How to Eat Heart Healthy After Lap-Band Surgery

Having undergone lap-band surgery, you are probably well aware of the dietary restrictions that you will now have. But having come this far in your transformation, the hardest part is over, and altering your diet to meet your body's new needs should come easily if you arm yourself with the right information. After lap-band surgery, the volume of your stomach is significantly reduced, meaning that once you are cleared by your doctor to eat solid food, you will need to choose foods that are high in nutritional value. Luckily, there are ways that you can eat heart-healthy with a lap-band.

Instructions

Eating Heart Healthy with a Lap-Band

• 1

  Eat three small meals a day. Lap-band surgery causes a significant reduction in your stomach volume. After lap-band surgery, your stomach will only be able to hold about a 1/4 cup of food at a time. Eating three small meals spaced out throughout the day will ensure that you don't exceed the stomach's capacity.

• 2

  Make the most of your meals. Avoid junk food and foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients, such as mashed potatoes, potato chips, soda, milkshakes, etc. Do not eat in between meals.

• 3

  Choose foods that are high in nutrients, such as vegetables and fruits; lean proteins like chicken, eggs, and fish; and heart-healthy grains. You will need about 45 grams of protein a day. Too much bread or pasta will be difficult to process with a lap-band and should be eaten in small amounts. Also, foods that are very high in fiber may expand in your stomach, which is not good for the lap-band.

• 4

  Do not drink while you are eating. This will push the food through the lap-band pouch and will keep you from feeling full for a long time. Drink liquids between meals, but not within 45 minutes before or after eating. Stick to low-calorie beverages and sip slowly. Save your calories for your meals so that you get the most heart-healthy nutrients possible.