You’re all set to go, you’ve been through all the consultations with your surgeon and physicians, passed the physical examination and booked your accommodation. There’s just one familiar catch that might fill you with a sense of dread, the surgeon’s recommended pre-op diet.
Dr. Daniel Huacuz, a leading authority in bariatric surgery and the gastric sleeve technique, stresses the importance of a pre-op diet. While you may not have had the best experiences with diets in the past, this one is compulsory. By removing fat around the abdomen and shrinking the liver, surgery will become far easier and may require far less invasive techniques, aiding your surgeon immensely in achieving surgery goals.
Don’t fear however, if you’re not sure what to eat or when, we’ve prepared a detailed diet guide for you below that will get you ready for the big day with minimal fuss.
2 Weeks before Surgery
Inspired by a series of groundbreaking research studies in 2009, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery changed its name to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery to reflect the changing focus. Throughout the years, it has becoming increasingly clear that the various surgeries classified at one time as superficial, provide a real and lasting medical benefit.
Type 2 Diabetes
Dr. Huacuz will usually inform his patients of dietary recommendation about two weeks before surgery is scheduled. This usually involves,
- Restricting caloric intake to between 1000 to 1200 calories per day
- Many patients will want to consider probiotics before surgery to avoid the effects of severe constipation after treatment. You can start a course of probiotic pills up to 6 weeks before the date; just inform your doctor of the medication being taken.
- Try and take nutrition via liquids where possible, protein shakes will act as a great meal replacement. These are also a great source of protein which is a necessary component in the healing process, and aids your metabolism
- Eat lean meats, to up your protein intake as well
- Cut out sugars, unfortunately this means any sodas or candy.
- Skip the coffee and tea, caffeinated beverages are not recommended in this two-week period
- Avoid smoking
- Large quantities of raw and cooked vegetables are a good addition to your diet in this phase, not only are they low in calories they provide vital nutrients to speed up your metabolism.
- Greatly reduce your carbohydrate intake, things like potato, rice, bread and refined grains must be avoided where possible
- Eat and drink slowly. Cut your food into small pieces, this will get you used to feeling fuller sooner, and prepare you for post-surgery life.
7 Days before Surgery
Discontinue any anti-inflammatory medication, vitamin supplements such as Vitamin E and any herbal remedies, steroids, birth control and any anti-coagulants. For sufferers of type 2 diabetes, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels as anything above 150 will require an immediate doctor’s consultation.
2 Days before Surgery
At this stage before your gastric sleeve surgery Dr. Huacuz recommends adhering to a diet of only clear liquids. These may include clear soups, Jell-O and water. Yoghurt is also an acceptable food at this stage.
Just before your Surgery
Make sure you consume no food or drink, after the midnight preceding your surgery. The ultimate success of your pre-op diet depends on how closely you can adhere to these requirements. While they may seem strict, the lifestyle changes this diet represents will carry you well into your post-surgery life.
