People who chose to undergo lap band surgery are opting for more than a medical procedure; they are also adopting a lifestyle change. The change has two primary goals. The first is a gradual increase in exercise. Once slowly introduced, a regular exercise routine has to be observed on a daily basis. This means that a person who decides to go the lap band route will have to make a commitment to alter sedentary behaviors post surgery.



The other aspect of change that lap band patients must commit to is to follow a balanced meal plan. This new diet will also need to be incorporated into the patient's daily routine.

Pre surgery diet

A few months prior to lap band surgery, patients need to eat an extremely nutritional diet cutting meals into smaller portions to get used to the idea of eating lighter. The doctor will devise a diet program for you to follow that will be essential to the operations success. Following the diet is crucial in that it will shrink the liver which in turn will minimize blood loss and prevent muscle degeneration. This sensible meal plan usually reduces caloric intake to 800 to 1200 while cutting high fat content foods. There will most likely be a concentration on proteins rich edibles as well.

A liquid diet is then prescribed for the remaining two weeks before the operation.

Other pre operative changes will include increasing exercise getting rid of cigarettes and reducing carbonated drinks.

Post surgery diet

It takes roughly 4-6 weeks to stabilize and eat normally after lap band surgery. During the process, the patient will have to gradually get to the point of eating solids via a four step process. The first step directly follows surgery when patients will be given ice shavings and chips to suck on. They also won't be able to drink fluids or caloric beverages until the next day to prevent nausea and vomiting.

A liquid diet is then observed for approximately two weeks. Many of the liquids have to be thin and clear like a broth and cannot include chunks of any kind. Dairy, sugar and extremely cold foods should also be avoided.

When the doctor gives the go ahead, a patient often graduates to pureed foods that are prepared in a blender. The types of food one can pur'e can be discussed with your doctor. In terms of consistency, one can say the foods are akin to baby foods.

Directly following this is the introduction of foods like chicken or turkey. Portions have to be small and the patient has to thoroughly chew their meals or risk complications with their lap band due to sudden regurgitation. Vomiting can create major problems that could threaten the success of your surgery.

Should everything go as planned the doctor will allow you to start on solid foods once again but you will have to chew your food to a fine consistency before swallowing. You should also refrain from drinking anything with or after meals as the food will pass through your system too quickly for you to feel full. This will defeat the entire purpose of the lap band installation.

If you follow the basic instructions to the letter, you'll soon be on your way to lifestyle make over that will provoke positive change and promote weight loss.

Long term diet

Once you begin to eat solid foods, just remember to chew thoroughly and refrain from drinking anything with your meals. You will never be able to eat the way you once did prior to surgery, high calorie foods, sugary or carbonated drinks and even things like popcorn, asparagus and certain types of nuts will be off limits.

Getting lap band surgery is not only a physical adjustment but a mental one as well, but once you begin eating healthy well balanced diets, you probably won't even desire to partake in high caloric eating again. This makes lap band surgery rewarding on many levels.