Hi -- I am preparing for surgery and trying to get a handle on exactly what is forbidden post-surgery. I felt like I had read alot, but this forum has been extremely helpful and sparked several other questions. Specifically, what exactly is completely forbidden? I just read that asprin and NSAIDs were ... someone mentioned caffeine? I've resolved myself to giving up my Diet Coke, but no caffeine? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks. Cynthia

Hi Cynthia,

Have you met with the dietician yet? That is who educated us on what we can and can't have after lap band surgery.

Below are the rules for eating that I received from my Bariatric group.

*Caffeine - Slowly decrease your caffeine intake to avoid withdrawal symptoms. No caffeine 3 days before surgery because you could possibly become dehydrated.

*Carbonated beverages - None for 6 months after surgery. They will cause excess gas, bloating or irritation to your digestive tract.

*Alcoholic Beverages - None for 6 months after surgery. It provides "empty calories" and can be used in limited amounts after 6 months.

Foods that are not allowed after Lap Band Surgery, FOREVER!

"Fibrous" foods such as broccoli, asparagus, celery, pineapple, and

rhubarb.

"Doughy" or "Sticky" foods such as white bread, buns, doughnuts, cake,

etc. Toasted whole grain bread may be tolerated but do not eat within

1 week of a band adjustment.

"Hard to chew" foods such as steak, coconut, chips, popcorn, dried

fruits, or chewy Protein bars. These could obstruct the band.

I hope this helps but there may be groups out there that do things differently.

Regards,

Marie

:ranger:

Gees. I'm glad I don't have to follow THAT list. I have eaten steak, chewy Protein Bars, white bread, a cinnamon roll, and broccoli is one of the few vegetables I have always loved and continue to enjoy.

It's amazing what I'm reading here.

My doc said absolutely no foods are off-limits for the rest of my life. I can have anything I want as long as I make healthy choices, chew everything very well, and if it goes down and doesn't come back up, then obviously it's a food that I can have. This is why I chose the band. Now I was told of foods that people have reported to have issues with (those were the popcorn, white breads & pasta)...but I was just warned to try them but to be careful.

My doc said the band is a universally fantastic tool BECAUSE of the fact that nothing is off limits. This is why it reins as a more logical choice over bypass surgery. It's just what your own personal band will and will not tolerate is where the changes come in for each individual.

I guess it's all a matter of your doc and what research you've personally done. I did a ton and never read one food to be forbidden with the band ever.