Lap Band Surgery Diet
Dieting after lap band surgery can a new challenge as you will have to constantly be aware of what and how you are eating. Dieting after bariatric surgery can be complex but rewarding, as the pounds will soon shed off. It’s important to stick to the diet plan your bariatric physician has designed for you. Each diet plan will be different, depending on the needs of each individual. But here are the fundamental guidelines of dieting after lap band surgery (Download the PDF file).
Six Rules of Dieting After Lap Band Surgery
1. Protein is important; protein should be 55% of all your calories.2. Water should be consumed 64 to 80 ounces per day.
3. Drinking liquids should be consumed at a different time from consuming food; avoid liquids for a period of 15-30 min before and 30-60 min after consuming foods.
4. Eat only three times per day once you begin solid foods ( phase 4).
5. Avoid foods that contain sugar; sugar will add calories to your diet and will slow your weight loss progress.
6. Eat slowly will help you as the food enters your stomach. Eating slowly will help ensure that you don’t have nausea or vomit.
7. Stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full, it normally takes 30 minutes for your brain to realize to you’re full.
8. Once you are eating solid foods, do not take in liquid calories.
Post Op Lap Band Diet Plan
Dieting after Lap Band is dividing into four (4) phases after surgery. Along with a daily nutritional supplement plan, you will be expected to follow these rules to maximize your weight loss.
Phase 1: Liquid Diet
Time: First Four Weeks After Surgery
Right after surgery you’ll be giving sips of water and ice chips to suck on. Along with water you will be given clear liquids including Jello, juices, tea or popsicles. This is a full liquid diet that allows broad range of liquids and protein supplements.
Phase 2: Blended Diet
The blended diet is the phase between liquids and solid foods. You will be usually blending and pureeing select foods, as well as eating thicker soups.
Phase 3: Solid Foods
Time: 4 Weeks After Surgery
This phases will incorporate solid foods into your diet. Select foods that are soft, moist, and easily chewable food. It’s important to remember that you should eat slowly, and take your time with foods.
Phase 4: Phase IV
If you tolerated the previous phases you will begin on the last phase of the diet plan. Usually a you will be adding solid foods without having to puree or blend them. You will also eat six small meals a day.
