The Pre-op Diet for Gastric Sleeve Surgery Patients
Tijuana Bariatrics has changed so many lives through weight loss surgery. Many times, these positive changes are the result of gastric sleeve surgery, an effective and popular bariatric weight loss procedure.
For any weight loss surgery to be successful, it's important for patients to prepare for the procedure. This means knowing what they should eat before the surgery.
Why is the pre-op diet important?
When you are obese or morbidly obese, you carry a lot of excess fat, and your liver is often enlarged. The latter is known as fatty liver, and it can make the weight loss surgery process less successful.
A pre-op diet before gastric sleeve surgery helps reduce the size of your liver, improve general wellness to a certain degree, and can help prevent surgical complications as you recover from surgery. The changes to your diet are just part of the pre-op instructions that you need to follow.
Typical Diet Two Weeks Before Bariatric Surgery
While the exact diet for you and your needs can vary somewhat, the following guidelines are good to consider in the two to three weeks before your surgery:
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Eliminate Excess Sugar - Say goodbye to all that unnecessary sugar, such as sodas, candies, and juices
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Reduce Intake of Starches and Carbs - You should limit carbs and starches in your diet, such as pasta, bread, rice, and cereals; low-carb is the best approach
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Increase Protein Intake - Focus on eating lean meats and avoiding fatty meats
Typically, patients will want to have a sugar-free protein shake for breakfast, lean meat and vegetables for lunch, and lean meat and vegetables for dinner.
For snacks between meals, consider sugar-free options such as vegetables, berries, nuts, and salads. Patients should also stay well-hydrated with water and only drink sugar-free beverages.
Diet for the Two to Three Days Before Bariatric Surgery
As the date of your surgery nears, patients will have one last change to make to their diets. Roughly two to three days before your gastric sleeve, patients will usually be asked to avoid drinking any carbonated beverages and caffeinated beverages.
In many cases, patients will be asked to go on a diet of clear liquids around this time. This means a diet that predominantly consists of the following:
- Water
- Gatorade/sports drinks
- Broths
- Sugar-free protein shakes
- Sugar-free Jell-O
- Low-sugar or sugar-free fruit juices
- Crystal Light
Be sure to note all surgeon recommendations for your diet, particularly with regard to these final days before surgery.
How will my diet change after gastric sleeve is performed?
After you undergo gastric sleeve surgery, you will need to stay on a predominantly liquid-based diet in the first weeks after the procedure. You will slowly reintegrate soft foods and solid foods into your diet as the first month continues.
Your surgeon will provide detailed information on what you can and can't eat after gastric sleeve is performed. This bariatric surgery grocery shopping list should give you a basic idea of what to expect.
Contact Our Weight Loss Surgery Center
For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and your many other options for effective bariatric weight loss, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today.
