Diet Guide After Undergoing Lap Band Surgery

After battling obesity for many years, undergoing bariatric surgery is a difficult decision to make for any person. This is usually the option that an individual takes after many attempts to lose weight. Additionally, it may be even more challenging to abide by the restrictions in diet that will be required after undergoing bariatric surgery. To help you with this, take note of the following guidelines, some may not look easy but they are essential in order to enjoy the results of your lap band surgery.



* Try your best to avoid any liquids while eating or after eating a meal: Liquids make you feel hungry longer because it fills you right away but also washes food down at a quicker pace. Although this task sounds difficult, it is actually quite important.



* Eight glasses of water is a central diet tip, even for those who have not gone through any type of medical procedure. For Lap Band surgery and those who have had bariatric surgery, drinking water is extremely important.



* Be consistent with your meal schedule. This refers to the time when you have your meals. An erratic breakfast schedule will affect your metabolism and nutrition. Even if you're not hungry at the time, eat something. In the same manner, you should never skip meals. This is because the next meal, you'll have the tendency to eat more than you should. As your doctor will tell you, for post-Lap Band surgical patients, breakfast is a more important meal than lunch or dinner. You will be required to eat your breakfast within 2 hours of getting up in the morning, and it's better if it's eaten sooner than later.



* Start making it a point to go over food and drink labels. Anything you eat and drink after your bariatric surgery will have to be considered in terms of calorie and fat content. Thus, food items like sodas, milkshakes, ice cream, alcohol, and others have to be off limits. Not only do these food items get easily absorbed, they will not hold off hunger pangs. You will also either suffer from diarrhea or sudden weight gain from these and other high calorie content food items.



* Prioritize your nutrition: Stick to high quality and nutritious foods after your lap band procedure. This way, you will keep your body healthy by still getting enough minerals, nutrients and vitamins even after your surgery.



* No caffeine: Anything with caffeine should absolutely be avoided after having lap band surgery. This includes soda, tea or coffee. Even decaffeinated beverages contain caffeine, which won't allow your body to absorb iron well enough. Caffeine is also known to stimulate hunger, which could further complicate your recovery from bariatric surgery.



These diet tips are easier said than done. You might slip up on one or two of these tips, and if that is so, then you need to do something to think about other things than food.



* Take a drive or a walk

* Cool down with a shower or bath

* Call a family member or friend

* Write your feelings down in your journal if you have one

* Join a support group in your area or register at an online message forum

* Start exercising or work on a hobby

* Visit a theater or watch a movie



If you have to, turn off the TV and just sit there and relax. Having the lap band procedure was the hard part; the rest just takes a little work and patience.