Lap band surgery is benefical in aiding weight loss.
Lap band surgery is a lifestyle change. It is mandatory that eating habits change for the band to work properly. The band is a tool in weight loss and must be used as such. Learn the nutritional guidelines for eating with the lap band and achieve the best possible results.
Lap Band Surgery
Lap band surgery is weight loss surgery. This surgery is usually laparoscopic. An inflatable band is placed around the top of the stomach. The band restricts the amount of food that can be taken into the body, no more than a 3/4 cup at every meal. For this reason it is very important to follow certain nutritional guidelines when utilizing the lap band.
Before Surgery
Before the actual lap band surgery the surgeon will usually place patients on a high protein low-calorie diet. The diet is put in place two weeks before surgery. The diet consists of drinking two protein shakes blended with fruit for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is three ounces of lean meat and non starchy vegetables. No starchy foods should be taken in during this two week period. This diet prepares the body for surgery by reducing fat from around the liver.
After Surgery
After surgery, solid foods will gradually come back into the diet over a four week period. The first two weeks after surgery is the clear liquid phase. Clear liquids include broth, clear fluids, gelatin, and juices. The third week is pureed foods. Eat soft meat like fish, yogurt, scrambled and boiled eggs and canned fruits. Start introducing full solid foods into the diet four weeks after surgery.
Follow these guidelines for effective success with the lap band. Eat only three meals a day. Do not snack in between meals. Drink water or low-calorie drinks in between meals. Sip, don't gulp beverages between meals. Do not drink 20 minutes before eating or 30 minutes after eating. Eat a balanced meal at each mealtime. Chew food slowly. Try to count at least 20 bites. Eat small amounts of food. For example eat a dime size worth of food for each bite.
Some foods that may be hard for lap band patients to digest are tough meats, oranges, grapes, corn, bread and fried foods. This will vary by the individual.
Don't lie down after a meal. Avoid eating high calorie and high fat foods. These do not work well with the band. Aim to exercise 30 minutes a day.
It is recommended that lap band patients eat these food servings in these amounts each day.
Diary- two servings each day
Meat and Beans- three servings a day
Fruit and Vegetable- three servings a day
Grains and Cereals- two servings a day
