The lap band procedure is a fairly new procedure that decreases the size of the patient's stomach so that he must eat less, causing weight loss. After a lap band surgery, it is very important for the patient to follow strict dietary guidelines so that he doesn't experience side effects or cause a burst in the band. Learning how to get adequate nutrition through this newly restricted diet is critical. It is not easy to follow all the nutritional guidelines after a lap band surgery, but it is very important.
Liquid Diet First
UCSD Medical Center recommends that all lap band patients follow a strictly liquid diet for the first one to two weeks after the surgery. This allows for proper hydration and helps to prevent stretching of the stomach. During this time, only thin liquids, such as water, chicken broth and fruit juice are allowed. Thick liquids such as smoothies and shakes may stretch the stomach too much, reversing the work done in the surgery.
Pureed or Soft Foods
For the third and fourth week after the lap band procedure, UCSD Medical Center recommends eating a diet with only pureed foods and liquids. Almost any foods can be pureed into a soft consistency using a blender, though some people find it easier to buy baby foods to eat during this time rather than to blend all of their foods. Protein-rich foods like skinless fish and yogurt should be eaten first, and then pureed fruits and vegetables can gradually be added in.
Small Meals
Patients who have had the lap band procedure done need to eat very small meals. Large--or even typical--meals may stretch the stomach or cause the band to break. After the lap band surgery, people only need to eat three small meals per day, as their stomach can only hold up to 2 oz. of food at a time, according to UCSD Medical Center.
Chew Thoroughly
According to the Bradenton Surgical Group, it is essential that lap band patients chew their food very thoroughly so that the food is swallowed in very smooth, small pieces. If foods are not chewed into small enough pieces, the person may feel very full or may get a piece of food stuck in the area where the lap band restricts the stomach. This could cause not only side effects like pain or constipation but may also require surgical intervention as well.
Foods to Avoid
During the recovery period and even long after, people who have had the lap band surgery need to avoid certain foods that may be dangerous for them to eat. These foods include dried fruits, carbonated drinks like soda, nuts, seeds and grapes. Carbonated beverages will stretch out the stomach too much. Foods like dried fruits, seeds, nuts and grapes are too fibrous and can cause a blockage in the stomach pouch outlet.
Eating for Life
Long after the recovery period, a person who has had the lap band surgery still has specific nutritional requirements. According to the official website of the lap band surgery, people who have had the lap band diet need to eat high-protein foods like fish, skinless chicken breasts, eggs and turkey daily. They also need to make sure that all of the foods they eat are nutrient-dense. In order to prevent getting too full, they can not drink liquids at meal time, only after meals, though they need to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout each day. Though they may eat a variety of foods like breads, fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy, they need to always stop eating when they feel full, as continuing to eat when they are already full may burst the band or stretch their stomach. According to the UCSD Medical Center, people who have had the lap band surgery may need to take a multivitamin daily because it may not be possible to get all of the vitamins and minerals they need in only three small meals each day.
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