Procedure and Diet

With no cutting or stapling of the stomach, the LAP-BAND® System is up to 10 times safer than more extensive weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.1 As effective as these procedures are, the LAP-BAND® System offers fewer risks and a generally faster recovery time — so you can be back to your normal activity in usually about a week’s time.

Step by step: How it’s done

In most cases, the LAP-BAND® System is put into place during a laparoscopic procedure, using general anesthesia. The procedure is performed using long, thin instruments inserted through a few tiny incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm). Often done on an outpatient basis, the surgery itself typically takes about an hour.

Step One:  Your surgeon implants the LAP-BAND® System around the upper part of your stomach, much like a belt.

Step Two:  A tube is then connected from the LAP-BAND® System to a small access port, fixed beneath the skin of your abdomen.

Step Three:  After the first four to six weeks, adjustments to the LAP-BAND® System are made through the access port. This is done as needed — more frequently in the first year — to maintain optimal weight loss, by adding or removing saline solution.

Specially certified surgeons — providing LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE®

The surgeons who perform the LAP-BAND® System procedure have been trained and certified — meeting our rigid standards for qualification. These standards include:

• Demonstrated surgical and advanced laparoscopic skills.
• Completed an Allergan training course (mandatory by the FDA).
• Performed several surgeries under the observation of an experienced LAP-BAND® System surgeon approved to "Proctor" the case.

Additionally, Allergan offers another level of certification: LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE®.

Dietary Progression After LAP-BAND®



Post LAP-BAND® System Diet Plan & Nutrition Guideline

You'll learn about the healthy changes you can and need to make in your food selections and daily diet as well as daily physical activity. It's very important to follow your new eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the surgery.

First Few Weeks: Diet

Your diet after LAP-BAND® System Surgery.

Following the advice of your surgeon or dietician is essential to your progress after surgery. It allows your newly shaped stomach to heal completely and your LAP-BAND® System to remain in the right position. A small amount of regurgitation is normal at first. In fact, nearly all patients regurgitate at least once in the first weeks. However, frequent vomiting can stretch the new stomach pouch and increase the chance of band slippage. If this is happening you should call your doctor's office.

1-2 Weeks Post surgery: Liquid Diet

Your stomach will only tolerate liquids at this time. It’s important to also stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Drinking small amounts frequently may help you avoid vomiting.

Recommended liquids include:

• clear broth or soup (no vegetables, meat, or cream)
• skim milk
• fruit juice
• sugar-free popsicles

3-4 Weeks Post surgery: Pureed Foods

You can start adding slightly textured foods (the consistency of baby food). You should eat protein-rich foods first, as this helps you maintain muscle while losing weight. Then move on to fruits and vegetables.

Foods may include:

• skinless chicken/fish
• mashed potatoes
• peas
• low-fat yogurt or pudding

Note: In this stage, you may be allowed some foods that might not be permitted in your diet later due to high calorie content.

5 Weeks Post surgery: Soft Foods

As you progress to soft foods, remember to do so slowly. If they cause nausea, you may return to the liquid diet and introduce these foods again in a few more days.

Meals may include:

• tender, cooked fish
• ground turkey
• moist pork

Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may cause you problems. If so, stick to softer, more digestible foods.

6 Weeks and Longer

At this point you should be able to tolerate solid food, although in smaller amounts. Always cut your food into small pieces and chew thoroughly. This helps reduce the chance of vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. It may also help prevent any obstruction of the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System.