Obesity is the cause of many health problems.
Lap-band procedure, or bariatric surgery to limit how much food you can intake, is one of the recommended methods of weight loss for people who are morbidly obese. In such cases it is often healthier to go through the surgery, than remain obese and risk medical conditions that can lead to early death. A lap-band procedure decreases the size of your stomach opening, so you will eat less and lose weight. The surgery will require you to make changes in your diet both before and after the surgery to optimize your weight loss and achieve a healthier body.
Pre-Op Diet
Make changes to your diet before your surgery.
Before your lap-band procedure your doctor may expect you to start learning eat healthier to reduce body fat. Lap-band surgery is a procedure that needs to be taken seriously. Preparing your body with a cleaner diet helps you recover more quickly as well as preparing you mentally for the post-operative diet. Some of the typical changes you will incorporate in your diet before your surgery are; eat between 800 to 1,200 calories a day, eat more protein, eat less fats and less carbohydrates. Some surgeons place their lap-band patients on a strictly liquid protein diet for a few days to a week before surgery.
Post-Op Diet
Use a blender to puree your food.
You will follow a recovery diet for the first 4 to 6 weeks after undergoing a lap-band procedure. This diet begins with an all-liquid diet and graduates to pureed foods and eventually leads up to solid foods. The diet normally consists of approximately 50 to 70 grams of protein a day, which will mainly be from a liquid protein drink. Food items you will want to have on hand for the post-op lap-band diet are chicken and beef broth, skim milk, sugar free gelatin, sugar free popsicles, sugar free pudding, low-fat yogurt, mashed potatoes, pureed chicken or beef, mashed peas, sports drinks, tea, non-acidic juice, and chewable multi-vitamins. Your doctor may give you a different diet than is outlined here and you must follow it precisely.
Liquids
Drink water between meals to stay hydrated.
Keep your body hydrated with at least 64 oz. of water or other liquids each day. Drink slowly; avoid high sugar drinks, carbonated drinks and high calorie alcohol. Carbonated beverages can blow up the stomach and stretch it out or make you feel very bloated and uncomfortable. Do not drink liquids during a meal, only between meals. The lap-band procedure is meant to limit the amount of food your stomach can accommodate at one time and liquids will take up too much room, especially during a meal. If you do overeat, you might end up throwing it all up if your stomach is too full.
Types of Foods to Eat
Eggs are an excellent source of protein.
After your doctor has given you the okay to eat a normal diet you still need to follow the above liquids rule, chew your food thoroughly and do not over stuff yourself. Examples of foods to include in your diet are low fat proteins, vegetables, low calorie grains, fruit, low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs and protein shakes. Remember to eat small amounts of food at each meal and chew thoroughly.
Foods to Avoid
Limit high calorie desserts and junk food after your lap-band surgery. Other foods that might cause your stomach to feel uncomfortable are dried fruits, pineapple, corn, popcorn, nuts and seeds, asparagus, grapes, carbonated beverages, high calorie drinks, beer and fibrous foods.
Changing Habits
The lap-band procedure will require you to change some of your eating habits. Chewing your food until it is completely mashed is essential or the food may get stuck in the band that is narrowing the stomach opening. Chew slower and more thoroughly from now on. Do not drink liquid during your meals. Eat three or four small meals a day. Avoid snacks in between meals.
