Lap band surgery is an exciting procedure because it puts a person on the road to losing weight. For those who are morbidly obese, lap band surgery is a step toward freedom because the weight loss that occurs in the beginning puts a person closer to being able to exercise since morbid obesity keeps them from doing so.

Lap band surgery isn't meant to make a person lose weight all by itself. The best results are achieved when a person follows the guidelines of the doctor. Those guidelines are rather reasonable, so they should not be too difficult to follow.

Directly after lap band surgery
During the first two weeks after having the surgery, normal foods are out of the question. An all-liquid diet is required for at least the first week and then you can eat pureed foods. Sometimes a person may have to eat the pureed foods for up to 14 days. After that period, it is time to start moving to regular foods.

When moving on to regular foods in the weeks after lap band surgery, there are some foods that should be avoided. These foods include: popcorn, certain breads, nuts, dried fruits, pasta, coconut, and fried foods.

Also, in the guidelines given to you from your doctor, you will be told to take at least thirty minutes with your meal although it is a small meal. By no means should you eat fast because eating fast can be quite uncomfortable so soon after having the surgery. You'll also be advised to stop eating as soon as you feel a feeling of fullness coming. Overeating can cause discomfort and still result in weight gain. And you will be told not to have liquids while eating your meal since liquids cause food to move more quickly through the digestive system.

Months after having lap band surgery
In the months following lap band surgery, high fat and high calorie foods should be avoided. It is also necessary to make sure that the foods that are eaten have adequate vitamins and minerals and that the foods are of a good variety to acquire the necessary nutrition. As far as drinking liquids, it is still not advised to drink during the meal, but about an hour after is fine. However, it is important to drink plenty of liquids between meals to keep the digestive system moving smoothly.

Be sensible
What it comes down to is eating healthy foods, not drinking during the meal, exercising on a regular basis, and following all guidelines by the doctor. If an adjustment is needed on the lap band, don't be afraid to tell the doctor. The doctor will perform adjustments until the desired setting is reached that will promote optimal weight loss. It is possible to gain weight back with a lap band, but it is all in knowing when you're approaching fullness and can stop eating.

Also, be sure to take the necessary supplements to avoid any type of malnutrition. The food selections should be adequate, but we all tend to not get enough of a certain nutrient because of our busy lifestyles. The entire process does take a lot of work, but it is effective and can change many aspects of a person's life. The morbidly obese can become thin, athletic, and feel good about themselves. Many have been known to run marathons and participate in other activities that they never thought they would get to do. Most importantly, the quality and longevity of life are increased and many future health problems are avoided. This makes the entire process priceless.