Has anyone incorporated the Mediterranean diet with their band? My cardiologist suggested the diet, but I'm not sure if being banded will allow me to eat the grains and nuts. I'm looking for suggestions.

Thanks!!

You can eat whatever you want, including grains and nuts. In fact both are important in a healthy diet.

When it comes to diet, it's a matter of figuring out what works best with your own metabolism. It isn't one size fits all and what works for one won't work for all. If you think the Mediterranean diet will work for you? I say go for it. It can't hurt to try, right?

Depending on where you're at in your post-op diet progression, you can do that diet. You just have to try certain things and see how they go down. Just make sure that you get your recommended amount of daily protein, and watch your fats. That diet allows "plenty of" olive oil and nuts. Those of us who struggle with obesity, need to be wary of the term "plenty of". Make sure to track your calories, so you make sure you continue down a road of steady weight loss.

My concern is just switching from an emphasis on protein to an emphasis on vegetables. I haven't tolerated lettuce or really any raw veggies at all yet. Just nervous I guess, you're right. If the dr says do it and she knows I have the band then it must be safe.

My concern is just switching from an emphasis on Protein to an emphasis on vegetables. I haven't tolerated lettuce or really any raw veggies at all yet. Just nervous I guess, you're right. If the dr says do it and she knows I have the band then it must be safe.

I would run this by your bariatric surgeon, or the nutritionist at his/her office. Your cardiologist may not be aware of the necessary nutritional requirements of bariatric patients. It's a different world......one that I've found other types of doctors aren't necessarily up on.

Mrsto is correct with regards to specialist physicians not aware of or understanding the special nutrition needs of a bariatric patient. Those physicians usually have their focus within the parameters of their specialty practice.

That said, everyone is unique at what foods they tolerate, and certainly a priority needs to be getting proper nutrition.

There are never ending debates regarding the role of carbohydrates for a Bandster diet. Certainly, whole grains are preferable to processed white grains. However, my surgeon has stressed to me the extreme importance of understanding that carbs are our enemy when it comes to reaching our weight loss goals. He has also stressed the importance of meeting the daily goal for Protein grams.

I believe is is a misnomer to believe we can eat anything we want and expect to continue with weight loss. Eating carbs can lead to craving carbs, and couple that with fats from oils and you can have a prescription for weight gain.

It would be best for you to consult with your nutritionist and/or bariatric surgeon to discuss what they feel is the best diet for you to follow. If there are serious medical issues which your cardiologist feels need to be addressed, perhaps the two physicians can discuss your situation.

I am able to eat all those things....in fact a Mediterranean diet is perfect for the lap band if you are incorporating a lot of fish and healthy salads and cheeses. I'm Sicilian so I love these foods and luckily they agree with my band!