What do Lap Band Patients Eat?

People who chose to undergo lap band surgery are opting for more than a medical procedure; they are also adopting a lifestyle change. The change has two primary goals. The first is a gradual increase in exercise. Once slowly introduced, a regular exercise routine has to be observed on a daily basis. This means that a person who decides to go the lap band route will have to make a commitment to alter sedentary behaviors post surgery.

The other aspect of change that lap band patients must commit to is to follow a balanced meal plan. This new diet will also need to be incorporated into the patient’s daily routine.

Pre surgery diet

A few months prior to lap band surgery, patients need to eat an extremely nutritional diet cutting meals into smaller portions to get used to the idea of eating lighter. The doctor will devise a diet program for you to follow that will be essential to the operations success. Following the diet is crucial in that it will shrink the liver which in turn will minimize blood loss and prevent muscle degeneration. This sensible meal plan usually reduces caloric intake to 800 to 1200 while cutting high fat content foods. There will most likely be a concentration on proteins rich edibles as well.

A liquid diet is then prescribed for the remaining two weeks before the operation.

Other pre operative changes will include increasing exercise getting rid of cigarettes and reducing carbonated drinks.

Post surgery diet

It takes roughly 4-6 weeks to stabilize and eat normally after lap band surgery. During the process, the patient will have to gradually get to the point of eating solids via a four step process. The first step directly follows surgery when patients will be given ice shavings and chips to suck on. They also won’t be able to drink fluids or caloric beverages until the next day to prevent nausea and vomiting.

A liquid diet is then observed for approximately two weeks. Many of the liquids have to be thin and clear like a broth and cannot include chunks of any kind. Dairy, sugar and extremely cold foods should also be avoided.

When the doctor gives the go ahead, a patient often graduates to pureed foods that are prepared in a blender. The types of food one can pur