If you are planning to have weight loss surgery, such as the gastric bypass or LAP-BAND, your surgeon will likely advise you to follow a calorie-restricted liquid diet for a period of time prior to surgery. The amount of time you need to follow this diet depends on various factors including your current weight and the difficulty of the surgery.
Purpose of Diet
Immediately following weight loss surgery, you can only consume liquids; therefore, the pre-surgery diet can help prepare your body for this transition. Another purpose of the pre-surgery liquid diet is to shrink your liver. Your stomach and liver are in close proximity and if your liver is too large, it may interfere with the surgery. A calorie-restricted liquid diet is the best method for shrinking your liver in a short period of time. It can help prevent complications, and may actually shorten your time in the operating room.
Clear Liquids
Clear liquids are transparent, meaning that you can see through them. While these types of liquids keep you hydrated, they provide very little in terms of energy and nutrients. To limit your calorie intake, choose only sugar-free or diet liquids. Avoid juices, sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages. Examples of acceptable clear liquids include water, tea, coffee, diet gelatin, broth soups and flavored water and ice pops. You will be on a clear liquid diet for a day or two before your surgery.
Full Liquids
Leading up to the 24 to 48 hours before surgery, your pre-surgery diet, may include full liquids, which are foods that are liquid at body temperature and will provide you with more nourishment. Choose only low-fat and low-sugar full liquids. Avoid ice cream, milkshakes, heavy cream-based soups and other liquids that are high in calories. Examples of full liquids that are appropriate for you to consume are low-fat milk, strained low-fat cream-based soups, thin cream of wheat or cream of rice and vegetable juice. Your surgeon or dietitian will provide you with a complete list of acceptable liquids to consume on the pre-surgery diet.
Protein Supplements
While a liquid diet provides some nutrition, it provides very little protein. Your surgeon may advise you to take protein supplements while you're on the pre-surgery diet to ensure you maintain your protein stores. This will aid with the healing process after surgery. Protein supplements are present in two forms: powders, which you can mix with milk or water, and ready-to-drink shakes. Retailers often carry a variety of protein supplements. Choose one with less than 5 g of sugar, and avoid those that have more than 200 calories per serving.
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