Right after a Lap Band surgery is done, the stomach must adjust not only to the effects from the surgery, including swelling of the stomach, but also to its new, smaller size. The first month or two after surgery, the diet needs to be adjusted to decrease food intake and not damage the stomach. Most patients start with liquids and gradually move up to solid food after the first six weeks, but some dietary restrictions will need to be followed for life, according to the University of California San Diego Medical Center (UCSD).
Step 1
Drink only a small amount of liquid on the day of surgery and the next day. Take no more than a sip of water or suck on an ice cube the day of surgery. The day after surgery, take clear liquids in small amounts. It's important not to overdo it and cause vomiting, because vomiting can result in the band slipping off the stomach.
Step 2
Advance to a liquid diet. For the first one to two weeks after surgery, only thin liquids are allowed, according to UCSD. These include clear broth or soup with no meat or vegetable particles, skim milk, sugar-free ice pops and fruit juice. According to Integris Health, a protein supplement is required in the first few phases of the diet, along with a multivitamin, since adequate nutrition is difficult to take in.
Step 3
Add pureed foods. After three to four weeks, UCSD states that you can start eating pureed chicken, fish, mashed potatoes, peas, low-fat pudding or yogurt, and cream-based soups without any solid particles. Cream of wheat, pureed baby food, applesauce and mashed cottage cheese are also acceptable, according to Integris.
Step 4
Introduce soft foods starting after the fourth week. These include ground chicken, fish or turkey. Scrambled eggs, rice, noodles, soft vegetables and soft cheeses like mozzarella are also allowed, according to Integris. Make sure not to eat so much as to make yourself nauseated or vomit; go back to liquids for a day or two if you find this happening.
Step 5
Include solid foods about six weeks after surgery. Avoid foods high in sugar, such as candy and soft drinks; food high in fat, including chocolate and ice cream; and carbonated drinks, unless you let them go flat first, since the carbonation can increase the size of the pouch. Foods that may get stuck in the stomach opening include fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as asparagus, celery, corn, oranges and sweet potatoes, plus any dried fruit and fruit and vegetable seeds. Nuts, popcorn, and tough meats such as steak, pork chops and hamburger can also get stuck and should be avoided.
Step 6
Plan to eat wisely for the rest of your life. The best way to let the Lap Band work for you, according to UCSD, is to eat only three small meals a day, avoid drinking while eating (this will wash the food through quickly and won't give you a chance to feel "full"), eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. While alcohol is allowed, it contains empty calories and may break down your resolve to eat well, so drink it sparingly, if at all.
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