Diet after Lap Band Surgery
Though Lap Band Surgery is the new answer to many problems caused by morbid obesity, which does not respond to dieting and exercise, great precautions have to be taken, both before and after the surgery. Dietary precautions play an important role, both before and after surgery.
A low calorie and low fat, preferably liquid diet before surgery helps to reduce surgical complications and gets the patient accustomed to a liquid diet which he may have to maintain, for a few weeks after surgery. The post-op diet maybe divided into three or four types depending upon the time lapse after surgery. In the immediate post-op period, patients are generally kept nil-by- mouth to prevent vomiting and/or aspiration. At best, the patient is allowed to suck an ice-cube or drink a few sips of water. This may continue for a few days immediately after surgery.
Depending on the patient`s recovery, a very light liquid diet maybe started after about a week and continued for up to four weeks post operation. During this period, only clear soups, broths, low fat yogurt, skim milk, Jello or fruit juices are allowed. It is important to remember to take very small bites or sips and to chew thoroughly before swallowing. Vomiting is to be avoided at all costs so that the newly created larger pouch of the stomach does not push through the band, thereby creating complications. Hence, it is imperative not only to limit the amount of food intake, but also to eat in very small quantities, chewing thoroughly to ensure that large bits of food do not block the outlet of the small pouch of the stomach.
After four weeks, the diet maybe a little more varied to include thicker soups and creamier broths, a little white meat like skinless chicken breast and fish. After continuing this for a couple of weeks, the patient maybe gradually introduced to solid food, with a watchful eye on how the patient responds to it. Any change in diet must be thoroughly assessed and approved by the operating surgeon and the dietician.
High calorie food and drinks must be avoided, as they make one feel full faster and if consumed with a meal, may lead to vomiting. It is ideal to eat only three meals a day in the initial stages, so that there is proper emptying of the stomach, and no vomiting. It is not only important to limit the calorie intake, but also to limit the size of the bites, because large boluses of food can lead to a blockage of the outlet of the stomach. Fiber is to be avoided as it can cause bloating. One must stop eating immediately on feeling full and not drink liquids while eating. Exercising for at least thirty minutes a day is also recommended.
The food recommended post-lap band surgery includes a small amount of cereal for breakfast, with skim milk or low fat yogurt. This maybe followed by a little protein in the form of white meat or fish .Two or three small portions of fruit are recommended daily, as are cooked vegetables. Clear fluids in the form of green tea, water, clear soups or black coffee are also recommended. An occasional glass of wine may be allowed, but otherwise, alcohol is best avoided.
Last, but not the least, it is important to take all the recommended dietary supplements to ensure that the body is not deprived of any of its necessary nutrients. A proper dietary regimen, post operation is the key to a successful Lap-Band surgery.
