What can you eat with a lap band?

So, you’ve gone through the process of getting a lap band surgery. Congratulations! Now comes the fun part: figuring out what you can eat. This can be confusing and frustrating at times but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll discuss everything from protein to carbs and how they play nice with your new little friend.

The Basics

Before jumping into specifics on foods you can eat, it’s important to understand some basics about lap bands:

  • Your stomach will now have limited space as the band restricts its size
  • Overeating can cause discomfort or even vomiting
  • Chew every bite properly before swallowing
  • Avoid drinking fluids while eating food

Pro tip #1: Don’t forget that liquids count towards your daily calorie intake too!

Now that we’re clear on these fundamentals let’s dig in deeper.

Protein is King

Protein serves an essential role in our body post-surgery by helping us maintain muscle mass whilst losing weight. Fortunately for those of you who love some animal product or vegetarian options full of protein; most sources of protein are accepted without issue when consumed in moderation after a lapband procedure. These include:

  • Chicken breast (unbreaded)
  • Turkey
  • Lean beef (e.g., steak cuts)
  • Slow cooked pork shoulder
    • Important Reminder – avoid skin/fatty parts
      • Nobody wants to risk being known as piggy poops

For vegetarians/more plant-based humans here are some additional options:

  • Eggs
    • Scrambled
    • Hardboiled
      Tip Alert: Watch Out for Egg Shell Flakes 🙂

Plant-Based Options Serving Size Protein Content
Tofu 4oz 9g
Lentils 1/2 Cup (Cooked) 9g
Chickpeas 1/2 Cup (Garbanzo Beans) 7.5 g

This list could go on for a bit, but I’m sure you get the idea – pack in some protein! Remember that it’s important not to overeat as this can lead to unwanted stretching of your stomach.

Carbohydrates are Still Okay

Don’t worry; we’re not here to ruin pasta or bread for those carb lovers amongst us – thankfully carbs are okay post-surgery with moderation . Choosing carbs can be tricky, so here is a quick rundown:

Complex Carbs

  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Whole wheat

Pro tip #2: When eating grains remember chewing thoroughly is still necessary while keeping portion sizes modest. Don’t forget about alternatives either like Cauliflower Rice which cuts out all excess carbs (including its taste).

Simple Carbs

Get ready to break some hearts when we tell you candy bars no longer make the cut BUT there are plenty of other delicious desserts on earth that do fit:

Notably:
-Small bowls of low-fat pudding

-Low GI fruits such as Berries, Grapefruit, Kiwi

Helps clean insulin resistance hopefully without leading To an intense workout (“grapefruits burn fat” – classic fitness myth)

-Watermelon

And obviously, when it comes down To snacking veggies will always come through with baby carrots and celery making a great choice.

Fats ✅

It’s hard to imagine life without oils/fat(used in cooking), and good news again!, You can still use oils and fats when cooking, but It’s important to keep portions small:

  • A tablespoon of olive/avocado oil is a good gauge for sizing.

There are healthy and nonhealthy fat options available. Picking the right ones will make your lap band journey feel more comfortable (and successful)

The good fats are those that contain essential fatty acids like Omega 3 found in avocado oil or fish oil supplements. They offer specific health benefits such as preventing inflammation leading to joint pain: always a win-win

Let’s talk about drinks

Nope.We’re not trying to lessen your celebratory drink. Nor ruin your final game night with friends before locking yourself indoors, vowing never again to be in physical contact due to social distancing mandates enacted worldwide because of COVID -19.

This section isn’t specifically about stopping alcohol consumption (but remember it does affect weight management). Sorry! But let’s focus on beverages you may not have thought would become challenging post-lapband surgery

Carbonation & Caffeine

Carbonated beverages /spritzers/slurpees paired with caffeine aren’t great for long term LapBand Maintenance; they can produce uncomfortable stretching feelings somehow causing band slippage which leads To The next point:

                                                 AVOID BOTH

Pro Tip #4: Just choose flat water instead

Final Thoughts? Buckle Up!
Eating after LapBand Surgery doesn’t need to be scary — surprisingly less intensive than other medical procedures if followed accordingly…the thing I’m sorry, i mean ‘they’ won’t tell you…Sometimes it requires lifestyle changes; Not something purely diet-based so don’t forget exercise should come into play.
Just remind yourself “you got this!” repeatedly until the cravings dissipate.

Insider tip? Keep an eye out for alternatives like more greenery here or there, and like everything in moderation” will be your best mantra after lap band surgery

In time, you’ll gain a better understanding of the foods that work for you. So cheers to long-term success!

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