Foods to Avoid After Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery is a weight loss procedure that reduces your stomach’s capacity to hold food. The ultimate goal of lap band surgery is for individuals to lose weight by restricting the passage of food in their stomachs.

It is recommended for people who have a BMI of 40 or over, also referred to as morbidly obese. It can also be a recommended weight-loss procedure for individuals with a BMI of 30 and over who have existing obesity-related health complications.

If you are considering this type of surgery or you are a candidate for it, you should know that there are some foods that you will have to steer clear of if ever you undergo the procedure.

Why do we need to avoid certain types of food?

There are two reasons. The first is that the procedure directly involves restricting the passage of food into your stomach which has been reduced in size. Only certain types of food are recommended for consumption.

The other reason is that lap band surgery is a weight loss procedure. If you do not change the way you eat and you still indulge in the same types of food you have been accustomed to, chances are you will not lose the weight you need to. And since obesity is linked to plenty of illnesses, your health and quality of life will definitely be affected.

So what are the foods to avoid after lap band surgery? As a general rule, avoid types that are high in calories, sugar, and fat content. Below, we’ll be getting into more specific types.

10 days after lap band surgery

Immediately after surgery, you will be on a thin liquid diet. And by thin, we mean all liquid intake must be able to pass through a regular-sized straw. It is not recommended, however, for you to drink using a straw as this may result in the accumulation of gas in your stomach, which will cause you to discomfort on top of the changes that you will feel after surgery.

Avoid drinks with caffeine and carbonated beverages. Carbonated drinks will cause gas to form in your stomach which will lead to discomfort in your belly. Also, do not take drinks that are referred to as liquid calories. Beer, soda, and sparkling wine are examples of carbonated drinks and liquid calories. Taking significant amounts of these drinks will not make your stomach feel full and will only add additional calories that your body does not need.

Remember that the goal of lap band surgery is to lose weight. If you continue to indulge in liquid calories, you will not drop the weight and your lap band surgery will be for nothing.

11 to 20 days after Lap Band surgery

In addition to a liquid diet, you will be allowed to consume pureed foods beginning on day 11. However, avoid drinking liquids with pureed foods as this may induce vomiting. It is advised that you drink the allowed liquid drink 5 minutes before your pureed meal, and 20 minutes after you consume your pureed meal.

While vegetables and fruits can be pureed in a blender or food processor, avoid large amounts in your diet. Stay clear of foods with lots of fat and oil, sugar, and calories. Food and drink that carbonates should be off-limits as well.

Three weeks after Lap Band surgery

Alcoholic and sugary beverages

Alcoholic beverages should not be part of your new regular diet after lap band surgery. Various types of alcohol, beer, and wine, especially if taken in excess, have high-calorie content and can add to your weight. They also do not contain any nutrients that will contribute to better health.

Drinks that are high in sugar content such as sodas, fruit juices, and milkshakes, should also not be part of your diet. They can impede your weight loss, and may even result in weight gain.

Continue to avoid liquid calorie drinks such as chocolate drinks, juices, soda, iced tea, milkshakes, and iced coffee as these do not support your weight loss goal.

Fiber-rich food

While nutritious, it is better not to include fiber-rich foods such as celery, oranges, pineapple, corn, asparagus, and sweet potatoes in your post-lap band surgery diet. They may get caught in the band leading to your stomach and remain stuck.

Other foods

While regular food will be introduced in your diet in small pieces, it is still wise to avoid consuming certain types of foods that are calorie-dense and non-nutritious. Starchy food such as white bread, pasta, or white rice should be avoided. Also, food and drinks that have a lot of sugar in it such as candies, desserts, or soda should be avoided as well.

Other foods to avoid as you slowly get back into your regular diet after surgery are high-fat foods such as fried food, fast food meals or snacks, baked goodies, and non-lean meat. You also need to refrain from consuming fibrous foods such as corn, dried fruits, and popcorn.

You also have to keep in mind that getting back to your regular diet three weeks after surgery actually means something different than your usual regular diet. Your new regular diet weeks after surgery should not include red meat as it may get stuck in the band in your stomach no matter how small the pieces of meat or how thoroughly you chew them.

Remove doughy bread such as rolls, donuts, or croissants from your new regular diet. And while vegetables are nutritious, avoid asparagus, especially the stems, as they are too stringy. Stay away from tough meats, including seafood such as lobster or calamari.

Medical tablets, capsules, or pills

While these are not food items, you should be made aware of the possible complications from taking medical tablets, capsules, or pills after undergoing lap band surgery.

Because the band in your stomach restricts the entry point of ingested food or medicines into your stomach, there is a chance that medical tablets, capsules, or pills that are larger than a Tic Tac cannot pass through the band in your stomach. They may get stuck in your esophagus.

Unlike a stomach which has a protective lining, the esophagus does not. Medical tablets, capsules, or pills that get stuck there may cause ulcers, heartburn, acid reflux, or even stretching of the esophagus. All of these are very painful, so be careful.

Get the best lap band surgery from Davtyan Medical Weight Loss and Wellness!

Undergoing lap band surgery is a life-changing decision. It is a step in the right direction towards taking better care of yourself and your health.

Make the surgery matter by helping yourself make the necessary changes that will not just result in weight loss but also improve the overall quality of your life.

If you are looking for the best and safest lap band surgery procedure, we at Davtyan Medical and Weight Loss and Wellness are the ones you are looking for. Not only will we give you the best care during the procedure, but we’ll also make sure to help you sustain your weight loss with the best advice and guidelines for your new life.