The LAP-BAND procedure reduces the opening to the stomach and creates a smaller food pouch at the top of the stomach. You must follow a restrictive diet, consisting of liquid and pureed foods, for the first five weeks after the procedure. At the advice of your doctor, beginning at about week six post surgery, you can begin consuming small, healthy meals consisting of lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and healthy grains and cereals.
Post-Surgery
During the first two weeks after surgery, you must follow a liquid diet, which can include clear broths, skim milk and low-sugar fruit juices and ice pops. After this initial stage, you can begin to introduce pureed foods with the consistency of baby food such as pureed skinless chicken, mashed potatoes, or peas. Protein is very important during this stage; you should give protein-rich foods, including pureed meats, fish, as well as eggs and other dairy products priority over the other food groups. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent food choice during this stage.
Nutritious Foods
Your long-term diet after a LAP-BAND procedure should include low-fat proteins such as fish, eggs, and select lean meats. Fresh vegetables and fruits are also an essential part of a balanced diet, but it is important to avoid fibrous vegetables such as asparagus or pineapple. Dairy products, such as low-fat cottage cheese and puddings, as well as a moderate amount of healthy fats, found in avocados and fatty fish like salmon, are also important for a well-balanced weight-loss diet. Patients should plan meals carefully with the assistance of a dietitian, and monitor calorie intake for optimal weight loss.
Portion Control
Meal sizes are also critical to your dieting success after a LAP-BAND procedure. You should minimize food selections to servings of no more than 2 oz.; in many cases, this is approximately 1 cup of food. Because your stomach pouch is so small following the procedure, so you should feel fuller and satisfied with smaller portions. Eating slowly and chewing your food carefully will ensure that you digest your food properly and avoid gastric discomfort.
Fluids
It is important to drink plenty of water; consuming a minimum of 6 to 8 glasses a day will prevent dehydration. Fluids travel through your stomach faster than solid foods after the LAP-BAND procedure and will also push food through your stomach, delaying your feeling of fullness. As such, you should drink fluids approximately 30 to 45 minutes after you consume food.
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