Dr. Edward E. Mason, inventor of the gastric bypass, explains that although bypass procedures result in substantial weight loss, they also significantly affect the normal digestion process, which produces adverse side effects. Dieting prior to your surgery may help prevent these adverse side effects from occurring.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass, a type of bariatric surgery, is an option if you cannot achieve your weight loss goals through diet and exercise, or are severely obese with a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or higher, or 35 to 39.9 with an accompanying weight-related health problem such as diabetes, explains MayoClinic.com. During the procedure, your surgeon creates a small pouch the size of a walnut by using staples to separate your upper and lower stomach. He then cuts and attaches a small portion of your small intestine directly onto the pouch, limiting your ability to absorb calories. Although effective, risks ensue. As a preventative measure, your doctor places you on a special diet both before and after your surgery.
Possible Surgical Risks
Peritonitis is an infection in the abdomen, and occurs when problems arise with connections between the intestine and the pouch. Although fairly simple to treat, this is preventable by following the pre-op diet. Developing an infection at the surgical site is more serious and can take several months of treatment before cured. Inability to meet your weight loss goals is a result of not following your diet after the procedure; however, your pre-op diet plays an important role in this as well. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are long-term complications that are treatable with a multi-vitamin. Although doctors routinely place patients on a multi-vitamin following surgery, adhering to the post-operative diet your doctor gives you is essential.
Purpose of the Pre-Op Diet
The pre-op diet has four purposes: to reduce fat around the abdominal area, to preserve lean muscle, to prepare you for post-surgery healing and to prepare you for the post-surgery diet. Reducing abdominal fat and fat in the liver decreases your risk of bleeding and infection during surgery. It also reduces the length of your surgery, reducing any risks you may encounter with anesthesia. Protein creates and preserves lean muscle and increases healing time. The more lean muscle you have, the less your risk of infection at the surgical site.
Preparation for your post-operative diet is extremely important. This is your permanent diet, the eating plan you will follow the rest of your life. Preparing ahead of time keeps you on track for consistent weight loss and can help prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The Pre-Op Diet
Your doctor will typically place you on your diet 2 to 3 months prior to your surgery, giving you adequate time to lose the amount of weight he deems necessary. This depends on your overall health, current weight and body composition. Caloric intake usually ranges between 800 and 1,200 calories per day, while protein intake is between 70 and 120 g, according to Bariatric.us. Consuming high amounts of protein is necessary when on a low calorie diet to prevent your body from burning muscle instead of fat for energy. Protein supplements are the primary part of your pre-op diet; you can mix the powder form with skim milk, fat-free yogurt, water or fruit juice.
Member Comments