Foods to Avoid After Lap-Band Surgery

Lap-band surgery, or weight loss surgery, assists morbidly obese people lose a substantial amount of weight in order to improve their health. But in order to keep weight off after you’ve had your lap-band surgery in Tampa, you’ll need to make dietary changes, including avoiding certain foods. Here are some of the main dietary adjustments you’ll have to make after your weight loss surgery.

• During the first few weeks following your operation you will drink only liquids. For a few weeks post-surgery, your dietary intake will consist of low fiber foods to let your body heal from the operation. Once you hit the third and fourth week mark, you be able to add foods such as peas (mashed) and applesauce. You be able to have lean pureed meat too. Other soft foods like scrambled eggs and ground turkey can be introduced as well.
• At about the seventh week time frame, you will be able to begin eating regular foods, but only in small portions at a time. You’ll be instructed to avoid foods high in fats and sugar.
• Certain foods may be difficult for you to digest after lap-band surgery because they may get stuck in your stomach opening –even if you chew them well. Foods that commonly cause this problem include some breads, nuts, popcorn, peanut butter, rice, tough meat, and pasta. Similarly, you may have trouble with fibrous vegetables and fruits, such as corn, citrus fruits, celery, and asparagus.
• You should avoid high-calorie drinks like alcohol and milkshakes because they have a lot of calories and can contribute to gaining weight. Carbonated beverages may enlarge the size of your stomach, so they should be avoided completely. Lastly, refrain from drinking beverages while eating since it will push the food through your digestive system more quickly, possibly causing you to eat more than you should.