Lap band surgery is used to reduce body mass. In this procedure, a person’s diet is reduced to lower weight. The person undergoing this surgery needs to follow a diet plan before and after the surgery. Here is more on this…
When people are overweight and obese, there is a weight loss surgery which can be carried out, that alters the anatomy of the stomach. This surgery is known as the Lap Band Surgery, which is a system that helps a person eat less food due to the altered size of the stomach. In this system, there is a silicon belt or collar which is known as the adjustable gastric band. It is placed around the upper part of the stomach in such a way that the stomach’s size is reduced to roughly the size of a ‘golf ball’. Post surgery, the stomach is capable of holding only an ounce of food, due to which, the appetite decreases, which in turn reduces weight. Since this is a surgery which is completely related to the digestive system, there is a specific diet which needs to be followed before and post the surgery.
The Diet
Post having gone through the surgery, the amount of food required is always lesser than usual. The body has to get used to this change, and thus, it is advised to always follow a strict diet which would ensure this change. This diet is not only advised after the surgery, but also before it, so that the body does not go through a sudden change in food quantity, but gradually gets used to it. When people are overweight and obsessed with losing weight anyhow, they follow unhealthy options like crash diets. This surgery, though not very healthy, is a better weight loss option, since it is not permanent and can be adjusted with respect to one’s requirements.
Before the Surgery
There has to be some uniformity in every diet, and therefore, it also has a diet plan which has to be followed before the surgery takes place. One has to start with this plan about two weeks before the surgery. This pre-op diet is advised so that;
- The surgery recovery time is shortened and there are no severe health effects.
- To reduce the fat around the liver and stomach so as to shrink the liver, because the surgery is not held as long as the liver is large.
- To reduce the fatty triglycerides from around the liver and spleen, and thus, to ensure lesser surgical bleeding.
- Increase the protein intake in the body, to protect and preserve the muscle tissue and produce enough energy till the operation.
Therefore, for all these necessary functions, this diet is to be administered. The foods included in this diet should be yogurt, fruit, cereal, eggs, oatmeal for breakfast, and lean meat or fish with green vegetables for any two meals a day. This diet could be designed differently for every patient but protein supplements are to be included. Have low carb foods other than bread, rice, potatoes, and reduce fatty intake of butter and cheese. Fried food and whole milk dairy along with alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided completely.
Post Surgery
The diet post surgery has to be restricted, as gastric capacity gets reduced to 2 to 7 ounces of food only. Therefore, after surgery, for at least the first few days, one has to eat certain types and amounts of food only. The patient can’t eat more than 240 ml of food at a time, and can drink only 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily after 30 minutes of meal ingestion. The patient should avoid raw foods like apples, pears, mangoes, etc., seeded foods like blackberries, guavas, kiwis, popcorn, nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc., and fibrous foods like mandarin, oranges, and pineapples. This is because, they cause obstruction in the small intestine and are hard to digest. There are many side effects which result if proper care is not taken. Also, make sure to chew the food properly, avoid stretching, maintain hygiene, and gradually increase the level of physical activity. Have liquid, pureed, and soft non-fattening foods for the next 5 weeks, and go for regular checkups. Once recovery is complete, he can follow a regular food pattern and maintain health with exercise.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.
