Dietary Guidelines After Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Your diet after gastric bypass surgery will begin with clear liquids. Gradually add thicker liquids. Take only two to three bites at a time of any new food and wait 10 minutes before consuming more. This will help you to learn your limits and tolerance. This is important because your stomach is very small, with a capacity of less than a 1/4 cup or 60 cubic centimeters. The opening that allows passage of food out of your stomach is very narrow.

Liquids will empty faster from your stomach than soft solids. If you overeat or eat too quickly, you may experience nausea or pain.

In the Hospital

You'll consume clear liquids such as diluted juices and broth as well as Jello for your first meal after surgery. These foods are high in sugar but your portions will be very small. Gradually increase the amount you drink at each meal as tolerated.

First Two Weeks

During the first two weeks after surgery, consume thin, nutritious but low-fat, low-sugar liquids, such as nonfat or 1 percent milk and lactose free or soy-based low-calorie drinks, if you don't tolerate milk. Begin drinking 1/4 cup of liquids at a time and then increase to a 1/2 cup as tolerated.

To increase protein, add 2 tablespoons nonfat, dry milk powder or egg substitute to each half cup of nonfat or low fat milk.

Another option is an 8 to 11 ounce serving of a high-protein supplement diet drink with no sugar, with less than 200 calories, more than 25 grams of protein and less than 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Drink a cup of water or other non-caloric fluid between meals and take a multi-vitamin supplement everyday.

3 to 4 Weeks After Surgery

For the next three to four weeks, add thicker liquids that are low in fat and sugar. The goal is to eat small portions that will empty easily from your stomach. Begin with portions of only 1 tablespoon and increase to 2 tablespoons as tolerated. Continue drinking liquids as tolerated and add the following thicker foods:

Blended broth-based or low fat soups
Diet pudding
Low-fat cottage cheese
Refined hot cereals low in fiber such as cream of rice or cream of wheat, but not oatmeal, made with increased liquid to a soup-like consistency
Sugar-free or nonfat yogurt

5 to 8 Weeks After Surgery

Begin adding small portions of pureed and soft foods, as tolerated. These foods include applesauce, cottage cheese, hot cereals, mashed potatoes, noodles, well cooked, pureed vegetables, and scrambled egg whites or egg substitute. You also may try canned fruits, canned tuna, other lean fish and ground meats or poultry.

Avoid all bread, rice and red meats.

After First Band Adjustment

Increase consumption of thicker liquids and solids, as tolerated, but reduce portions. Start with 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Other changes will be made in consultation with your doctor, based on your tolerance.

2 to 6 Months After Surgery

Increase your calorie consumption to 900 to 1,000 calories and at least 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Recommended portion sizes are 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Discontinue high-protein diet supplement drinks.

Your daily nutrient intake should include:

Three servings of milk or dairy products, nonfat and low fat.
Three servings of meat or meat alternatives, lean and low fat.
Three servings or starch. Limit bread and rice.
One serving of fruit. Avoid dried fruits and fruits with skin.
Two servings of vegetables, well cooked only.

The sample menu below includes six small meals a day. You may eat less often but remember to drink a cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals and take a multivitamin supplement everyday.

Breakfast — One egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute, 1/2 cup hot cereal

Mid-Morning — 1/2 cup nonfat milk

Lunch — 1/2 cup low fat chicken noodle soup, two saltine crackers, 1/4 cup sugar free nonfat yogurt

Afternoon Snack — 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup water- or juice-packed canned fruit, 1/2 cup tomato juice

Dinner — 2 ounces lean meat or fish, 1/4 cup mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup pureed or well cooked vegetables

Bedtime Snack — 1/2 cup nonfat milk

After 6 Months

Count your calories at every meal, with a goal of 900 to 1,000 calories a day in three meals and one to two snacks a day. Discontinue high protein supplement drinks and increase the variety of low fat, low suar and low calorie foods, as tolerated.

If poorly tolerated, avoid raw vegetables, fruits with skins, dried fruits, breads, popcorn, nuts and red meat.

Long-Term Diet

Over time, increase the variety and consistency of foods in your diet. Some foods — including red meats, chicken, breads, high fiber fruits and vegetables — may be poorly tolerated. Focus on low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods.

Your calorie consumption should not exceed 1,000 a day and your protein goal should be 65 to 90 grams a day. To stay on track, maintain a daily record of food portions and calories.

More Information:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated April 30, 2012

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.