LapBand surgery is growing in popularity across the United States. So far, more than 150,000 people have had the weight loss surgery and that number is increasing each year. This type of bariatric surgery is meant for only the morbidly obese – people who are more than 100 pounds overweight or who are twice their ideal body weights.
Bariatric surgery is just the first step toward a new healthy life. What patients do after surgery is just as important – if not more important – than what the LapBand surgeon does. The effectiveness of the surgery depends upon the ability of the patient to change his or her diet and eating behavior.
Bariatric surgeons and their clinicians are dedicated to providing long term care for weight loss surgery patients. Often this commitment includes dietary and behavior modification suggestions as well as counseling support. Patients must attend between three and four follow up visits in the first year after their surgery to make sure they are on the path to recovery. These visits can include a review of the patient’s progress and a discussion of concerns or problems the patient is experiencing.
Each LapBand surgery patient is encouraged to eat a balanced diet and avoid problematic eating patterns that are characteristic of their previous lifestyle. A restrictive band that is placed around the stomach helps patients feel satisfied sooner and longer. The band is meant to reinforce good eating habits and the patient’s ability to be content with smaller meals. The LapBand will teach patients to eat solid food and make sure every bite is well chewed.
LapBand patients are also encouraged to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their routine when recommended by their physician. This will improve weight loss and overall health while building a better quality of life.
Use the following guide as an outline of what foods to eat, what foods to avoid and how to begin eating again once the LapBand is in place.
Immediately after the LapBand surgery, patients should sip water and eat ice cubes. For the following week, water and liquids with some calories are allowed, but patients should avoid drinking too much at once.
One to two weeks after the bariatric surgery, patients can drink thin liquids and clear broths. That means no vegetables, meat or cream in the broths. Skim or soy milk, sugarless popsicles and approved meal replacement shakes are also acceptable during this time.
For weeks three to four, patients should eat pureed foods that are similar to baby food. Make meals with proteins first, then slowly introduce vegetables into the diet.
At five weeks after LapBand surgery, patients can begin to eat soft foods; this includes tender cooked meats, fish, soft poached eggs and scrambled eggs. All meats should be chewed well to avoid obstructions. Patients should try to eat one to two ounces of meat or fish a day, one to two servings of fruit, one small portion of low sugar hot or cold cereal and a maximum of two cups of milk or low fat yogurt. All fats, such as butter and mayonnaise, should be eaten in extreme moderation.
Moving forward, patients are encouraged to eat the following foods:
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Whole wheat bread
• Low sugar cereal
• White meat chicken
• Ground turkey breast
• Fish
• Skim milk
• Low fat or fat free yogurt
• Calorie free beverages
The following foods should be avoided while the patient still has the LapBand:
• Seeds or skin of fruits and vegetables
• Untoasted or doughy bread
• Biscuits or white bread
• Dry meat
• Shrimp
• High fat cooking methods
• Jam
• Dried fruit
• Fried food
• Peanut butter
• Corn, asparagus, broccoli and celery
• Nuts
• Coconuts
• Popcorn
• Citrus fruit membranes
Following these simple guidelines will ensure your LapBand surgery is a successful one.
Author Resource:
Dr. Kevin Huguet, MD, of Bay Surgical Specialists . a group practice of board-certified surgeons specializing in general, vascular, laparoscopic and breast surgery
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