Lap Band Diet: Pre & Post-Surgery Nutrition for Weight Loss

The Lap-Band is a minimally invasive surgery that involves placement of a band on the upper part of the stomach. The band creates a small pouch, promoting portion control and weight loss.

Pre-op Diet

• Weight loss prior to the procedure is required to reduce surgical risks and length of hospital stay. To achieve this, a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, low-fat, high-protein diet is recommended. Portion sizes should be decreased, which prepares the body for the post-operative diet.

Post-op Diet

• Immediately after surgery, only ice chips and sips of water are allowed. During the two weeks following surgery, a liquid diet composed of water, clear broth, fruit juice, skim milk and sugar-free popsicles is recommended. Two weeks later, soft or pureed foods are allowed in very small quantities every three hours.

Long-term Diet

• Six weeks following the Lap-Band procedure, you should be able to consume solid foods again. Put aside an adequate amount of time for meals to allow for thorough chewing, which leads to better digestion.