Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, more commonly known as 'lap band' surgery, is a procedure that places a plastic, adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach so that the stomach only holds a small amount of food. This causes you to feel full much faster and thus to eat less. Before and after surgery, it is important to follow a special diet. Post surgery, eating too much too soon can cause vomiting, which can cause the band to slip.
Pre-Op Diet
Two weeks before Lap Band surgery, a patient has to follow a pre-op diet. The pre-op diet is important because a patient needs to lose fat from around the stomach. Part of the pre-op diet consists of drinking a high protein powder called Myocel. Myocel is mixed with water, skim milk, or low-fat yogurt. Limit foods such as breads, pastas, butter, fatty, and fried foods. Eat fruits and vegetables, yogurt, oatmeal, and lean meats or fish. A normal pre-op diet only consist of 800 to 1200 calories a day. Your physician will instruct you on a proper pre-op diet.
Post-Op Diet: Begin With Liquids
Immediately after surgery, ice cubes or a sip of water is given to a patient and nothing more. One day after surgery a patient may consume more liquids like water and clear broths. For one to two weeks after surgery, a diet of clear broths or soups, water, skim milk, fruit juice and Popsicles are given. Be careful not to drink too much liquids because this can cause nausea and vomiting. Stop eating when you begin feeling a full sensation.
Pureed Foods
Once the stomach has adjusted to liquids, you may then begin to eat pureed foods--usually three to four weeks after surgery. Pureed foods have a little more texture and should have the consistency of baby food. Eat pureed foods high in protein first like skinless fish and chicken. Gradually incorporate pureed fruits and vegetables. Other pureed foods that you can have during this stage are mashed potatoes, peas, low-fat yogurt or pudding.
Soft Foods
When the stomach has adjusted to pureed foods, you may then try soft foods, around five weeks after surgery. Soft foods include tender meats such as fish and ground turkey, cooked carrots and apple sauce. Sometimes the stomach does not adjust to soft foods this soon and you may experience nausea and vomiting. If vomiting occurs, switch back to a liquid diet immediately and then slowly add soft foods back to your diet.
Solid Foods
Once soft foods are tolerated, you can begin eating solid foods. Avoid eating too much food or foods that are chunky. Eating too much food or chunks of food can cause a blockage in the stomach pouch outlet. Chew foods thoroughly and take small bites to prevent blockage of the pouch outlet. Eat solid foods high in protein but low in fat like skinless poultry, eggs and lean beef. Fruits and vegetable may be eaten, but avoid dry fruits, grapes, and Pineapple. Asparagus, corn, and rhubarb are sometimes not well tolerated and should be avoided. Make sure you eat three meals a day and that they contain adequate nutrients because the stomach will only hold two ounces of food at a time.
Other Rules To Follow
Do not drink liquids at meal time. Liquids will send the food on through the stomach, which negates the purpose of the lap band. Do not snack between meals. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar. Stay clear of foods that are very high in fiber; they can cause painful bloating and gas. Drink plenty of water during the day before eating. Stick to liquids that are low in calories.
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