General recommendations Alimentary recommendations after gastric band insertions
1. General alimentary recommendations after gastric band insertions
Objectives
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1. Reduction of excess weight
Once the gastric band is implanted only small meals can be tolerated. Generally this results in a reduction of caloric intake to a point below the body’s daily requirement, which in turn causes weight-loss.
Choice of foods and their caloric content influence weight-loss success.
- Choose low-fat foods and non-caloric drinks, as well as low-fat food preparation methods.
- Frequent consumption of high-caloric products may render the gastric band useless: to the extent possible, avoid drinks containing alcohol and sugar, sweets, whole milk products, cream cheese, sausage products, deep-fried or breaded foods as well as foods prepared with cream or butter, etc.
Whenever caloric intake is reduced the body will activate an "energy-saver" mode reducing the basic energy requirement rather quickly. Subsequently, and despite radically reduced caloric intake, weight-loss progress will slow down frequently.
- Intensive physical activity counteracts this "self-preservation function" and promotes weight-loss since the body will generally consume more energy.
If you become able to consume portions larger than 100 grams of solid food at one sitting, the gastric band may have to be adjusted to be tighter in a surgical session.
2. Sufficient nutrient supply
Intake of the necessary amount of vitamins, minerals and fibre as recommended by nutritional research institutions cannot be achieved after a gastric band insertion.
- Take a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement, e.g.: Combivit (Migros).
- Plan to eat finely ground whole-grain products and both cooked and raw fruits and vegetables.
Demand and supply of proteins requires attention. The human body cannot create proteins by itself and depends on sufficient nutritional intake. Protein requirements can be calculated and are around 0.8g of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight.
- Ideal body weight: = Body height in centimetres minus 100
Protein required: Ideal body weight x 0.8g protein
Example: 170cm body height – 100 = 70
70 x 0.8 = 56 g protein
The protein intake of a person 170cm tall should be approximately 56 grams.
- Supply your required protein mainly with milk and milk products thus ensuring sufficient calcium supply in the process.
- Select low-fat milk products, otherwise the caloric intake will become too high.
3. Selective eating habits
As result of ingesting the wrong food, painful bloating, nausea and vomiting may occur. This should be avoided—especially during the first 6 weeks after surgery—since it may cause undesired shifting of the LAP-band.
- Eat only blended foods during the first 6 weeks after LAP-band insertion.
- Place only very small portions on your plate; about 100 grams of food / amount equalling 3 tablespoons.
- Eat slowly and stop immediately at the first sign of "feeling full."
- Do not have drinks with your meals. Drink up until a few minutes before your meal and again at least 2 hours afterwards. Drink in sips but sufficiently; at least 2 to 3 litres per day.
- Take only small bites in your mouth and chew them very consciously. Pieces of food which are too big or too hard may shift the gastric reduction.
General recommendations
- Avoid hard-to-digest fruits and vegetables if digestive problems occur.