The 5 do’s And 5 Don’ts of a Post Gastric Band Diet |

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diet Anyone who has undergone gastric band surgery will know that dietary requirements change markedly once the band is fitted. This is hardly extraordinary considering that the procedure is designed to alter a patient’s diet.

What many people fail to understand, however, is that a gastric band diet is necessary for many weeks after surgery.

Provided below is a summary of 5 foods that should and should not be eaten after gastric band surgery. Clearly it is essential that medical advice is sought and that any known allergies or food intolerance are factored into the post-operative diet.

What to Eat

1. Liquid

Liquid meals are essential in the first day or two after gastric band surgery. In fact, liquid meals in this context mean little more than a sip or two of water on the day of the operation and only slightly more the day after.

It is important for gastric band patients to remain hydrated, but it is also essential that water is not drunk with abandon: a measured glass every so often is sufficient. Two days after the procedure, it is normal for patients to progress onto puréed food.

2. Mashed Potato

The early days following surgery can be challenging for gastric band patients, however mashed potatoes can help to ease the discomfort and hunger pangs. Providing reasonably good nutrients, potato must be mashed to the point of being puréed if it is to be digested comfortably.

3. Mashed Vegetables

Vegetables provide an important source of vitamins and minerals, supplements which should be taken regularly by gastric band patients. Vegetables comprising stringy fibres must be avoided, however. As with potatoes, it is important to cook and then mash vegetables prior to consumption. Hard vegetables such as carrots should be boiled before mashing to increase tenderness.

4. Blended Fruit

Fruit is an integral component of a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, fruit may contain seeds and pips that can upset the stomach soon after surgery. All fruit must be cleared of seeds, pips and pulp before being blended for consumption. Mashed banana and stewed apple are particularly suitable for gastric band patients. Soft-skinned fruits can be eaten without processing several weeks after the procedure.

5. Scrambled Egg, Chicken and Fish

While the aim of gastric band patients is to lose weight by reducing food consumption, it remains necessary for patients to eat small meals throughout the day (up to five helpings). Scrambled egg, chicken and fish meals are especially important because they contain plenty of protein and other valuable nutrients. All meat produce should be blended or made extremely tender in the weeks following surgery.

What Not to Eat

1. Dried Fruit

Although dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, figs, prunes and dates are likely to seem irresistible to those stuck on a diet of mashed potato and boiled-to-death vegetables, they should be avoided at all costs by post-operative patients. Dried fruits have a tendency to swell in the stomach, causing digestive problems.

2. Broccoli Stalks

Broccoli is one of the best sources of vitamins and minerals found naturally in vegetables. The stalks of broccoli, however, can prove difficult to digest for gastric band patients. Broccoli should be either mashed into a purée or avoided altogether.

3. Steak

Steak is a good source of protein, but it is also tough, chewy and a slow burner in the stomach. In order to avoid biting off more than they can chew, gastric band patients should avoid steak meals unless they have been blended into oblivion, by which stage steak no longer looks, smells or tastes like steak.

4. White Bread

A major cause of obesity in the western world, white bread is also a significant cause of pain for careless gastric band patients. White bread is difficult to break down in the stomach and extremely hard to process through the pouch created by a gastric band. It tends to form soft, sticky lumps that eventually congeal and harden. Wholemeal bread should be eaten instead.

5. Junk Food

It goes without saying that junk food is bad for gastric band patients. Crisps, salted peanuts, sweets, cakes, desserts, biscuits, milkshakes, alcohol, chocolate and just about any other unhealthy food that a patient used to eat before surgery, should now be avoided. The road to recovery requires discipline.

This article was written on behalf of The Hospital Group. Visit www.thehospitalgroup.org for more information.