How Many Calories Should You Consume the First Few Months After Having Lap Band Surgery?

With the obesity rates skyrocketing across the country, many overweight people are choosing to have weight loss surgery. Lap Band Surgery is one weight loss procedure that is becoming a popular choice for many obese people. This procedure involves inserting a band around the top part of the stomach to form a pouch. The pouch is then filled with saline to reduce the size of the stomach, thereby reducing food intake. When one has this surgery, they have to follow a strict diet. Certain foods are restricted while others are enforced. One such area is regulating the amount of calories consumed the first few months after the surgery.

The purpose of the lap band diet is to prevent vomiting and band slippage. During the first couple of weeks following lap band surgery, one should consume only thin and clear liquids that are not high in calories. The stomach needs to adjust to the lap band. Patients should ingest less than 800 calories of food each day for the first 12 months and then up to 1200 calories a day after 36 months.

One should not drink beverages that are high in calories because these calories are absorbed without making a person feel full. The result will be low weight loss. Such high calorie drinks to avoid include: soda, milkshakes, and alcohol. You should also avoid carbonated beverages as they will cause the band to expand. As well, carbonated beverages can cause gas and bloating. Soup, broth, and skim milk are good choices. Do not over eat as this will cause vomiting and discomfort. Thin low calorie liquids are the right foods to eat during this time. It important to drink water to keep hydrated.

Protein is essential during recovery from lap band surgery. At three to four weeks of the recovery period, thicker foods should be consumed such as purees. Pureed skinless chicken and fish are recommended. As well, one can consume pureed vegetables and fruits. One should consume about fifty to sixty grams of protein daily.

Two months after surgery one should have two ounces of other liquids that are sugar free or very low in sugar. At this time, a patient will be moving to a diet that has more texture and consistency such as shredded food. Foods consumed should be salads, fruit, and meat. Drinking liquids during and after meals will help the pouch flush properly. It is important to chew your food very well and swallow tiny pieces at a time. Your stomach can only hold about 2 ounces of food at this time.

Following lap band surgery, one must follow the exact dietary instructions given by the lap band surgery team. If you do not follow the diet and the amounts of food you are suppose to consume, there can be severe health complications which may cause more surgical procedures as well as having the lap band removed.

Lap band surgery is effective procedure to help one lose weight. When having lap band surgery, it is important to maintain the outlined diet directions and other instructions in order to ensure healthy and long term weight loss.