"What dietary instructions or suggestions do you have for lap band patients to assist with their success?"

I have found that it is extremely important for lap band patients once they are adjusted properly, to eat primarily solid food and drink non-caloric beverages. Any liquid beverages that have calories in them actually thwart the work of the band. For instance, milk, ice cream, yogurt and fruit juices are high caloric beverages. In addition, soups, especially cream soups are very high in calories. Therefore, all of these calorie containing liquids should be avoided. I suggest my patients to drink water, tea with sweetener, and crystal light, for other liquids. And should always eat solid food, with an emphasis on protein to begin each meal. Liquid should be taken between each meal. One area that is often not considered is the milk that is in a latte. This also is a high caloric liquid and should be avoided.

The good news is that there are a lot of good foods Lap Band patients can eat it is just that high calorie drinks will work against the procedure.