Nutritional guidelines following adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

These nutrition guidelines were planned for you to help you make permanent healthy food choices as you begin your new lifestyle. It is very important that you understand why you need to follow this plan since day one after surgery.

This surgery is designed to limit the amount of food you are able to eat, therefore inducing weight loss and avoiding the medical complications associated with obesity. To achieve success you need to commit yourself to permanent healthy eating patterns, change your attitude and think positive knowing that on the long term all the work you put into it now will be worth the cause.

And last but not least, exercise is one of the most important things you need to do as you start your new lifestyle because it boosts your metabolism and converts your body to a fat burning machine, accelerating weight loss much more than if you wouldn’t exercise. You will look, think and feel so much better than before.

Adjustable Gastric Banding is not a miracle procedure. It will restrict the amount of food you eat, but overeating will only cause enlargement of the pouch, gastric discomfort (like vomiting due to excess food or food obstruction) and probably even weight gain. Also it may cause band slippage. So it’s all about food selection. If you choose healthy foods most of the time you will be right on track to permanent weight loss.

We encourage you to stick to the plan by following these important guidelines and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we will gladly help you all the way until you reach your goal.

What are the common possible problems I might have?

Nausea and vomiting. This usually occurs when you don´t chew well your food or eat too quickly. Increased vomiting may cause band slippage or stretching of the pouch.

Blockages. Occurs from not chewing thoroughly your food. The food can get stuck in the opening of the stomach (stoma) thus not permitting the food to go through properly.

Constipation. It may happen for two reasons. One is that you are consuming much more less food than before, so it takes longer for your intestines to get full and leave your body. And second, because you are not following a healthy eating plan, including enough fluids, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Band slippage. It may occur as a result of overeating (or binge eating), and/or excess vomiting. Also abdominal pain and vomiting with every meal.

Weight regain. Because this is a restrictive procedure, you need to follow a proper balanced diet to achieve weight loss and maintenance. If you don't make permanent changes in your eating habits, you will regain the weight.

Dehydration. To avoid this problem, make sure you drink at least 8 cups of water a day. To achieve this, set aside a 2 liter bottle full of water and make sure you finish it by the end of the day.

Intolerance to some foods. Avoid fibrous foods, sticky foods and foods difficult to digest. Also avoid strong spices for at least 2 months. You need to get used to your new stomach and learn which foods you tolerate best.

Your New Nutritional Plan
for Successful Weight Loss