If you're facing surgery that will help you lose weight, such as gastric bypass, your doctor may have requested that you lose weight before your surgery. Being significantly overweight before surgery also poses a serious risk for a slower recovery and weight gain after surgery, according to a 2007 research study performed at the University of Pittsburgh and published in the "Archives of Surgery." Even a modest loss of 15 lb. prior to surgery can have a significant effect on the outcome, explains the University of Michigan. Speak with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet in an effort to lose weight pre-op.
Step 1
Increase your intake of lean protein sources such as white meat skinless poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products. Duke University explains that replacing higher fat protein sources with leaner ones can reduce the amount of stress on your liver. This will help make your post-operative recovery easier for your body and can help prepare you for the foods you will be eating following once you begin eating solid foods again. Lean proteins also contain fewer calories than their higher-fat counterparts, so you'll be consuming less total calories throughout the day.
Step 2
Consume no more than four servings of foods that are carbohydrate-dense. These are generally also foods that contain sources of simple carbohydrates like white flour products. This change can help increase your consumption of foods that contain dietary fiber, are less calorically dense and healthier. Additionally, decreasing your reliance on simple carbohydrates is a good way to prepare your mind and body for a healthier plan of eating after surgery.
Step 3
Drink a protein supplement instead of convenience foods between meals, twice daily. After surgery, you will rely heavily on these beverages for your nutritional needs. Before surgery, your body needs extra protein that will aid in the healing process afterward. Ask your doctor for recommendations for a protein supplement that is low in fat and sugar and provides adequate amounts of protein, based on your requirements. Protein supplements also contain no fiber, so your system can easily process the nutrients in the beverage, both before and after surgery.
Step 4
Write down everything you eat in a small notebook. Your doctor will provide you with recommendations for caloric intakes pre-op and post-op. Note the pre-op caloric recommendation in your notebook and stay at or slightly below this number. In order to stay within the guidelines, you should avoid eating highly processed foods and foods that are high in fat and sugar. These foods add excess calories with little nutrition and won't help you lose weight. Instead, focus your calories on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains in limited amounts and lean proteins. These, healthier foods are less calorically dense too, so you can feel satisfied while eating less.
Step 5
Engage in physical activity daily. Ask your doctor how much activity is appropriate for you before your surgery and begin your new exercise program immediately. You'll burn off calories, and increase the mass of your larger muscle groups. This will increase your metabolism due to additional caloric demands of muscle mass. You'll also be expected to be physically active once you've recovered from surgery, so starting before it can help get your body acclimated to the exertion.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet or level of activity.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical School: Outcomes of Preoperative Weight Loss in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Gastric Bypass Surgery
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Pre-Operative Phase for Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Duke University: Preparation Instructions for Weight Loss Surgery
- University of Mississippi Medical Center: Bariatric Surgery Pre-Op Instructions
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