After your surgery, you will need a new diet. You should discuss this in detail with your surgeon and/or dietitian. They can help you learn and get used to the changes in lifestyle and eating habits you need to make.
Note: The following information is meant to be an overview. Your surgeon may give you specific instructions just for you. Be sure you know the instructions your doctor wants you to follow.
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It is important, especially in the early weeks, not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the band. Vomiting can do this, so it is important not to vomit. Vomiting can increase the chance of stomach tissue slipping up through the band.
The first few days after the operation Right after the operation, you can have an occasional sip of water or suck on an ice cube. You shouldn't drink more than this. The day after the operation, you can take a little more fluid. But you should take only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose liquids that have an adequate number of calories. lb prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much.
These drinks and very soft foods are recommended for the first four weeks after the operation:
As time goes on, you will slowly move to solid food based on your surgeon's and/or dietitian's advice.
In the first few weeks, you may be able to eat foods that may not be allowed in your diet later because these foods may contain too many calories. It is more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP BAND System than it is to lose weight. In general, you should follow the advice of your dietitian about these foods.
At this time, you may start having slightly thicker, creamier soups. This will help you switch gradually to more solid foods later. Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause you problems. So it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. These might include foods such as moist white meat (chicken, veal) and fish.
Chew all your food well. If you have dentures be sure to cut your food into small pieces and to chew it thoroughly. If you don't follow these precautions, you may have vomiting, stomach irritation, and swelling. You could also have stomach obstruction. If you have problems with solid foods and suffer from nausea or vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then slowly add soft foods to help you transition to solid foods later. Always ask for advice that is specific to your situation from your doctor or dietitian. Vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the band.
