Post-LAP-BAND Surgery Diet: What to Eat & Avoid

The LAP-BAND is a form of weight-loss surgery in which an adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The aim is to restrict food intake and facilitate weight loss in severely overweight people. However, there are some important food guidelines that must be followed, especially in the weeks following surgery.

Warning

• The stomach tissue can slip above the band, possibly requiring surgery, if too much vomiting occurs from eating the wrong foods or too much food.

Weeks 1 and 2

• The first week or two after surgery, the patient has to follow a liquid diet. Good choices include clear broth, fruit juice, skim milk, and sugar-free popsicles.

Weeks 3 and 4

• Pureed foods can usually be introduced in the third week if the revised stomach can accommodate them without vomiting. Possible selections include mashed potatoes, peas, low-fat yogurt, and skinless meat.

Week 5

• A patient can usually eat soft foods about five weeks after surgery as long as there have been no serious problems keeping down other food products. Fish and ground turkey are recommended selections.

Solid Food

• After about five weeks, a LAP-BAND patient can usually eat solid food in small quantities. Drinking with meals is not recommended due to the size of the stomach pouch.