LapBand Food Stages Lists Suggestions

[philzyz 0]

Hi-

This is very helpful- confirms my choices. My diet right now is very similar to yours, if smaller by about a third. In lieu of the variety of snax you have, I eat small salads. Sometimes I have a "Creamsicle" (Do you still have those in the US?), an ice cream treat for 34 calories, or an ices for 0 calories.

[lkgrubb 0]

Since my program stresses close to 100 grams of Protein a day, I must have 3 meals and 3 snax to get all protein in. I am concerned about the fact that without the number of grams of protein, the body starts to "eat" muscles, since I am a heart patient, and my heart is a BIG muscle,I must protect it. Also the amount of protein causes a slower weight loss BUT I have had no/or minimum loose skin problems.

I do occsionally have a frozen popsicle (15 Calories),but since I am rarely if never hungry, I just eat protein and take my suppliments.

[lkgrubb 0]

PS. Phyziz,

salads cause "dumping" for me

K

[rustypup 0]

Hi all,

I am at the mushie stage! I am eating baby food, that was on the list the Dr. gave me. I am also using Isopure 40g Protein Drink. It comes in different flavors and can be bought at GNC. Rusty

[weightloss 0]

I am two days until I can eat solids and I was wondering if some of you can share a sample menu of what you ate the first week after the liquid diet. Can you eat anything or does it depend on the person? I am nervous and wanted to hear some of your experiences.

-Mandy Russell

[jmegirl 2]

I am two days until I can eat solids and I was wondering if some of you can share a sample menu of what you ate the first week after the liquid diet. Can you eat anything or does it depend on the person? I am nervous and wanted to hear some of your experiences.

-Mandy Russell

You really should call your doctor about this. My doctor says the first week back to normal food should be "soft foods", but every doctor is different.

[riley4183 0]

Wow - such differences in docs and recommendations! Again I say, wow . . . . .

The following are the food lists that Kaiser Richmond's bariatric program uses. Note that Kaiser does not believe in Protein Shakes so you won't find them on the lists. Look at how l-o-n-g the phases are!! I won't get a salad for 3 months!!!

Sorry this is so long; with Kaiser you get a whole binder of info:ohmy:

Riley

Stage I

Clear Liquids

Your stomach capacity is now severely restricted, so you must sip fluids slowly. Drinking fluids too quickly or drinking too much at one time can cause nausea and vomiting. This can cause your band to slip and you may need a second operation to repair it. During your hospital stay, you will be delivered small meal trays of clear liquids. Your clear liquids should not have caffeine or carbonation and should have

less than 20 calories per 8-ounce serving.

START: The day of surgery.

END: About 1-2 days later – you will get instructions before you leave the hospital.

DESCRIPTION:

1. Clear, caffeine-free, non-carbonated fluids (see list below).

2. Sip fluids s-l-o-w-l-y (do not gulp or take large mouthfuls).

3. Consume 4 ounces every hour (1 ounce every 15 minutes) while awake.

4. Sugar substitutes are safe to use (Equal, Splenda, etc.).

5. Read Nutrition Facts labels to ensure that liquid is caffeine-free, sugar-free.< /p>

• Water • broth or Bouillon • Sugar-Free Kool-Aid

• Crystal Light • Diet Snapple • Sugar-Free Popsicles

• Herbal tea • Propel • Sugar-Free Jell-O

Stage II

Full Liquids

While your stomach is healing and adjusting to the LAP-BAND, you will slowly transition from a liquid to a solid diet. During this stage, solid foods may get stuck in the outlet from the pouch and need to be avoided. The Full liquid diet consists

of semi-solid foods that do not need to be chewed before swallowing. You will still need to drink water and other clear liquids to stay hydrated, but only between meals.

START: Within a few days after surgery.

END: About 2-3 weeks after surgery – you will be notified when to advance.

DESCRIPTION:

1. Semi-solid foods, sugar free or low-sugar in a smooth consistency.

2. Continue sipping water and other clear liquids between meals with a goal of 64

ounces per day.

3. Avoid eating solid pieces of food like those found in some yogurts and Soups.< /p>

4. Try using children’s plates and silverware to ensure taking small bites.

5. Sugar substitutes are safe to use (Splenda, Equal, etc).

• Thin consistency cereals: Cream of Rice, Cream of Wheat, Grits (thin)

• Cream Soups (strained) – Cream of Mushroom, Cream of chicken, etc.

