Atlanta Lap-Band Surgery

Atlanta Lap-Band & Bariatric Resource Site

Protein and the LAP-BAND® Diets

Filed under: Uncategorized — at 3:07 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2009

A key nutrient in the pre-op, post-op, and the LAP-BAND® diet is protein. Protein is essential for our part in our body. Proteins are needed to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals, as well as repairing tissues and building bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Nutritional guidelines suggest two daily servings of protein, totaling in six ounces.

Pre-Op

In preparation for the LAP-BAND® Diet, patients must begin a strict diet, which may include protein supplements. Myocel, a protein powder, helps to lover the liver’s fact content as well as promote fast recovery and weight loss.

Post-Op

During your first two weeks after surgery, your doctor may require you to begin a full liquid diet. This helps to ease any pressure on the LAP-BAND® to allow it to heal. Consumption of protein shakes is encouraged.

The LAP-BAND® Diet

After undergoing the LAP-BAND® procedure, patients are encouraged to partake in the LAP-BAND® diet, developed by you and your doctor,  to maximize results and continued weight loss.

Portion control is a key constraint of the diet. Because of the LAP-BAND®, you should be full after a few ounces, making portion control will be easier to manage. Your choice of healthy foods is essential to your success.

An ideal diet will include solid foods that are rich high protein and nutritional content. These include fruits, vegetables, healthy breads and cereals, heart-healthy fats, non-fat or low-fat dairy products, and low-fat proteins (select meats, fish, skinless poultry, eggs).

Besides changing your food consumption, other guidelines must be implemented as well. These include:

  • Avoid snacking between your three daily meals.
  • Solid foods are best, as the LAP-BAND® is able to better restrict these foods.
  • Slowly and thoroughly chew your food until it reaches a liquid consistency to create a feeling of fullness.
  • Don’t overeat. Overeating may cause pain, nausea, and vomiting. This may also result in stretching LAP-BAND® pouch.
  • Avoid drinking 30 to 45 minutes before or after meals and do not drink during meals. These liquids will cause the food to be washed down, not creating the feeling of fullness – which is the purpose of the LAP-BAND®. Low-calorie, non-carbonated liquids are the best choices.

    • For more information on the LAP-BAND® procedure, consult your local bariatric surgeon.