Lap Band Diary

A weight loss surgical procedure means severe restrictions, and now that you have had a Lap Band surgery you must curb your taste buds. Right? Wrong! Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, there are some rules to be followed which once adhered to brings the person quickly around as he or she adjust to the changed circumstances. What must be understood is that in a lap band surgery, the mouth of the stomach is being ‘banded’ so the size of the opening as well as the stomach pouch gets reduced.

Therefore the amount of food that could normally pass through is also reduced – the principle behind the procedure. Hence eating small quantities is the first basic rule for eating food after a Lap Band surgery. Eat three small meals a day. Chew each bite (a small bite) at least 15 to 20 twenty times. This will ensure that the food is mashed well before it goes down the constricted stomach opening. Moment you have the sensation of feeling full, stop eating. Remember, the band prevents the stomach from expanding and thus overeating will only complicate your problems and make you vomit or feel nauseous. As a general rule eat first and then allow at least one to two hours of time before drinking fluids. Do not eat and drink at the same time. The reason is that post Lap Band surgery the size of the stomach pouch is slighter and when a small portion of food is eaten it digests that quantity only. Drinking liquid along with solids has the effect of liquefying the solids, increasing the absorption and thus defeating the very idea of reducing the stomach size. You know you are doing it right if after a small meal you feel satiated. If you still feel the hunger pangs, the band has probably ‘slipped’ and may require your surgeon to readjust the band again.

There are, however, some general things to watch out for post Lap Band surgery. Avoid fatty and sugary foods. Do not eat cakes, biscuits, sweets, jam, marmalade, honey, chocolates, pastries and all those high-fat delights! Say no to high calorie drinks. During the day try not to ‘snack’, and do drink sufficient fluids. Water, tea, coffee are great to have. Try and avoid acidic juices such as orange and apple juice; however eating apples and oranges is not a problem. Carbonated drinks are a no-no, and alcohol may be consumed in very small quantity if only you can’t do without it. Fibrous foods should be avoided as they cannot be mashed and chewed into small enough pieces and may block the reduced stomach opening. If you have to eat such foods then be sure to cook them well, eat in very small quantities and chew well before swallowing. Eat healthy, junk the burgers and fries! Healthy foods that are great calorie busters too are veggies, fruit, meat, bread as well as dairy products. One to two servings of fresh fruit daily followed by two to three servings of fresh vegetables, a small portion of cornflakes for breakfast, one slice of bread, one or two oz of meat fish or poultry per day are what you must aim for.

Last, but certainly not the least, exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. No weight loss surgery can work if that mandatory daily exercise regime is not followed. Do not push the envelope on the first day; go for a walk, then when your body tunes up graduate to running and other vigorous forms of exercise. And remember, these are just guidelines. It is best to consult a qualified dietician and your doctor for a balanced exercise regimen as well as exact food quantum and portion sizes since your needs differ by body constitution as well as food preferences. So don’t forget to sensibly entertain your palate post Lap Band Surgery!