Your diet may alter just as much in the weeks and months leading up to bariatric surgery as it will thereafter. Your nutritionist may require you to drop up to 8% of your current body weight before undergoing weight reduction surgery, depending on your current weight and the operation you are considering. Pre-surgery weight loss can help to reduce the risk of surgical complications.
Changing your eating habits before surgery can help you adjust to the dietary restrictions you’ll encounter afterward. You’ll be able to eat only little portions of food at a time after treatment, which will be followed by a high protein diet.
In general, you will be on a low-calorie diet before surgery, consuming roughly 800 to 1200 calories per day. You’ll probably be told to stay away from sweets and fat and consume a high protein diet every day. Coffee, soda, and high-calorie drinks like smoothies should all be avoided, as should white flour pasta and bread.
A high-protein liquid diet is recommended by several nutritionists. This can aid in the reduction of abdominal fat and the reduction of liver size. Dietary protein smoothies are available. It could take a few months to switch to a liquid diet. This diet will also be followed during the first few weeks following surgery when you will only be able to drink 2 ounces of fluids at a time.
Diet’s Role in Gastric Bypass
Before undergoing gastric bypass surgery, you must first meet the criteria for the procedure and be aware of the risks and advantages.
Adults who are suited for this procedure are often over 100 pounds heavier or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 35.
If your BMI is between 30 and 35, your health is at risk as a result of weight gain, and lifestyle measures haven’t resulted in weight loss, you may be qualified.
To be a suitable candidate, you must also be willing to change your eating habits. New eating habits can help guarantee that the surgery has long-term benefits. You must plan ahead of time for a particular diet to follow both before and after your surgery.
The pre-surgery diet is designed to help you lose weight in and around your liver. This lowers the chances of complications during the procedure.
Your dietician will modify the overall food requirements for you after the surgery. The post-surgery diet is frequently divided into weekly periods. It aids in your recovery, as well as your ability to meet the needs of your newly reduced stomach and develop diet quality.
Diet Before Gastric Bypass Surgery
The amount of fat in and around your liver and abdomen can be reduced by losing weight before surgery. You might be able to avoid open surgery by having a laparoscopy instead. Laparoscopic surgery is less intrusive, takes less time to recuperate from, and is less taxing on the body.
Losing weight before surgery not only makes the process safer but also prepares you for a new way of eating.
Your dietitian will develop your exact food plan and pre-op weight loss objective.
As soon as you’ve been cleared for the operation, you can begin your eating regimen. If there isn’t enough weight loss, the treatment may be postponed or canceled. As a result, you should begin the diet plan as soon as possible.
What Should You Eat Before Surgery?
Protein shakes and other high-protein, low-calorie items that are easier to digest make up the majority of the before-surgery diet.
Muscle tissue is bolstered and protected by protein. This can assist your body in using fat for fuel rather than muscle. Protein also keeps your body robust, which helps you recover faster.
As your operation date approaches, you may need to stick to a primarily liquid or liquid-only diet. Your nutritionist may allow you to eat solid foods during this time, depending on your weight and maintenance of health. Fish, watered-down hot porridge, or soft-boiled eggs are examples.
Before the procedure, make sure you have instructions from the nutritionist regarding what you can and can’t eat. Depending on your situation, these solutions may differ. Your dietitian may, for example, advise you to drink carbohydrate-rich fluids up to two hours before the operation.
Last But Not Least
Gastric bypass surgery can help you get back on track with your health and fitness.
Following the pre-op recommendations can help you achieve your goals. The appropriate diet can help you avoid surgical problems while also teaching you how to eat and drink well for the rest of your life.
