Your doctor will prescribe a clear liquid diet for you after the first day or two of of your Lap-Band operation. Most patients follow the clear liquid diet for several days, then move on to a "full" liquid diet that incorporates more foods. After several days pass, you can then add even more foods into your diet. Given the strict nature of the clear liquid diet, the first few days are often the hardest.
The Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet consists of foods and beverages that are extremely easy for your digestive system to process and will leave no undigested traces in your intestines. It is extremely limited in nature, so it can only be used for a few days and only by those who are well-nourished; it will not provide enough calories or nutrition for your body to function for extended periods of time.
After your Lap-Band procedure, a clear liquid diet will re-introduce your digestive system to foods that are easy to digest. The diet also provides much-needed electrolytes, hydration and small amounts of energy so that you can recover.
Foods Allowed on a Clear Liquid Diet
Items that you can consume on your post-procedure clear liquid diet include plain water, pulp-free fruit juices, pulp-free lemonade or fruit punch, sports drinks, plain gelatin without fruit or other additives, plain clear broth, honey, plain fruit juice ice pops free of fruit chunks or any other additives, black coffee and plain tea.
Some clear liquid diet plans permit soda pop to be consumed, but this will not be true for you after you have had the Lap-Band procedure. The carbonation in soda can disrupt your Lap-Band and cause discomfort.
Why a Clear Liquid Diet is Prescribed
A clear liquid diet will be prescribed for you after you receive the Lap-Band procedure because your stomach needs time to heal and become accustomed to the Lap-Band itself. "Real" foods will be introduced very slowly back into your diet.
The clear liquid diet is usually followed for only a couple of days. After this you will likely proceed to an "all-liquid diet," which will permit dairy items like cow's milk and ice cream, pureed fruits, pudding, butter, fruit juices with pulp, creamed soups, oatmeal, protein shakes and grits or cream of wheat.