• Sugar free pudding or Custard

• Applesauce

• Yogurt

Stage III

pureed Foods

This stage continues to allow a slow progression to solid foods. Pureeing foodswill allow you to begin eating foods high in Protein without the risk of these foods blocking the outlet from your pouch. You will need to purchase a food

processor for this diet stage.

START: About 2-3 weeks after surgery – you will be notified when to advance.

END: About 4-5 weeks after surgery – you will be notified when to advance.

DESCRIPTION:

1. Pureed food and/or baby food. Refer to the list below and the following page for instructions on pureeing food.

2. Your meal needs to be most (if not all) protein. Eat the protein food first.

Foods to Puree & Liquids to Puree With

Chicken, Turkey with Broth, Gravy, Mayonnaise

Fish, Seafood with Lemon juice, Mayonnaise, Tartar sauce

Beef, Tofu with Broth, Gravy

Egg, Ham with Mayonnaise

Cottage cheese You may be able to puree it alone or just

mash it with a fork

Fruits that have been peeled, with no seeds or seeds removed with Yogurt, fruit juice, Milk

You may be able to just mash bananas with a fork

Vegetables that have been peeled and cooked with Broth, Melted butter or margarine

Potato that has been peeled and cooked

You may just mash potatoes with a fork

How to Puree Foods

Pureed food should be the consistency of mashed potatoes. You will need to use a Food Processor to puree your meals. Using a blender is difficult and often liquefies foods instead of pureeing them. You should buy a smaller size Food Processor given the small amount of food you will need it for. In general, you can puree any food with any liquid. The chart on the previous page lists suggestions on which liquids to puree with which solid foods. You may choose different combinations of the foods and liquids listed to puree your foods.

Avoid using water to puree as it dulls the taste.

Use only a small amount of liquid to start. If you use too much liquid, your puree will turn out runny. You can always add more liquid if needed, but once it’s there, you can’t take it out.

Helpful tips:

 Pureeing food can still leave some whole pieces of food. Not everything purees perfectly. Do not eat the parts that don’t puree.

 Most foods puree better while hot.

 Some foods puree fine alone, with no added liquid needed.

 meats puree differently depending on the cut.

 When pureeing meats, cook and cut into small pieces first.

 Fruits tend to liquefy when pureed. You can thicken them by adding unflavored Gelatin.< /p>

 Chunky soups can be pureed

Stage IV

Soft Foods

The Soft Diet Stage introduces solid foods for the first time. These foods should be soft and easy to chew for digestion. Raw fruits and vegetables, foods that are hard/crunchy and fibrous foods are not part of this stage.

START: About 4-5 weeks after surgery – you will be notified when to advance.

END: About 12 weeks after surgery – you will be notified when to advance.

Each Meal: Choose your protein food first (1/4 cup – 1/3 cup)

THEN add 1 fruit or vegetable (see portion sizes below)

THEN add 1 starch serving (see portion sizes below)

DESCRIPTION:

1. Soft, solid foods.

2. Always choose your protein food first. Chew slowly.

3. If it is comfortable to eat more, choose 1 (one) serving of fruit or vegetable.

4. If it is comfortable to eat more, choose 1 (one) serving of starch. Do not eat all of the meal unless it is comfortable to do so.

5. Continue to drink fluids throughout the day: 64 oz per day is your goal.

Protein ¼ cup – 1/3 cup Fish, Cheeses, Tofu, Thinly-Sliced Deli Meats, Cottage Cheese, tuna Fish, eggs, Egg Substitutes, Egg Whites, Chicken, Turkey, Veal/Lamb, Shellfish, Lean Ham, Lean Ground Beef

Fruit

1/4 - 1/3 Baseball sized: Peach, Pear, Plum, Nectarine, or Orange banana, Grapefruit Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew

Canned – any fruit DRAINED

Vegetables 2 Tablespoons Any well-cooked vegetable.

NO celery, corn or Beans

Starch

Potato (without skin)

Whole Wheat Crackers

Well-Toasted bread

Fat

Use sparingly Cooking Spray, Olive or Canola Oil, Butter, Margarine,

Mayonnaise, Avocado, olives

Remember to eat your protein food first and do not consume the next food group unless you are comfortable

to do so.

Modified Regular Diet

The foods introduced here are of regular-consistency. You no longer need to avoid foods that are hard and crunchy or fibrous. Raw fruits and vegetables, beans and seeds should be well-tolerated now. The “Foods to Avoid” list on the

following page will help guide you. For the rest of your life, remember to take smaller bites and chew your food very well.

