Bariatric Surgery – Importance of Diet Preparation

Bariatric Surgery – Importance of Diet Preparation

Once you become a candidate for bariatric surgery, it is essential that you follow specific dietary guidelines before and after your surgery so you can achieve your health and weight-loss objectives. Here, you can learn more about how you can prepare for bariatric surgery with your diet.

Special Diet before Bariatric Surgery

Your pre-operative diet plan will serve several functions:

• The pre-surgery diet is designed to lower the amount of fat in and around your liver.
• Lowering your weight before bariatric surgery will lower your risk of complications.
• Weight loss also allows for the use of less invasive laparoscopic surgery, which may not be an option for severely obese individuals.
• You may also need to lose a certain amount of body fat to safely undergo bariatric surgery, depending on the specific procedure you undergo.

Your dietary plan must be rich in nutrition and protein so you can recover quickly after bariatric surgery. A diet that is high in sugar and low in fat also allows you to enjoy significant weight loss ahead of bariatric surgery. It is important to remember that your diet will be restricted after your surgery as well. By learning how to follow dietary plan before your surgery, you will be one step closer to following similar guidelines after your bariatric surgery.

What Will Your Diet Look Like?

The pre-op diet will consist of high-protein, low-calorie foods that are easily digestible. Protein protects muscle tissue and prepares your body for a healthy and speedy recovery. As you near the day of your bariatric surgery, your diet will become mostly liquid-based. Certain solid foods may be allowed, depending on factors like your health and weight. Your anesthesiologist should provide instructions on what you can and cannot have the day before surgery.

Typical recommendations include the following:

• Elimination of tobacco use
• Daily intake of protein supplements
• Increased portion control
• Reducing snacks between meals
• Elimination of saturated fats
• Elimination of sodas and other high-sugar beverages
• Reduced carbohydrate intake

Many of these dietary guidelines will help you lose weight after your bariatric surgery. Learning how to maintain portion control and an awareness of sugar intake are key habits that will allow you to enjoy a thinner body within months of undergoing bariatric surgery. One of the keys to maintaining your weight loss is to become aware of unhealthy eating habits.