What Will Your Diet Be Like After Gastric Band Surgery?

What Will Your Diet Be Like After Gastric Band Surgery?

Gastric band surgery can make it easier to lose weight by restricting the amount of food that fits into your stomach. However, in order to lose weight after the procedure you will need to be very careful about what you eat. You will also have to follow a restricted diet for a while after the operation while your surgical wounds are healing.

Your Diet During Recovery

During the first weeks after your gastric band surgery you will need to follow your doctor’s instructions about the types and amounts of food you can eat. You will be given a personalised diet plan to follow, but you should be able to gradually introduce more substantial foods. A typical plan might add:

• Water and fluids (including thin soups) only for the first few days

• Runny or pureed foods during the first four weeks

• Soft foods such as mashed vegetables between weeks 4 and 6

• Gradually returning to normal foods after 6 weeks

You will need to be careful about how much you consume, especially in the early weeks when you are only able to eat soft or liquid meals. You won’t experience the same feelings of fullness as you would with a normal meal, so it is important to measure your portions carefully and avoid eating more than you really need.

Your Diet After Recovery

Once you have recovered from the gastric band surgery and you are able to eat a wide range of foods again, you will need to keep following a strict diet in order to lose weight. You will get personalised advice on your diet, but generally you should:

• Ensure that you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables but is low in fat and sugar

• Eat small portions and avoid eating outside of your regular mealtimes

• Avoid any foods that make you feel uncomfortable and stop eating when you feel full

• Keep track of your calorie consumption so that you know you are eating and drinking the right amount

Once you reach your weight loss goal, you should continue to pay attention to your diet in order to maintain the results.