After Lap Band Surgery

Lap-Band guide after surgery with sample bariatric friendly menu items.

The Hunger Scale

1. Your stomach acid is churning, and you feel very weak.

2. You feel uncomfortable and irritable.

3. Your stomach is growling and you are hungry.

4. You feel a little hungry and uncomfortable.

5. Satisfied and comfortable, but you could eat a little more.

6. Satisfied and comfortable.

7. Full.

8. Bloated and full.

9. Uncomfortably full.

10. Stuffed. You are so full, you feel sick.

Additional Tips

  • Eat 2 to 3 meals per day. No snacking.
  • Take 1-2 bites, wait 10 minutes before you take your next bite.
  • Choose bulky food that will leave you full and satisfied longer.
  • DO NOT drink your calories: Only water, crystal light, or sugar-free drinks. Stay away from soda.
  • Wait 45 minutes after you take the last bite of your meal before you drink any liquids.

Coping With Food Triggers

  • Eat only sitting down at one designated place
  • Sit in a different seat at the table
  • Leave the table as soon as eating is done
  • Do not combine eating with other activities, such as reading or watching TV
  • Do not put bowls of food on the table
  • Do not keep trigger foods at home
  • Keep all food in cupboards where it cannot be seen
  • Shop for groceries from a list after a full meal
  • Limit the amount of money taken when shopping
  • Plan meals and snacks
  • Plan for special events, parties, and dinners
  • Freeze leftovers in individual containers
  • Ask others to monitor eating patterns and provide positive feedback
  • Substitute other activities besides snacking

Ways to Prolong Meals and Reduce The amount of Food Eaten

Eat slowly and savor each mouthful
Put down the fork between bites
Delay eating for two to three minutes and converse with others
Postpone a desired snack for 10 minutes
Serve food on a smaller plate Leave one or two bites of food on the plate

Bulky Foods
These bulky foods sit above the band, leaving you full and satisfied.

½ turkey sandwich
½ mini bagel with scrambled or hard cooked egg 1-2 oz.
water packed tuna mixed with 1 teaspoon low-fat mayonnaise + 1 slice whole wheat bread
1 slice lean deli sliced ham + 1 sliced low-fat American cheese + ½ mini bagel
½ plain grilled chicken sandwich
½ plain grilled turkey burger
½ small, plain grilled hamburger

* Be sure to include protein rich foods at every meal. Protein sources include: chicken, turkey, lean beef, lean pork, fish, eggs, and low fat cheese.