FIRST SIX WEEKS:

There is a graduated diet program that you should follow. Our goal for the first six weeks is to let the band heal with minimal stress. The first day, you should limit yourself to clear liquids like broth or jello. By the second day, you can advance to a full liquid diet. You no longer have to stick with clear broth, but you should still limit yourself to liquids. A good rule of thumb is that if you can drink it, you can have it. Check out some of our recipes. There is no limit to the amount of fluids you can have at this time. In fact, it is important that you keep yourself well hydrated.

At the end of the second week, you will come in for your first post-op appointment. We will check your incisions, remove your sutures and make sure everything is going well. At this point, you can advance to pureed food. It doesn’t have to be baby food. Get creative! Now the rule of thumb is that you can have anything that you don’t have to chew.

Finally, at the end of the fourth week, you can advance to a normal diet. A this point, you should have very few limitations. It is still important to eat slowly and chew your food well. The most common cause of vomiting after lap band surgery is eating too fast. If you find a food that you can’t tolerate, put it aside. You may be able to tolerate it later. If there are some foods that you can’t eat, don’t worry. You will find many more that you can.

One of our philosophies is that you should enjoy eating. Dinner time is important. Most people find that they enjoy eating more after their lap band surgery than before. Don’t worry about measuring your food or counting calories. Your eating should be a natural as possible. We recommend you use a salad plate. Eat slowly and chew your food. When you start to feel full, stop and put your fork down. You can continue to sit at the table and participate in the normal dinner conversation. After ten minutes, if you are still hungry you can have another bite. If you’re not hungry, then simply stop. People who are successful with the band tend to learn this strategy early on.

The ten golden rules have been developed after caring for thousands of lap band patients across the world. Following these simple rules will take you a long way toward success.

1. Eat only 3 meals/day
2. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
3. Stop eating as soon as you are full
4. Don’t drink while eating
5. Do not eat in between meals
6. Eat only good quality foods
7. Drink enough fluids throughout the day
8. Drink only low-calorie fluids
9. Exercise 30 minutes a day
10. Always keep in contact

THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

While lap band is the safest surgical option for weight loss, there are still some things to watch out for. Excessive vomiting or abdominal pain are important warning signs. If you experience these, you need to contact our office immediately. Even if you live out of town, please call here first. We are available 24/7 but if for any reason you can’t reach us, proceed to emergency room and have them contact Dr. Ray. Follow-up is extremely important. There are often subtle signs that we look for that can help you avoid problems and increase your chance for success. Therefore, we ask that you keep your appointments, even if you don’t think you need a fill.