Lap Band Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for lap band: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Lifelong Rules
- •Protein first at every meal (60-80g daily minimum)
- •No drinking with meals or 30 min before/after eating
- •Follow supplement recommendations
- •No carbonated beverages (can stretch your pouch/sleeve)
- •Attend all follow-up appointments and support groups
Lap Band recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- Rest and hydrate
- Sip clear liquids only: water, sugar-free popsicles, clear broth
- Use incentive spirometer every hour while awake (10 deep breaths)
- Pain managed with IV and/or prescribed medication
Diet: Clear Liquids
- Clear liquids ONLY: water, sugar-free Jello, clear broth, diluted juice
- Sip constantly. Goal: 64oz of fluid per day. No gulping.
- Begin protein supplements if approved by your surgeon
- No carbonated beverages, caffeine, or alcohol
Activity
- Walk 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily. Increase each day.
- No lifting over 10-15 lbs for 4-6 weeks
- Deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
- Light stretching as tolerated
Diet: Full Liquids
- Advance to full liquids: protein shakes, strained cream soups, yogurt drinks, milk
- 60-80g protein per day. Protein shakes are your best friend.
- Eat (drink) slowly. Meals should take 20-30 minutes.
- Continue hydration goal of 64oz daily (separate from meals)
Warning Signs
- Nausea or vomiting after eating means you're eating too fast or too much
- Some nausea is normal as your body adjusts
- Hair loss may begin at 3-6 months. This is temporary. Keep up protein intake.
Diet: Soft Foods
- Advance to soft foods: scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, mashed beans, soft fish, Greek yogurt
- Chew each bite 20-30 times. Eat slowly. Stop at the first sign of fullness.
- Protein first at every meal. Then vegetables. Carbs last.
- Portions: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F
- •Inability to keep any liquids down for more than 24 hours
- •Severe abdominal pain not relieved by medication
- •Rapid heart rate (over 120 bpm at rest)
- •Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- •Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, confusion
- •Redness, swelling, or drainage from incision sites
- •Calf pain or swelling (sign of blood clot)
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 0
Discharge from hospital
Tolerating clear liquids and walking independently
- Day 8
Full liquids phase
Advance diet as tolerated, protein shakes
- Day 22
Soft foods phase
Eating soft, high-protein foods
- Day 14
Post-op follow-up
First surgical follow-up, lab work
- Day 3
Return to work
Most patients return to desk jobs
- Day 28
Regular diet
Modified regular diet with lifelong guidelines
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact lap band recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
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