Dietary Guidelines After LAP-BAND® Surgery
Overcoming Obstacles Video
Video TranscriptUnderstanding smart food choices.
Portion size is a major factor in your success with the LAP-BAND® System. However, the types of foods you eat can affect your weight loss as well. A healthy diet will have items from each of the following food groups. Quantities and suggested foods are listed in each group. Always talk to your doctor or dietician about your particular dietary needs.
Good Choices
Fruit and vegetables:
- 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily
- 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables daily
Whole grains:
- 1 small portion of cornflakes for breakfast, or
- 1 to 2 slices of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day.
- If you find you have trouble with bread blocking your stomach opening, substitute other whole grains such as refined, cooked or ready-to-eat cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, or grits.
Protein:
- 2 to 4 oz of meat, fish or poultry, or one egg for additional protein
- Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove skin from poultry/fish. And cook with little/no fat — grill, steam, microwave, or boil.
Dairy:
- 2 cups of low-fat milk or yogurt, or 1 oz low-fat cheese (max.)
- Since milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form, you might think they should be avoided. However, the calcium and protein they have makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet.
Fats:
- 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter or oil per day (max)
- Low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise (in moderation)
Drinks:
- Unlimited zero- or low-calorie liquids per day, including:
- Non-carbonated beverages
- Tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener
- Clear soup and broths
- Water
Not-so-good choices
Proceed with caution:
Some foods may cause problems as they may block or have difficulty passing your stomach opening. Introduce these types of foods to your diet slowly, one at a time, to see if they are tolerated. Remember: always be careful and chew these foods well before swallowing.
- Dry meat
- Peanut butter
- Shrimp
- Untoasted or doughy bread
- Pasta or rice
- Fibrous vegetables (e.g., corn, celery and asparagus)
- Dried fruit
- Coconut
- Popcorn
- Citrus fruits
- Nuts
Steer clear:
Some foods contain too many calories and too little nutritional value to be of any use to you with the LAP-BAND® System. Avoid foods high in sugar or fat, including:
- Syrups, jams, honey
- Candy, pies, cakes, biscuits
- Chips, dips
- High-calorie soft drinks
Some doctors suggest patients avoid carbonated drinks, as they may contribute to enlargement of the stomach pouch. Alcohol should also be consumed in moderation (one glass of wine or less per day).
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