LapBand is one of the most popular weight loss surgeries in the United States. Why? There are many reasons why. With the LapBand, an adjustable gastric band is positioned around the stomach. There is no cutting or stapling involved. Not only is the band adjustable without surgery, but it is also reversible.

If you are obese, the LapBand system may seem like the best option for you. Yes, it likely is. Those who are 100 pounds overweight can greatly benefit from undergoing the procedure, but still it is not right for everyone. To see success and reduce complications, diet restrictions are necessary. Unfortunately, diet restrictions are something not everyone can handle.

Before you assume that the LapBand system is the best weight loss option, it is important to closely examine what it expected of you. Unfortunately, many hopeful patients make the mistake of believing they will automatically lose weight with the use of the LapBand. This is not true. The LapBand surgery involves more than undergoing surgery. It also involves a lifestyle change.

If you are deemed an ideal candidate for the LapBand, you will receive a surgery date from your surgeon. Since diet restrictions are important to your success, you may want to load up on your favorite sweets. After all, these will need to be eliminated from your diet after surgery. This is not the right step. In fact, preparation for the LapBand surgery will begin two to three weeks before your surgery date.

Two to three weeks before your LapBand procedure, you will be asked to eliminate foods that are high in sugar, fat and calories from your diet. Protein supplements will be added. Protein will help to reduce the fat in the stomach area. This makes surgery easier and reduces complications.

In the two to three weeks before surgery, doctors will recommend a diet that consists of eggs, yogurt, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. This diet will prepare your body for surgery. In addition to reducing fat content, it promotes a healthy body. A healthy body is what will allow for fast healing and few surgical complications.

In addition to preparing the body for surgery, the initial diet restriction will serve as a test. If you are unable to curb your eating habits, you are likely to continue doing so post-surgery. This means that you are not an ideal candidate for the LapBand. If your doctor notices your inability to restrict your diet, he or she may suggest putting off the LapBand surgery until you are truly ready.

As for the surgery itself, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight.

After surgery, you will be taken through various stages. Your physician will closely monitor your progress on each stage. On average, diet restrictions and LapBand adjustments will be made for one to two months.

The first week or two post-surgery, all patients are on an all-liquid diet. Liquids are easier to digest, allowing your stomach to heal and adjust to its new size. When on a liquid diet, sip slowly.

The liquid diet itself is divided into two categories. To get started, healthcare professionals recommend clear liquids. These liquids include sugar free gelatin, non-carbonated drinks, chicken broth, and watered down apple juice. A few days after surgery, progression is made to full liquids. These include milk, yogurt, pudding, and soup.

The next step is pureed foods. At this point, your body will be craving some type of substance, but it is still important to take it slow. Consuming too much can result in post-surgery complications, including pain, discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Since pureed foods are still in liquid form, remember to sip slowly.

After one to two months, depending on the healing progress and doctors recommendations, traditional foods can be incorporated into a diet. Remember, it is important to eat traditional foods, not normal foods. You do not want to revert back to your old eating habits.

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