What Kind of Diet is Best Suited After a Lap Band Surgery?

Are you planning to undergo a lap band surgery any time soon? Have you gone through a lap band surgery? If the answer for both the questions is yes then for you taking care of the diet should be the utmost priority. When you undergo a gastric band surgery it relatively reduces the size of your stomach by closing a part of your stomach with a band and as a result, you feel full even after eating less. As a result, your calories intake is very less.

You shall always remember that after the lap band surgery diet will progress in stages. After the surgery for a month you will not be allowed to eat any solid food, then in the second month you will be recommended pureed food, later soft food is recommended. After 6 months post the surgery your diet can be normal consisting of healthy food. But, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor as well as a dietician for after lap band surgery diet.

However, there is general information on what your diet should be like.

Liquid Diet

It is strongly recommended to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks after the surgery. You can drink liquids like water, herbal tea, broth, juices, and jellies. Make sure to drink slowly.

Slowly and steadily, you will be on a full liquid based diet. This is the point when you shall focus on having the right amount of protein, vitamins and other essential nutrients required by the body for proper functioning otherwise you may fall sick. You can also have a milk-based liquid diet; try to include broth, curd, soups, and natural juices in your diet at this point.

Pureed Diet

Pureed liquid diet shall be started around 3rd to 4th week after lap band surgery. At this point in time, you can eat pureed as well as blended food. However, at this point in time, you still need to avoid eating solid foods. 

Try to eat in fewer portions for about 4-5 times in a day this would put less pressure on the stomach. Eat slowly, drink lots of water but avoid drinking it before and after the meals.

Soft Food Diet

After 5-6 weeks you can now slowly move towards having a soft food diet. This diet primarily consists of food that can be mashed and is easily chewable. You can include rice, minced meats or chicken, eggs (boiled or scrambled), boiled or sautéed vegetables, fruits, and mashed potatoes.

Normal Diet

Six months after gastric band surgery you will be recommended to be on a normal diet however the time may vary from person to person depending upon your progress reports. You can slowly switch to a normal diet and have three meal plans that are nutritious, balanced and contains solid food as well. Make sure to eat your food slowly and chew it properly it will aid in better digestion. Do not overeat as it may result in discomfort and vomiting. 

Try to eat proteins as by now your body is more likely to be a deficit on proteins which are much needed by the body to function properly. Make sure to avoid eating snacks and sticks to the three meals also drink lots of water.