While there are many bariatric and weight-loss surgeries, a gastric banding or lap band procedure is one of the few that are actually reversible. It’s also one of the least invasive surgeries available to those that meet certain criteria. But while it may differ in those areas, the lap band diet remains similar to those other options.
First, let’s talk about what gastric banding surgery is and how it helps in losing weight. Where a gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, or gastric bypass involves altering the digestive tract in some way, a lap band is placed near the stomach opening. It doesn’t require cutting either the stomach or the small intestines, which cuts down on the amount of healing required.
The band works by closing the stomach to a certain degree, which limits the amount of food you are able to eat or drink in a single sitting. The thicker the band, the smaller the opening. The correct setting depends on your progress and needs and can change throughout your lifetime.
How Does the Lap Band Work?
Still, some surgery is needed to attach the band around the stomach opening. This is done laparoscopically, using small incisions to place the band and install a port for filling/emptying the band as needed during follow-up visits. The surgeon uses a special needle to access the port by inserting the needle through the skin and into the port, usually located just beneath the skin.
When the lap band is put in place, it is empty. Within the first month, you will go back to the surgeon to have the band initially filled with a saline solution through the port. Over the next weeks and months, you will return to the clinic to either fill the band more or empty some solution to get the right fit.
After the adjustment, the patient may rest briefly before being discharged. The patient is usually given instructions on how to care for the port site and what to expect during the adjustment period. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and potentially make further adjustments if needed.
If there comes a time when you no longer need the lap band, it can be taken out–an option just not available in those other weight-loss surgeries. It’s for this reason that lap bad is one of the most popular options for those seeking to lose a lot of excess and keep it off in the long run.
The Lap Band Diet
Now that you understand what the lap band is, we’ll discuss the lap band diet and general recommendations to help you get the most out of your lap band procedure. With a lap band, you won’t have as many worries about the malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients, but you still need to make sure you’re getting enough of everything you need.
It’s no secret that our diet plays a crucial role in our overall health. However, what many people don’t realize is that the amount and type of food we consume can also have a significant impact on our weight. At WeightWise, we understand the importance of tailoring diets to suit each individual patient.
No two people are the same, and thus, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating. Our expert dietitians work closely with patients to craft a diet that will work for them and their lifestyle. We also recognize that sticking to a new diet can be challenging, especially in social situations or when stress levels are high. That’s why we provide you with the tools necessary to combat any potential setbacks and stay on target with your weight loss goals.
Generally speaking, you will be limited to a liquid diet and supplements for the first two weeks post-op. As the weeks progress, your diet plan will gradually expand to include different types of foods. In just two weeks, soft proteins will be introduced to your meal plan, followed by lean proteins and vegetables after four weeks.
Your WeightWise dietitians will guide you through the process of incorporating new foods, ensuring that you are on the right track toward achieving your goals. Although carbs, sweets, and caffeinated drinks are still not allowed, after a month of your new diet, you should be having an easier time adjusting.
By eating slowly, you will feel full faster than before and experience fewer hunger pangs. Instead of eating one or two big meals, you will eat small meals (or small amounts of healthy snacks) more often during the day.
A quick recap:
Clear Liquids (First 1-2 Days): Clear liquids like water, broth, and sugar-free beverages are allowed to prevent dehydration and provide some nutrients.
Full Liquids (For the first two weeks after surgery): Gradually, more substantial liquids like protein shakes and pureed soups are introduced to provide protein and essential nutrients while allowing the stomach to heal.
Soft Foods (2-4 weeks after surgery): Soft, mashed, or pureed foods, such as yogurt, non or low-fat cottage cheese, and well-cooked vegetables, are introduced as the stomach heals further.
Solid Foods (4-6 Weeks and Beyond): Once the stomach has sufficiently healed, patients can start incorporating solid foods into their diet, focusing on small, well-chewed portions and nutrient-dense choices.
It’s also very important to stay hydrated at this time, drinking at least 96 ounces of water every day. However, you won’t be able to gulp down water because of the smaller opening to your stomach–so take sips all throughout the day.
The specific guidelines for each bariatric surgery diet may vary based on your surgeon’s recommendations and your individual needs and progress. Regardless of the type of surgery, the primary goals of bariatric surgery diets are to aid in healing, prevent complications, promote gradual weight loss, and ensure optimal nutrient intake. WeightWise has a wide variety of recipes for you to choose form as well as vitamins and supplements, snacks, and meals to help you stay on track.