START: About 12 weeks after surgery – you will be notified when to advance.

Each Meal: Choose your protein food first (1/4 cup – 1/3 cup)

THEN add 1 fruit or vegetable (see portion sizes below)

THEN add 1 starch serving (see portion sizes below)

DESCRIPTION:

1. Regular-consistency foods.

2. Pay attention to the list of “Foods to Avoid” on the following page.

3. Continue eating high-protein meals (see below). Having a LAP-BAND makes it essential for you to eats lots of protein-rich foods.

4. Continue to maintain your goal of drinking 64 ounces of Fluid per day.

Protein ¼ cup – 1/3 cup Fish, Cheeses, Tofu, Thinly-Sliced Deli Meats, Cottage Cheese, Tuna Fish, Eggs, Egg Substitutes, Egg Whites, Chicken, Turkey, Veal/Lamb, Shellfish, Lean Ham, Lean Ground Beef, Steak, Pork Chops

Fruit

½ cup

¼ cup

Baseball sized: Peach, Pear, Plum, Nectarine, Apple.

Banana, Mango, Papaya, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Strawberries

Canned – any fruit DRAINED

Vegetable ¼ cup -½ cup

Cooked vegetable

Raw vegetable

NO celery or corn

Starch ¼-½ slice

Potato

Whole Wheat Crackers

Well-Toasted Bread

Fat

Use sparingly Cooking Spray, Olive or Canola Oil, Butter, Margarine, Mayonnaise, Avocado, Olives

[debbieperez55 0]

Wow - such differences in docs and recommendations! Again I say, wow . . . . .

The following are the food lists that Kaiser Richmond's bariatric program uses. Note that Kaiser does not believe in Protein Shakes so you won't find them on the lists. Look at how l-o-n-g the phases are!! I won't get a salad for 3 months!!!

Sorry this is so long; with Kaiser you get a whole binder of info:ohmy:

Riley

Riley, excellent food plan. My Dr is even more restrictive. It is 5 months before you get regular food. At least you get a salad in 3 months. Jan 23 for me. But it is worth it. I have lost almost 60 pounds, almost 80 all total. I love my band, just waiting for my next fill.

Listen to your Dr, they know what they are doing and they know what works. It takes a long time to relearn old habits. I caught myself eating fast Friday night. I hate when that happens. Take your time and you will do fine. And don't be like me, when you think you need a fill, you probably do. Go in immediately. Once you hit your sweet spot you may still need adjustments from time to time. Take care Debbie

[riley4183 0]

Debbie! Look at you GO!! Congratulations!!

Did you have saline in your band at the time of surgery? How long were you on liquids after surgery? How did you lose the weight before surgery??

WOW!

Riley

[debbieperez55 0]

Debbie! Look at you GO!! Congratulations!!

Did you have saline in your band at the time of surgery? How long were you on liquids after surgery? How did you lose the weight before surgery??

WOW!

:wink: Riley

Riley, Hey we are almost neighbors :tt1: Well, you are North and I am South :sad:

No, I found out after that there was no restriction at surgery. I did ask for a fill immediately so believe it or not my first fill was on my one month anniversary. I was just so determined to make this work and you know, you have swelling in the beginning. I had thought that 5.5 cc would last a long time, but now three months later I realize I needed a fill about 6 weeks later.

I think the later fills are just minor tweeks and adjustments. I am hopping for that in January. I am HMO so I need authorization. But I can't be too down on the HMO, they did authorize my Band. :crying:

I was on liquids, clear for 5 days and then three weeks of full liquids. Then it was mushies for a few weeks. Next came more softer foods and at 5 months I get a full diet. I definately want my fill before I go there. I have found that dry is bad for me. I have had steak, cut it in tiny pieces and chewed a lot. I got stuck on Soy Sausage, on the day I went to the Dr. He told me this will happen. Had to go back on clear, then full liquids then mushies then back to regular. You have to let your tummy rest after being stuck, it gets pissed off.

The weight loss, actually, I got nervous, very very nervous about getting the band and got bad IBS. So I actually lost weight before I saw the Surgeon. Trust me I didn't try to loose weight, I just did. When you have diarreah every day several times a day you tend to loose weight. Once I saw the Dr I didn't do anything to loose weight until I got closer to my surgery date, then I freaked out. About a month before surgery I went to my regular Dr and had gained two pounds :sad:. I went on a personally induced diet. Two protien drinks and a meal a day. I asked my Dietician and she said it was okay. Of course she didn't tell me that they make you do this two weeks before your surgery anyway. Then of course I was on the liquid diet for about a few days before surgery. I was freaked about my liver and that helped me stick to the liquid part. I never ate anything that was not authorized by the Surgeon. :frown:

By the time I got further into the process I was actually looking forward to the restrictive part of the band. I was so tired of overeating. I felt like I could eat half a cow and still be hungry and eat more. Not anymore!

