The LAP-BAND ® diet consists of food choices similar to those found in other forms of bariatric surgery diets. Even though LAP-BAND ® surgery works much differently than the gastric bypass option, both significantly reduce the amount of storage space for food in the body. This causes a dramatic decrease in the amount of food calories taken in, causing substantial weight loss in patients who choose these options.
Pre-LAP-BAND ® Diet
Essentially, the LAP-BAND ® diet starts to take place before surgery begins. By practicing healthy eating habits months before the procedure occurs, patients gain a realistic idea and mind set regarding the diet that must remain in place once the surgery ends.
By following a healthy diet before the surgery takes place, patients will gain essential knowledge regarding proper food choices. The post surgery diet does have strict guidelines, and by following them before receiving the LAP-BAND ® treatment, patients have an easier time abiding by these set rules in the future.
Dietary Information
Most food choices on the LAP-BAND ® diet include:
- high protein
- low saturated fats
- low sodium
- low carbohydrate
- low sugar content
- low to moderate fiber
Food options must also contain adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in order to compensate for the lack of stomach space available for nutrient absorption.
If the food does not contain enough nutrients, vitamin and mineral supplements allow patients to gain their daily recommended values of essential food nutrients.
The consumption of liquids also remains a top priority on the LAP-BAND ® diet. A patient must not drink while eating meals. The patient must also not drink any liquid roughly 30 minutes before or after eating either. The liquids will cause the food to quickly pass through the stomach. This process further decreases the chances of feeling full and absorbing nutrients.
Post LAP-BAND ® Diet Goals
Since the size of the stomach greatly decreases through LAP-BAND ® surgery, patients must adjust to a new set of eating guidelines. The LAP-BAND ® diet was designed to help patients feel fuller by eating less. Patients will also feel fuller for longer periods of time. A patient will only eat three meals throughout the day without any snacking in between.
A proper LAP-BAND ® diet will strive to help patients gain all of their nutrients as well. One will achieve this objective by using supplements to compensate for the lack of nutrients found in food items. However, due to the healthy choices within the LAP-BAND ® diet, one will only have to supplement a few key vitamins and minerals.
Diet Rules
Patients who receive LAP-BAND ® surgery must not consume more than the equivalent of three full meals in one day. Too much food will cause the restricted stomach to stretch, reversing weight loss goals.
Solid foods will help patients feel fuller for longer periods of time. Liquid food sources generally do not stay within patient’s systems long enough for nutrient absorption.
The LAP-BAND ® diet requires its patients to eat in a slow manner. Food must get thoroughly chewed in order for proper digestion. Other rules include: avoiding liquid consumption during meal time, drinking about 8 cups of liquids a day, and keeping track of nutrient consumption.
