Diet: Eating After Lap Band Surgery

The adjustable gastric banding procedure works best with solid foods to decrease hunger. Solid foods will stay in your stomach pouch longer, so you should feel full after eating only a few ounces of food.

In order for your body to remain healthy and function properly, it will be important to choose foods that are high in protein and nutritional content. Your ideal diet should include:

• low-fat proteins (select meats, fish, skinless poultry, eggs)
• healthy breads and cereals
• fruits and vegetables
• dairy products (good source of calcium, but choose non-fat or low-fat)
• heart-healthy fats

Your bariatric surgeon will work with you in developing a new diet plan. Some of the important guidelines for eating with the adjustable gastric band are:

• Eat only three small meals a day - this is all you need. Do not snack between meals.
• Eat only solid foods at mealtime - this is how the gastric band works to restrict food.
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, until it reaches a liquid consistency - this will help to create the feeling of fullness and make it less likely for food to get stuck in the gastric band pouch.
• Stop eating when you feel full - eating too much can result in pain, nausea and vomiting. It can also stretch the gastric band pouch.
• Choose healthy foods - make sure you are getting enough protein and nutrients.
• Do not drink while you eat - this will wash down the food and you will not reach the feeling of fullness, defeating the purpose of the gastric band. Do not drink for 30 to 45 minutes before or after meals.

SOFT FOOD DIET

• Mashed potatoes

• Bananas

• Malt-O Meal

• Scrambled Eggs

• Baked Fish

• Low Fat cottage cheese

• Sugar free yogurt or pudding

• Applesauce with no sugar added

• Soft cooked vegetables

• Avoid eating fats and sugar for the time being as these may be difficult for the body to digest in this stage.

• Chew your food very well.

• Eat Slowly.

• If you feel full - STOP EATING

PROTEINS

• Protein is needed by the body to build and repair the body's cells and tissues.

• Protein plays a vital role in immunity.

• Choose lean meats such as:

  • Fish, shellfish, poultry, lean beef, lamb, pork, veal, and 95% fat free deli meat.

• Avoid high fat cooking methods like frying with oil. void high fat meats such as bacon, sausage, pepperoni or salami

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

• Carbohydrates including grains and starches are the bodies main source of energy.

• They provide energy, B Vitamins, Fiber, and Minerals

• Complex carbohydrates provide nutrients and make you feel full.

  • Look for foods with whole grain or 100% wheat flour.

• Examples of complex carbohydrates:

  • Wheat bread, low fat crackers, cereals with low sugar such as Special K, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, rice and pasta

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

• VEGETABLES provide fiber, energy, Vitamin A and Vitamin C

• Choose a variety of vegetables for your diet

• Avoid using high fat cooking methods such as added butter or oil, or adding high fat sauces such as creams, cheese or gravy

• Remember to incorporate vegetables back into your diet slowly and start with soft consistencies.

• FRUIT provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, energy and Vitamin C.

• Incorporate them into your daily routine; fruit makes great snacks.

• Choose a variety of fruits

• Remember to incorporate fruits back into your diet slowly and start with soft consistencies.