The band was the best thing I have ever done. No regrets, no looking back. I now love to walk and find it very relaxing and stress relieving. I have gone from a complete couch potato to a "mover and shaker" Okay, I walk funny. But I am down from a 26/28 to a 18. Not bad for an old lady. :thumbup: Debbie

[grantp 0]

Thanks for the reminder list of foods. I am having some problems with food these days. I had my lap band Aug. 07 and have lost 93 pounds. I can eat very little and I have to work better at eating the right foods and your list is very helpful. thanks again.

[lyndzileigh 0]

Riley, Hey we are almost neighbors Well, you are North and I am South

No, I found out after that there was no restriction at surgery. I did ask for a fill immediately so believe it or not my first fill was on my one month anniversary. I was just so determined to make this work and you know, you have swelling in the beginning. I had thought that 5.5 cc would last a long time, but now three months later I realize I needed a fill about 6 weeks later.

I think the later fills are just minor tweeks and adjustments. I am hopping for that in January. I am HMO so I need authorization. But I can't be too down on the HMO, they did authorize my Band.

I was on liquids, clear for 5 days and then three weeks of full liquids. Then it was mushies for a few weeks. Next came more softer foods and at 5 months I get a full diet. I definately want my fill before I go there. I have found that dry is bad for me. I have had steak, cut it in tiny pieces and chewed a lot. I got stuck on Soy Sausage, on the day I went to the Dr. He told me this will happen. Had to go back on clear, then full liquids then mushies then back to regular. You have to let your tummy rest after being stuck, it gets pissed off.

The weight loss, actually, I got nervous, very very nervous about getting the band and got bad IBS. So I actually lost weight before I saw the Surgeon. Trust me I didn't try to loose weight, I just did. When you have diarreah every day several times a day you tend to loose weight. Once I saw the Dr I didn't do anything to loose weight until I got closer to my surgery date, then I freaked out. About a month before surgery I went to my regular Dr and had gained two pounds :eek:. I went on a personally induced diet. Two protien drinks and a meal a day. I asked my Dietician and she said it was okay. Of course she didn't tell me that they make you do this two weeks before your surgery anyway. Then of course I was on the liquid diet for about a few days before surgery. I was freaked about my liver and that helped me stick to the liquid part. I never ate anything that was not authorized by the Surgeon. :tongue2:

By the time I got further into the process I was actually looking forward to the restrictive part of the band. I was so tired of overeating. I felt like I could eat half a cow and still be hungry and eat more. Not anymore!

The band was the best thing I have ever done. No regrets, no looking back. I now love to walk and find it very relaxing and stress relieving. I have gone from a complete couch potato to a "mover and shaker" Okay, I walk funny. But I am down from a 26/28 to a 18. Not bad for an old lady. :eek: Debbie

Holy Cats!! 5 months for food? ?? My doctor fed me cream of wheat in the hospital. It amazes at the difference each doctor has. So individual I suppose. I have been reading this forum for six months now and can't see where any one doctor's approach is better than the other. It's interesting tho. Best Wishes!!:thumbup:

[mes1012 0]

I am scheduled to be banded on the 15th of January and this has definately given me some great info. Thank you.

Here are the lists that my nutritionist gave to me for the different stages of eating after having surgery. The moderator may want to make this thread a sticky for those who don't get defined lists, as I've noticed a lot of questions about this topic in the past.

*STAGE 1 - LIQUIDS

START: When you return home from your surgery

DURATION: For 2 weeks post surgery, or until your next dietitian appointment.

DIET: Clear and full liquids

GOAL: Aim for at least 64 ounces of Fluid for the day by continuous sipping.

