Diet Stages for Lap Band Surgery
Preparing for weight loss surgery can sometimes seem overwhelming, but preparation can make the process a lot easier. Preparing for the physical and emotional changes is part of the process, but preparing for the diet changes will be just as important in the weeks following surgery.
Lap Band surgery effectively reduces the capacity of food the stomach is capable of holding. Following surgery, your diet will go through several stages. Consulting with a physician or nutritionist and preparing your home for the changes prior to surgery will make the process easier.
The first stage of dieting following weight loss surgery will consist of only liquid foods. Your daily intake will be about sixty four ounces of liquids per day for the first two weeks after your surgery. Water, juice, sports drinks, broths, strained soups and herbal teas are among the best choices. Nutritionists recommend avoiding highly acidic liquids such as tomato soup, soda, citrus juice and caffeinated beverages to assist in avoiding possible gastric reflux.
After your first follow up appointment or about two weeks following surgery you will move on to stage two of your post-weight loss surgery diet. Soft foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, soft boiled or scrambled eggs, and cream soups are added to your diet. The goal is to take in between forty eight to sixty four ounces in three separate meals if possible. You may also blend ‘regular foods’ and reheat them as long as you keep in mind they must be chewed thoroughly to avoid problems.
Two weeks after the soft food stage, you will move into stage three which will add semi-solid foods. Ground meats such as beef or turkey and deli meats can be added into your new diet plan. Additionally, cooked vegetables, skinless fresh fruits, rice and corn can be added in. During this stage you still should avoid breads and crackers and fibrous vegetables such as broccoli and celery.
The final stage of the post weight loss surgery diet is the forever stage. This is when you will start adding in all the other foods that will be part of your diet for a lifetime. It is important to have a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables as well as some type of lean protein such as chicken or fish at each meal.
Preparing your mind and your pantry in advance for the post-surgical changes in your diet can make each stage easier and you more successful in reaching all of your goals.
