Lap-Band surgery is a procedure used to encourage weight loss in obese individuals. The Lap-Band is placed around the top portion of the stomach, restricting the amount of food that can enter and be digested. This reduces the amount of food and calories you can consume. Following the procedure, you must follow a strict diet to ensure proper recovery and weight-loss success.
Liquid Diet
You will be require to follow a liquid diet during the first one to two weeks following Lap-Band surgery. You can consume clear liquids, such as water, clear broth and fruit juices. It's important you stay hydrated and avoid foods that have fat, such a creamy soups or meat. You can have skim milk and sugar-free juices, ice cubes or ice pops, but you should avoid heavy soups and whole milk.
Pureed Foods
You can begin to eat soft, pureed foods approximately three to four weeks after surgery. Blend foods to the consistency of baby food and include protein-rich selections as well as fruits and vegetables. Skinless chicken or fish, mashed potatoes, peas or other root vegetables, such a yams can all be prepared in a pureed version. You can also have nonfat yogurt and pudding as a light meal or snack. Protein is critical at this stage because you will have been eating a mostly liquid, low-protein diet for several weeks.
Soft Foods
You can begin to eat soft foods approximately five weeks after surgery. It is important to eat eat protein-rich foods, such as chicken or turkey in a ground form, and you should be careful to chew your food completely. You may have a harder time digesting some foods, such as red meats or fibrous vegetables, so it is important to select lighter foods that do not cause you discomfort. It is also important to eat slowly, as rapid eating can result in nausea and vomiting. In the case of an unset stomach or discomfort, you can return back to a liquid diet and slowly introduce small amounts of soft foods. Eating fresh citrus fruits and green vegetables will provide you with iron and vitamin C, both of which will aid your recovery.
Long-Term Nutrition and Diet
Long-term nutrition after a Lap-Band procedure calls for carefully planned meals and eating habits. It is important to eat slowly, and in small amounts, avoiding foods that may be difficult to digest or can block the passage into the stomach. Avoid foods such as corn, grapes, pineapples, seeds and nuts. You should also avoid fibrous foods, such as rhubarb or asparagus, as they can cause obstruction. Follow a low-calorie, well balanced diet with regularly spaced meals, no junk food and limited alcohol intake for ongoing weight loss. You can choose lean proteins, such as skinless chicken breasts and pair them with green vegetables or salads to create healthy, filling meals.
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