Restrictions with the Lap Band

Lap Band surgery is done to limit the intake amount of food. The person that has the surgery done does so to lose weight. Therefore, there are restrictions for foods and drinks that can be consumed. If you fail to follow the restrictions, you will not lose weight. The restrictions are in place to help the you eat healthy and lower calorie intake.

Snacks

• Lap Band surgery is done to help you lose weight and snacks should be avoided so that you can eat three healthy meals a day to lose weight properly. If the Lap Band is properly adjusted, you should not have hunger cravings between meals. Eating snacks between meals will fill you up and when mealtime comes around, you will not be hungry.

Alcohol

• Alcohol should be restricted because it can break down the vitamins needed to stay healthy and the calories are high. Champagne and beer have no nutritional value, which is why the Lap Band is used. Another reason to avoid alcohol is that you cannot drink at least an hour before you eat.

High Calorie/High Fat Foods and Drinks

• Food that is high in calories and fats should be avoided after Lap Band. Such foods include whole milk, fruit juices and milkshakes. Other foods include cream sauces, cream soups, fried foods, sausage, bacon, ice cream, pastries, pies, chips and chocolate. Oil and butter should be limited to four tablespoons a day. Avoid foods that contain starch such as doughy breads, rice and pasta. These foods will hinder weight loss efforts of a Lap Band.

Problematic Foods and Drinks

• After Lap Band surgery, you should avoid carbonated drinks such as carbonated water and soda. Fibrous foods to avoid include sweet potatoes, pineapple, oranges, dried fruits, corn, celery and asparagus because these foods can become stuck in the stomach opening that was created by the Lap Band. Other foods to avoid include tough meats such as hamburger, pork chops, steak and seeds from fruits and vegetables, popcorn and nuts.