Lap-Band surgery or laparoscopic adjustable gastric binding (LAGB) is a surgical weight-loss treatment for obesity. An inflatable gastric band is placed around the upper portion of the opening to the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch that restricts the amount of food able to be consumed, resulting in weight loss. Lap-band nutrition is important to ensure that the stomach does not stretch after the surgery and that the patient gets enough vitamins and minerals, according to the UCSD Medical Center.
Post-Surgery
Nutrition right after surgery involves a diet of sipping water and sucking on ice cubes. During the first seven days following the surgery, a diet consisting of clear liquids can be consumed, such as chicken, beef or vegetable broths and diluted fruit juices. Healing the stomach is the primary concern after surgery, not how many calories are being consumed.
One to Two Weeks Post-Surgery
During the first few weeks after surgery, the stomach needs to heal and you will only be allowed to drink liquids like clear broth or soup, skim milk, fruit juice and sugar-free popsicles. A prescription or commercial liquid diet product may be taken depending upon your doctor's orders to make sure you are getting at least 24 g of protein in. Taking a chewable multivitamin and Tums or Viactiv for calcium is recommended to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Three to Four Weeks Post-Surgery
Eating puréed and soft foods during weeks 3 and 4 after surgery helps in the transition to solid foods. Foods like low-fat yogurts and puddings, mashed potatoes, peas and puréed skinless chicken breast and chicken can be eaten. Two times per day a regular multivitamin can be swallowed, along with Citracal-D for calcium and vitamin D, and an iron supplement if you are a woman.
Five to Six Weeks Post-Surgery
Soft, tender foods can be eaten five to six weeks after the surgery. Foods like fish, ground chicken or turkey. Red meat may cause stomach upset or vomiting due to the higher fat content and should be avoided at this time. If solid foods cause vomiting or nausea, the liquid diet should be resumed. Vitamins and minerals should be continued to be taken regularly.
Long-term
After eating soft, tender foods with no problems for a couple of weeks 1/4 cup of solid food can be consumed per meal. Food must be thoroughly chewed to avoid blocking the stomach pouch outlet, according to the UCSD Medical Center. Calorie intake should be between 600 and 800 calories per day and taking your multivitamins and minerals each day should be continued. A typical long-term diet for lap-band patients consists of to two servings of fresh fruit, two to three servings of fresh vegetables, one to two small servings of breads or cereals, no more than 2 ounces of meat, fish, chicken or eggs each day, two cups of liquid milk or yogurt, and 3 to 4 tsp. of butter and oils.
Foods to Avoid
No caffeine is allowed for the first three months after surgery and carbonated drinks should be avoided to reduce bloating and gas. Pasta, rice, bread, raw vegetables, red meats and dry or sticky foods may cause pain or discomfort and should be limited or completely avoided, according to Lap-Band for Life.
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