1. Eat only when you’re hungry – about three small meals daily.
The Lap-Band system creates a small stomach pouch that has a capacity of about one-quarter cup (approximately 2 ounces) of food. If you try to eat more than this at a time, you may become nauseous or vomit. If you routinely eat more than this, the small stomach pouch may stretch, which will cancel the effect of the operation. Frequent vomiting may cause certain complications, such as stomach slippage. Learn how much your stomach pouch can hold comfortably, and do not exceed this amount.
2. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
Food can only pass through the new stoma (stomach opening) if it has been chewed into very small pieces. You will need to take more time for your meals, and chew your food very well.
3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
Remember to eat your protein first; this will ensure that you’re getting the proper nutrients. Once your new stomach pouch is full, your brain receives a signal that you have eaten enough. However, it takes time for you to be aware of this signal, so space out your bites. Rushing through your meal may cause you to eat more than you can hold, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. Take time to eat and enjoy your meal. The goal is to feel satiated, not stuffed. Try to recognize the feeling of fullness, and know when to put the fork down.
4. Do not drink while eating
The LAP-BAND System only works with solid food. If you drink liquid during a meal, it softens and liquefies the food you’ve eaten, and the LAP-BAND System becomes less effective. Refrain from drinking during a meal as much as possible.
5. Do not eat between meals
After finishing a meal, refrain from eating any snacks until the next meal. Snacking between meals is a major obstacle to weight loss, and it’s very important that you break this habit. Patients with proper “fill” levels shouldn’t feel hungry in between meals. If you do, this may be a sign that the LAP-BAND System is too loose, and you should tell your Lap-Band Surgeon.
6. Eat only high-quality food
You meals should include high amounts of protein and vitamins. Refrain from filling the space in your small stomach pouch with “junk” food that is low in vitamins and other nutrients. Avoid fatty and sugary foods. Opt instead for fresh vegetables, fruit (but not fruit juice), meat, and whole grain cereals. Consult your bariatric surgeon or dietitian before you take any vitamin supplements.
7. Avoid high-fiber food
Foods that are high in fiber, such as asparagus, can obstruct the stoma. They cannot be chewed well enough to break them up into small enough pieces and your saliva can’t break it down, so these foods should be avoided. If you would like to eat fibrous foods once in a while, be sure to cook them well, cut them into very small pieces and chew them thoroughly. See page 9 for more information about foods to watch out for.
8. Drink enough fluids during the day
You should be drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. As you lose fat, your body will need to eliminate waste products. You will need to make a habit of drinking large amounts of liquid daily in order to urinate enough to excrete these waste products from your body. Remember to limit your drinks to water, tea, skim milk, or coffee (without milk, cream, or sugar), and remember not to drink during or immediately after meals.
9. Drink only low-calorie drinks
Drinks simply run through the narrow opening created by the band, so by consuming high calorie liquids such as sodas or fruit juices, you may not lose weight, even if you otherwise follow your diet.
10. Be active
This is one of the most important rules. Physical activity burns calories and is key to successful weight loss. Remember that you don’t have to be intimidated by strenuous exercise regimens; lots of physical activities can be rewarding and fun! See page 10 for some examples based on your doctor’s recommendation for activity level.
