No "Bad" Foods
With the LAP-BAND® System, you can enjoy meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains-provided you keep portions small and chew thoroughly. "Eating too much or swallowing big chunks of food can block the passageway between the upper and lower stomach," says Jessie H. Ahroni, PhD, ARNP, bariatric program manager at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Everett, Washington. You may find that soft breads and fibrous vegetables are more challenging-both can become stuck in your pouch. "But even those can be eaten in small amounts," she says. Of course, because you can only eat small portions, it's important to choose foods full of important vitamins and nutrients-instead of empty-calorie items.