First Few Weeks: Diet

Video Transcript 

Your diet after LAP-BAND^® System Surgery.

Following the advice of your surgeon or dietician is essential to your progress after surgery. It allows your newly shaped stomach to heal completely and your LAP-BAND^® System to remain in the right position.

A small amount of regurgitation is normal at first. In fact, nearly all patients regurgitate at least once in the first weeks. However, frequent vomiting can stretch the new stomach pouch and increase the chance of band slippage. If this is happening you should call your doctor’s office.

1-2 Weeks Postsurgery: Liquid Diet

Your stomach will only tolerate liquids at this time. It’s important to also stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Drinking small amounts frequently may help you avoid vomiting.

• clear broth or soup (no vegetables, meat, or cream)
• skim milk
• fruit juice
• sugar-free popsicles

3-4 Weeks Postsurgery: Pureed Foods

You can start adding slightly textured foods (the consistency of baby food). You should eat protein-rich foods first, as this helps you maintain muscle while losing weight. Then move on to fruits and vegetables.

• skinless chicken/fish
• mashed potatoes
• peas
• low-fat yogurt or pudding

Note: In this stage, you may be allowed some foods that might not be permitted in your diet later due to high calorie content.

5 Weeks Postsurgery: Soft Foods

As you progress to soft foods, remember to do so slowly. If they cause nausea, you may return to the liquid diet and introduce these foods again in a few more days.

• tender, cooked fish
• ground turkey
• moist pork

Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may cause you problems. If so, stick to softer, more digestible foods.

6 Weeks and Longer

At this point you should be able to tolerate solid food, although in smaller amounts. Always cut your food into small pieces and chew thoroughly. This helps reduce the chance of vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. It may also help prevent any obstruction of the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND^® System.