Diet Restrictions for Lap Band Surgery Patients

Although LAP BAND surgery helps you to control how much you eat, you are still responsible for controlling what you eat. After gastric band surgery in Bradenton, Florida, selecting the right foods can make a difference in how well you feel and how much weight you lose.

For about the first one to two weeks after Lap Band surgery, you’ll only be able to tolerate liquids, such as chicken broth, milk, fruit juices, and of course, water. About three to four weeks post gastric band surgery; you’ll be able to start introducing foods that are slightly thicker, with the consistency of baby food.

Pureed skinless chicken and fish and yogurt are good sources of protein during the three to four week post op period. Mashed or pureed vitamin-rich vegetables provide you with essential nutrients while your body is recovering from Lap Band surgery.

Once you hit the five week period, cooked tender foods like fish and ground turkey are a good choice.

Most patients are able to start introducing solid foods into their diet about six weeks post gastric band surgery. Because your stomach opening is now quite small, you want to take only small bites and chew your food thoroughly. Avoid drinking fluids while eating, since the liquids flow through your stomach pouch quickly. Eat three nutritious 1/4 cup or 2 ounces of food per day.

Carbonated beverages should be avoided after Lap Band surgery as they can cause discomfort by inflating the pouch. Fibrous foods can be problematic, so avoid foods, such as broccoli, oranges and asparagus. Tougher meats, skins of fruit and seeds and nuts can be problematic after gastric band surgery. Because alcohol has little nutritional value and is high in calories, it should be avoid after Lap Band surgery. Additionally, some types of alcoholic beverages, such as beer and champagne are carbonated, which tend to cause gastric distress in some Lap Band surgery patients.