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If you and your surgeon have decided on bariatric surgery to lose the excess weight and restore your health, your transition begins with preparation. Not only will you have to submit to several medical tests, clear your schedule and plan for life after surgery, but you will also have to follow a strict pre-surgery regimen that includes diet modification.
You can’t continue to eat the same way you’ve been eating, then show up for surgery and expect positive results. Your surgeon will give you a detailed blueprint of what to eat in the days leading up to your weight loss surgery, and if you are serious about having a successful procedure, you will follow it to the letter.
Why Is Pre-Op Nutrition Important?
A specific, pre-bariatric surgery diet is important for several reasons. If your liver is fatty or enlarged like many obese patients, reducing fat in your midsection and possibly shrinking your liver will make it easier for your surgeon to perform the surgery. Reducing triglycerides around the liver has been shown to decrease complication rates after bariatric surgery, which is another reason to shed weight ahead of time.
Preserving muscle tissue can be a challenge throughout the bariatric surgery process, so increasing protein intake before the procedure can help keep muscle tissue intact. Changing your diet before the surgery is also important because it helps give patients a head start and a glimpse into what their diet will be like post-surgery. For some patients, it may seem counterintuitive to lose weight before having surgery that will help them lose weight, but it is a critical step for a safe and successful procedure.
General Pre-Surgery Guidelines
Although the details will vary from patient to patient, some general pre-bariatric surgery guidelines include:
- Decreasing all forms of fat
- Decreasing all processed sugar
- Decreasing high carb foods like bread or pasta
- Increasing protein intake
- No smoking
- No alcohol
- No binge eating
- Avoiding certain over-the-counter medications
Customized For Every New Patient
Not every pre-surgery diet is identical, and your surgeon will create a plan based on your current condition and the type of procedure you’re having. You’ll be given the general guidelines, and then you’ll be given specific foods to eat, based on your unique situation. This is the time to ask questions and get any concerns out in the open. Once the plan is set, it is up to you to stick to it, so your body is ready for the surgery and your mind is ready for life after surgery.
One Package to Meet All Your Needs
With so many changes happening at the same time, you may want to simplify the dietary process with meal replacement and supplementation packages designed to provide all of the pre-surgery nutrition your body needs. This way, you’ll have the proper amounts and measurements right in front of you, so you can focus on the procedure and transforming your life. Don’t waver from your original plan without the approval of your surgeon.
