition to an expanded liquid diet as soon as you can tolerate thicker liquids. Drink skim milk and tomato juice, which are good source of liquid protein for lap-band patients. Drink soy milk if you are lactose intolerant. Drink cream soups and yogurt at least twice a day. Use a scoop of protein powder in your soups if you find it challenging to meet your daily protein goal. Drink unsweetened fruit juices, such as pomegranate and cranberry.
Two to Four Weeks
When you can tolerate it, transition to blended food. If you find blended food hard to swallow, or difficult to keep down, you may not be ready for solid foods, or may have an obstruction. Your doctor will help determine when you are ready to transition. Eat applesauce, pudding and cream soups. Use your blender to puree casseroles, meats and vegetables.
Fifth Week
About the fifth week after surgery, you are generally ready to transition to solid food. Transition to solid foods, only when your doctor permits. Transitioning to solid foods before you are ready increases your risk dislocating the band and developing a large upper gastric pouch. Once on solid foods, eat 1 oz. to 1.5 oz. of food at a time. Beef chunks are often difficult to swallow at this stage, eat ground beef if instead. Eat vegetables and fruit and limit alcoholic beverages.
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