LIQUIDS RECOMMENDED:

Water

100% fruit juice (No sugar added)

Bouillon

Strained Soups or broths

Skim or 1% milk

Soy milk

Milk shakes - thinned

Gatorade or equivalent sports drink

Yogurt smoothie drinks - not including homemade

Crystal Light

sugar free beverages

Herbal or decaffeinated tea or coffee

Popsicles (Pedialyte)

LIQUIDS TO AVOID:

Citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, pineapple)

Acidic liquids (tomato juice, Tomato Soup, buttermilk)

Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea)

Carbonated beverages (any soda pop, seltzer, or tonic water)

Homemade fruit or yogurt smoothies

Anything that seems liquid but is not (Jello, yogurt, pudding, ice cream) *Do pour test*

*STAGE 2 - MUSHIES

START: 2 weeks post surgery

DURATION: Up to 2 weeks post liquid stage

DIET: Soft food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOODS RECOMMENDED:

Milk (skim or 1% only)

Cottage cheese

eggs (poached, scrambled or soft boiled)

Blended cream soups

Yogurt

Low Fat Cheese - unmelted

Peanut Butter

Tofu (silken only)

Pudding

Applesauce or other fruit sauces

Canned fruits

Mashed potatoes

Cream of Wheat or oatmeal (diluted with milk)

*STAGE 3 - SEMI SOLIDS

START: 4 weeks post surgery

DURATION: 2 weeks post mushies stage

DIET: Semi-solid food

GOAL: Aim for a meal capacity of about 1 cup (8 ounces) for 3 meals per day. Aim for fluid intake of 48-64 ounces per day.

FOOD RECOMMENDED:

Deli cuts of meat

Canned flake meats such as tuna or chicken

Ground meats like ground beef or ground turkey

Beans

Tofu

Baked fish or crab meat

Pasta, rice, and corn

Fresh fruit - eliminate skins

Cooked vegetables - avoid celery, asparagus or broccoli stalks

Low Fat melted cheese

FOODS TO AVOID FOR MUSHIES & SEMI SOLID STAGES:

Caloric beverages - sweetened tea, soda, lemonade, juices

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, & smoothies

Regular Jello

Dry solids like breads, cereals, crackers, high Fiber foods

*STAGE 4 - SOLIDS

RECOMMENDED FOODS & SERVING SIZES:

Protein GROUP:

1 ounce lean meat, poultry or fish

1/4 cup yogurt

1/4 cup pudding

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 egg, 2 egg whites

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 ounce tofu

1 ounce cheese

1/4 cup canned flake meat

1 slice deli meat

2 tbsp. grated cheese

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup beans

1/4 cup hommus

GRAIN GROUP:

1/2 slice toast

1/4 bagel or english muffin

1/2 cup Cereal (cooked or dry)

1/2 cup broth-type Soup

1 oblong graham cracker

1/4 cup rice, pasta, or potato

1/2 small baked potato

1/4 cup corn

4 crackers

FRUIT GROUP:

1/4 cup canned fruit (in its own juices)

1/4 cup grapes

1/2 piece fresh fruit

1 tsp. jelly or jam

1/4 cup dry fruit

VEGETABLE GROUP:

1/2 cup cooked vegetables

1 cup raw vegetables

1/2 cup Tomato juice

1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa

OTHERS GROUP:

1 tsp. oil, butter, or margarine

1 tsp. Mayonnaise

1 tbsp. Miracle Whip

1 tbsp. sour cream or cream cheese

1 tbsp. Salad Dressing

2 tbsp. guacamole

4-6 almonds, cashews, or pecans

1 ounce cheese

2 tsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. tahini

1/4 cup Cool-Whip

1 tsp. sugar, honey, or Syrup

COMBINATION FOODS:

1 or 1 1/2 cup per meal

1/2 cup per snack

CORE PLAN:

BREAKFAST:

1-2 Proteins

1 fruit

2 grains

1 other

LUNCH:

2-3 proteins

1 vegetable

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 fruit

1 protein

DINNER:

2-3 proteins

1-2 vegetables

2 grains

1 other

SNACK:

1 vegetable

1 grain

I hope that this helps those who are researching getting the band, with knowing what your eating habbits will be like after surgery. I also hope that this will help those who are never given a clear eating plan after surgery too.

Please know that this is just the plan that was given to me, and I do not expect all bandsters to follow this plan. It is simply a guidline for those who need one/are not given one.

Please remember to follow exactly what your surgeon/nutritionist says, even if it is different than this list.

[slimandhealthy09 0]

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and feel great. Too good! I'm hungry and everything goes down well. Is soft fish Okay? Had some tonight asnd no problems.

[azairforcewife 1]

Does anyone put Protein Powder in their coffee or make Protein pudding? Im having surgery and all i have is coffee in the morning. my dr said coffee is ok after a few weeks, and i made the suger-free pudding and added skim milk and a scoop of powder and t was really good with 20 grams of protein!!