Do not drink liquids with meals. Stop drinking fluids 30 minutes before the meal. Then wait 30 minutes after meals before resuming fluids to prevent pouch stretching and vomiting.

Eat three tiny, protein-focused meals per day at regular times, sitting at a table. Eat slowly, savoring your food. Do not eat when feeling rushed or stressed as this may cause gastric upset.

Stop eating when feeling full or if feeling any discomfort.

Always cut food into small nickel size pieces and chew food very well to prevent blockage. If food should stick in your throat, try a teaspoon of Adolph's Meat Tenderizer® dissolved in a glass of warm water, sipped slowly.

Concentrate on eating protein-rich foods such as fish and seafood, cheese, eggs, and poultry. At mealtime, eat protein foods first before any other food.

Do not snack between meals.

Avoid very sweet food, candy, chocolate, and high-sugar beverages to prevent the unpleasant effects of dumping syndrome.

Sip liquids slowly, drinking at least ½ cup every hour between meals to total 64 ounces per day to avoid dehydration.

Minimize alcohol intake as it is high in calories, may cause an ulcer, and the effects may be felt much more quickly. You may have a stronger effect from alcohol than you did prior to surgery.

Avoid the use of all types of anti-inflammatory medications containing ibuprofen forever (i.e. Advil®, Nuprin®, Haltran®, Midol®, Motrin®, Aleve®, etc.). Contact the surgeon if any of these is absolutely necessary. These medications can cause ulcers and also lead to the Lap-Band® erosion into the stomach.

Take multivitamin and calcium supplements every day and check with your surgeon regarding B12 vitamins.