Saturday, June 25, 2011

Gastric Band Diet and the After Surgery

So the big question is this. What happens now? After you made that big decision and finally gathered the nerve to take the surgery, you went on right ahead and bravely submitted yourself for this life-changing procedure. And now that it's all over, you feel that you're back on track and ready to start afresh. But where to begin right? I know the feeling.

The most important key to making this surgery a success is this one word that we've all come to love and despise at the same time. And this is none other than, you guessed right, diet. That is gastric band diet to be more specific. Although it's not your average diet, it's easier than it sounds. With the right mindset and proper discipline, you're on your way to the better and healthier life you've always dreamed of.

To assist you with this endeavor are guides to this new brand of diet which you would need to adhere to religiously. First, you need to remember that you have a smaller stomach now, not more than half a cup in volume, so this would naturally mean smaller meals for you. Don't fret though, because you will feel full even with this teeny tiny amount of food. It's best to divide your daily intake into four equal meals evenly throughout the day. This way, your metabolism will remain in great shape. Also, refrain from drinking too much fluids while you're eating. If possible, during meals, drink only a small amount of water and only after you have swallowed your food. But this doesn't mean that you should restrict your fluid intake. On the contrary, you should hydrate adequately, because dehydration is one of the complications brought about by this surgery, and also so that you won't easily get hungry. Chew your food properly and slowly. Eating too fast will subsequently lead to bigger portions and more intake, which you would not want to happen. And stop eating when you're full. This part is quite self-explanatory.

For the content of your Gastric Band Diet, you should have a well-balanced diet. Initially, you will need to take a liquid diet, then progress to soft diet and so on as prescribed by your doctor. In a few days, as you successfully tolerate this diet progression, you can have a go on diet as tolerated. This would pertain to your complete food pyramid. Eat your fibers. Fruits and vegetables should contain the bulk of your diet. Eat moderate amounts of carbohydrates like, bread and cereal. Eat little amounts of protein and limit your meat intake to 10 to 15 mg. Avoid sweets, alcohol, fats and high protein foods. Most probably, you will be prescribed to take some supplements like calcium, vitamin B12, iron and multivitamins, so make sure you adhere to them so that you're getting all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

Finally, the best way to make the most of this new found freedom is empowerment. Yes indeed, freedom from a heavy burden which life has placed on your back. Empower yourself by learning more about Gastric Band Diet. Research and read all the information you can get from different resources. Ask your healthcare provider for advice. Try to consult a qualified dietitian to help you with making daily meal plans. Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek answers. Always remember, knowledge is power.





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