Even before bariatric, or weight loss surgery, doctors often advise diet modifications. Losing even a small amount of weight before the surgery may reduce the risks of surgery, shows your commitment to weight loss and may also help you adapt to the more severe diet restrictions after the surgery, the University of Michigan's Adult Bariatric Surgery Program states. Some studies show no benefit of pre-surgery weight loss and diet, while others do. Different centers have different regimens to follow before surgery, so follow your own medical personnel's instructions, which may be tailored for your individual needs.
Liquid Diets
Some centers require you to follow a liquid diet for varying amounts of time before surgery, drinking only high-protein shakes as a replacement for meals. J.R. Salameh, M.D. of the University of Mississippi Medical Center requires drinking between five and seven high-protein shakes or drinks starting a week before surgery along with sugar-free drinks and water. Solid foods, caffeine, whole milk, drinks with added sugar and carbonated drinks aren't allowed in any form on this particular regimen.
Calorie-Restricted Diets
Some centers, like the University of Chicago, require calorie restricted diets prior to surgery. Calorie restriction of 800 to 1,000 calories per day starting 10 days before surgery decreases fat in the liver. Reducing fat reduces the size of the liver, making surgery easier and safer to perform, the University of Chicago Medical Center explains. Their suggested diet supplies high-protein, 60 to 100 g per day, and reduced carbohydrates Along with calorie restriction, centers like Ohio State University Center suggest eating five to six small meals a day rather than three large meals, cutting out all carbonated beverages and limiting sugars to 10 g per meal.
Immediately Before Surgery
Immediately before surgery, most centers have rigid dietary restrictions. These restrictions help ensure that the bowel is empty, decreasing the risk of complications and the difficulty of the surgery. Many centers, like Cedars-Sinai, restrict your diet to clear liquids only for 24 hours before gastric banding and 48 hours before gastric bypass, a more extensive surgery.
References
- University of Mississippi Medical Center: Baratric Surgery Pre-Op Instructions
- University of Chicago Medical Center: Pre-operative Diet Instructions
- University of Michigan Adult Bariatric Surgery Program: Pre-operative Phase for Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Journal of Obesity: Does Preoperative Weight Change Predict Postoperative Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in the Short Term?; D. Eisenberg etal; Department of Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine; 2010
- Ohio State University: Goals Before Bariatric Surgery
- Cedars-Sinai: Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery
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