Day of Surgery and Day After Surgery Diet

• The day that you have your surgery, you are limited to sucking on an ice cube, nothing else at this point. The day after surgery you are allowed to drink clear fluids. It is important during this time not to eat any solid foods as your body cannot handle it so soon after the surgery.
  
  In the first and second week after surgery you are able to have clear broth or soup without anything in it. You may also have skim milk, fruit juice and no-sugar popsicles.
  
  By the third week, you are able to have food that is the same consistency as baby food. You can have pureed chicken, mashed potatoes, peas and no-sugar pudding, in addition to the foods from the first and second week.
  
  Week five means adding solid foods. If you find that nausea or vomiting develops at any time, go back to pureed foods for another week, then try again.
  
  

Foods You Should Always Avoid

• There are many foods that you must always avoid. Remember that your stomach is only going to hold a quarter cup or two ounces of food, so make sure your food choices are healthy and nutritious. There are many foods that are simply empty calories that can make you sick or leave you hungry.
  
  You should avoid foods that are high in fat such as chocolate, chips, pies and pastries. You should also avoid sugary foods such as soft drinks, syrups, honey, jelly or jams, cakes, cookies and ice cream. Another type of food you cannot have is some starchy foods, such as pasta, rice, and breads. High calorie foods such as milk shakes, soda, beer, orange juice and apple juice must also be avoided. Fats such as oils should be limited to three to four teaspoons per day.
  
  Other foods that can make you feel nauseous or make you vomit include carbonated beverages, asparagus, celery, oranges, pineapple, sweet potatoes, nuts, popcorn, steak, pork chops and hamburger.
  
  

Dietary Tips

• After your gastric banding surgery, you should always eat three meals a day. You need to eat slowly, savoring your food. Each bite should be chewed at least 30 times. As soon as you are full you should stop eating immediately. Do not drink during meals, or 45 minutes before or after meals. If you take in more than a quarter cup of food, you will vomit, and there is a chance that your stomach can become stretched.