Nutrition

The recommended daily dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is:
56g/day for men
46g/day for women

You won't be able to eat the amount listed above, but you should try to eat 25-30g of protein each day.

A guide to average protein content in common foods

Helpful Hints

PREVENT REGURGITATION AFTER MEALS

Try to avoid going long periods between meals. This can result in you feeling very hungry and often means the food is “swallowed” without thought for the Lap-band and chewing.

You may need to eat 3 meals and 2 small snacks a day to receive adequate nutrition without pain and discomfort. It is difficult to obtain all the vitamins and minerals, fibre and protein needed for your body each day, when you have a lap-band. Watch the snacks though – high fat and less healthy snacks mean that you are taking in more calories and the weight loss can slow down. Yoghurt, fruit, crackers and low fat milk drinks are useful between means and help ensure you get essential vitamins and minerals, and a healthier diet.

Don’t forget to chew your food and eat slowly. Avoid distractions at meal times such as TV or reading as you may eat more than you mean to. To leave some food on the side of your plate is desirable.

SUPPLEMENTS

Post surgery is a critical time for healing. As your food intake is limited and quantities eaten will be small it is essential to take multivitamin/mineral supplement. In the fluid phase, a soluble supplement such as Supradyn or Accomin is ideal. It is important to continue the supplements once you are onto the puree phase. You should also commence a daily fish oil capsule to provide the omega 3 fats which are essential for your body.

Ensuring adequate protein in the diet is also vital –so you make sure you include some high protein drinks such as Macleod’s in the fluid phase and add some vitamised meat, fish, chicken or eggs to your already vitamised soups to provide extra protein. If you are a vegetarian or need a change from the commercial drinks, discuss alternatives such as high protein milkshakes/soy milk drinks with your dietician.

FIBRE

With a reduction in your fibre intake on the liquid and puree diets, constipation may become a problem.

In the liquid phase try 50ml of prune juice or pear juice once or twice a day.
In the puree phase try adding a teaspoon unprocessed bran to the blends. You could try a fibre supplement e.g.; Benefibre which dissolves easily in liquids or Metamucil.
Adequate fluid intake is also very important to prevent constipation.