Pre-Op Diet for Bariatric Surgery
The ALO Bariatrics nutritionist will help you with all nutrition-related concerns you have in your journey through bariatric surgery. The pre-op diet consists of two stages:
- High protein and low carbs and fats.
- Clear liquids only.
You will need to be on the pre-op diet starting a few days prior to surgery (depending on your BMI), which consists of 2 or 3 protein shakes per day and a serving of chicken, fish, or egg whites. Plus, a nice crunchy salad with low-fat or fat-free dressing. You want a protein that contains at least 20 grams of protein per serving and is either free or low in fat and carbs. You can mix the powdered protein with half water and half skim milk or almond milk.
If you still feel hungry, it is ok to have a smaller portion of vegetables (i.e., cucumber, zucchini, etc). Then, a few days prior to surgery (depending on your BMI), start your clear liquid diet consisting of water, teas, broths, clear juices, Jell-o, and popsicles. During these days, you can also mix your powdered protein with water only (this will help you to control your hunger).
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How many days should I follow the Pre-Operatory & Clear Liquid diet?
- If BMI is <34. Follow the diet for 5 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 5 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 3 days prior to surgery. (2 days first stage and 3 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is 35-40. Follow the diet for 10 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 10 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 3 days prior to surgery. (7 days first stage and 3 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is >40. Follow the diet for 14 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 14 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 5 days prior to surgery. (9 days first stage and 5 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is >45. Follow the diet for 15 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 15 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 8 days prior to surgery. (7 days first stage and 8 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is >50. Follow the diet for 20 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 20 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 10 days prior to surgery. (10 days first stage and 10 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is >60. Follow the diet for 30 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 30 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 10 days prior to surgery. (20 days first stage and 10 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is >70. Follow the diet for 40 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 40 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 10 days prior to surgery. (30 days first stage and 10 days clear liquid stage)
- If BMI is >80. Follow the diet for 60 days. Start the pre-Operatory diet 60 days prior to surgery. And start the Clear Liquid diet 20 days prior to surgery. (40 days first stage and 20 days clear liquid stage)
Bariatric Surgery Pre-Op Diet FAQs
The pre-bariatric surgery diet is essential for all patients prior to undergoing a weight loss operation. This dietary regimen aids in reducing fatty deposits in and around the liver, decreasing its size and making it easier for the surgeon to access the stomach. As a result, the surgery becomes safer and more effective.
You should not drink alcohol when you’re on your pre-op diet. Drinking alcohol may increase the risks of complications during surgery, and it’s advised you quit when you decide to have the surgery or begin your pre-op diet. Alcohol has empty calories, lacks nutrients, can boost appetite, and may lead to overeating.
It’s normal to feel hungry when starting the pre-op diet. However, after the first three to four days, your body will get used to the reduced calorie intake, and these symptoms will subside. This occurs as your body becomes accustomed to burning its own fat stores for energy and enters a different metabolic state.
It’s common to experience some side effects during the pre-bariatric surgery diet. But don’t worry! These symptoms are typical and temporary. You might feel hungry and tired, have headaches, feel nauseous, have constipation or loose stool, be irritable, or have mood swings. This is due to your body getting used to consuming fewer calories and carbohydrates. Normally, these side effects should improve within three to four days.
Not following your pre-surgery diet can be harmful to your health and may even delay your surgery. Not sticking to the pre-op diet can lead to issues like pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, significantly affecting your weight loss journey. Cheating on your pre-op diet will likely cause fat to build up around your stomach, increasing the chances of complications during surgery and decreasing its effectiveness.
It is important to let your bariatric surgeon know about all the medications you are currently using before bariatric surgery. Some medications could cause problems during surgery or affect your pre-op diet. Usually, you will have to stop taking several medications before the surgery, such as hormone medications (birth control), NSAIDs (ibuprofen), blood-thinning medications, and herbal supplements. If you have diabetes, you will need to consult with your doctor on how to manage your diabetes medication in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
Failure to follow your pre-bariatric surgery diet can result in more risks, including potential complications such as leaks, bleeding, and other issues that may prolong your recovery time or require another surgery. You’re also more likely to develop post-surgery complications that can prevent you from losing weight.
It is crucial to follow the instructions of your surgical team. If you don’t, the surgeon might decide to delay or cancel the procedure.
The dietary modifications in the preoperative diet for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery are typically the same. Your surgeon and nutritionist from ALO Bariatrics will outline any specific changes based on the surgery you’re having.