If you are considering or planning gastric bypass surgery, you likely already know you'll need to follow a special diet afterward. But you may not realize that many gastric bypass surgery centers recommend you follow a special diet before your surgery. This preoperative diet helps you prepare for the surgery and will indicate whether you're able to make the dietary changes necessary for post-surgery success.
Bypass Benefits
If you are severely obese, you've probably tried diets multiple times with little lasting success. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, physicians should recommend gastric bypass surgery for severely obese patients whose weight is placing their health at risk. The National Institutes of Health defines obesity as a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or above. Gastric bypass surgery cuts out or blocks off a part of your stomach to make it smaller so you'll eat less and lose weight.
Preop Diet Function
Following gastric bypass surgery, you'll need to radically alter your diet and eating regime in order to keep your downsized digestive system operating properly, according to the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center. To make sure you're willing and able to make those changes in your diet, your physician may ask or even require you to follow a preoperative gastric bypass diet. Adhering to the diet for up to six months shows you have the discipline to follow the gastric bypass program and also helps you acclimate to the coming changes.
Preop Diet Basics
During the preoperative diet phase for gastric bypass surgery, you'll meet with a nutritionist who will instruct you on how to eat healthier, according to the University of Michigan. You'll likely receive an individualized diet plan, but in general you'll need to reduce the fat in your diet, include more fruits and vegetables, switch to whole grains and eat leaner cuts of meat and fish. You should also limit or completely avoid eating fried foods and sweets.
Preop Diet Effects
The preoperative gastric bypass diet can help make your surgery a success. If you lose just 15 pounds in the month or two before your surgery, you'll kick-start your postoperative weight loss. The diet also will shrink your liver, which makes it easier for the surgical team to perform the gastric bypass and decreases your risk of complications.
Preop Considerations
Your surgeon may require that you participate in a preoperative weight loss program before agreeing to perform gastric bypass surgery, according to the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center. In addition, some health insurers require your participation in such a program before agreeing to pay for the surgery. Some preop programs also include counseling on what you can expect after gastric bypass surgery so you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed.
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