Lap Band Diary

Lap Band Surgery is a medical procedure designed to help overweight patients take off the weight. The surgery involves a small implant that is placed around the stomach to form a “gastric pouch.” Because the pouch holds less food than the entire stomach, one will eat less and lose weight.

After a Lap Band procedure, one has to follow a strict dietary program to prevent vomiting and stomach tissue from sliding through the band. One to two weeks after surgery, one should consume only thin and clear liquids that contain an appropriate amount of calories. Water is essential to keep hydrated. Foods can consist of broth or soup that does not have any solid foods. Fruit juice and skim milk can also be consumed.

After three to four weeks, one can start consuming thicker foods in the form of purees. The purees should be rich in protein. Pureed skinless chicken and fish are good choices. You should also be consuming pureed fruits and vegetables.

Protein is particularly important following Lap-Band surgery. After Lap-Band surgery, the stomach will not be able to hold more than 4 to 6 ounces per meal, so it is essential to make sure you get the appropriate protein that is required by your body. Lap-Band patients should consume fifty to sixty grams of protein daily to avoid protein deficiency. Protein deficiency causes muscle weakness, depression, low blood pressure, hair loss, fatigue, edema, anemia, and in extreme cases, death.

Two months after surgery, patients should be on a modified liquid diet. This is food that is shredded in a food processor along with a high protein shake. The patient must consume two ounces of a protein every hour for ten to twelve hours a day. The basic foods during this time are meat, protein, vegetables, and salads. As well as protein foods, you should have two ounces of other liquids such as soup, baby food, or sugar-free gelatin.

When you are able to eat solid foods without problems, remember that your lap band is designed to restrict solids so you have to watch want you eat. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals will aid in flushing the pouch. Chew your food thoroughly and eat small bits at a time. Eat only three meals a day and make sure these meals contain adequate nutrients. Your stomach can only hold about ¼ cup of food, or 2 ounces, at a time. You should be able to eat such foods as tender cooked foods fish and ground turkey. If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet. Then, slowly include soft foods and eventually changeover to soft foods.

You should not have any caffeine for the first three months after surgery. As well, carbonated beverages should not be consumed to avoid gas, bloating, and an increase in stomach size. You should also avoid foods that are high in fiber, dried, spicy, starchy, and fried.

After Lap Band surgery, it is critical that one sticks to the appropriate diet. If not, serious complications can occur that may require further surgery.