FYI - Info I have gathered whist readying up on the LAP-BAND® procedures
At this time you may start having slightly thicker, creamier soups. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause problems, so it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. This might include food such as moist white meat (chicken or pork) and fish.
Chew all your food well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly. If you don't follow these precautions, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction.
If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask for advice from your doctor or dietitian that is specific to your situation. Vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the band.
YOUR NEW NUTRITIONAL PLAN
When you can eat sold foods without problems you will need to pay close attention to your diet. Liquids will pass through the reduced stomach pouch quickly and will not make you feel full. Avoid high-calorie drinks from this point on. Drink water, broth, tea, and coffee (black, without sugar).
Ten Important Rules
These rules for eating, drinking, and exercise will help you get the best results with the LAP-BAND®® System:
- Eat only three small meals a day.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (approximately 15 to 20 times per bite).
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Do not drink while eating.
- Do not eat between meals.
- Eat only good quality food.
- Avoid fibrous food.
- Drink enough fluids during the day.
- Drink only low-calorie liquids.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Too much food or big chunks of food can block the stomach pouch outlet. You can avoid this problem by chewing food well and eating small bits at a time. Eat only three small meals a day and make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. A healthy meal includes vegetable, fruit, meat, bread, and/or dairy products.
The general guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but little sugar and fat. Also, ask you surgeon and/or dietitian about your food choices.