The lap band diet is basically the same as all other versions of a bariatric diet. For the first few months, it is important that you follow the instructions provided by you physician and dietitian. Slowly, your eating will return to what you have been used to in the past. The big difference will be your portion sizes. They will be considerably smaller.
While you are in the hospital, you will consume clear liquids. This is what a step 1 meal consists of. After you leave the hospital and for a minimum of two weeks you will eat protein shakes, baby food or strained, pureed food. If you have to chew it, it is not step 2 and you may be sorry later if you are eating it.
Step 3 can come anytime from 2-8 weeks following surgery. I know I was anxious for the 2 weeks to be over, because I was ready to chew some real food. Start SLOWLY. Introduce soft foods and chew them well. It sounds awful, but what you are eating should be chewed until it is liquid and then swallowed.
After the 8 week, you can eat anything, but here again, take it easy. Do not think that you can sit down to a steak dinner. You will still need chew well and cut foods into small bites. Foods that are course, such as; meats are still going to be difficult to eat. Sugar will be almost impossible for a person that has had a Roux-en-Y and will probably be eaten again by a person who has had lap band surgery.
This is the first 8 weeks of the rest of you life and it will pass quickly. The true part of the lap band diet is going to be how you manage your eating from that point forward. In order to have a successful weight loss surgery, you will have to make the necessary lifestyle changes.