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Bariatric Preoperative Diet

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It is imperative to follow the preoperative bariatrics diet set up for your success when getting weight loss surgery. Often asked why, we want to shed some light here.

Just above the stomach sits the liver, which serves as the storage compartment for many things like carbohydrates, fats, vitamins etc, if you a have 35-40 (kg/m square) BMI then your liver stores more fats and carbohydrates that may cause disruption during your surgery. Hence, doctors suggest a patient to have strict pre-op diet before Bariatric surgery that is timed by your very own BMI.

Pre-Diet Basics Dependent upon BMI:

BMI 30-32 = 2 days prior to surgery clear liquids only
BMI 33-39 = 1 week prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 40-45 = 2 weeks prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 46-49 = 3 prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 50-59 = 6 prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids
BMI 60 plus = 8 prior to surgery start your diet and include two days of clear liquids

*diet is just a sample. you may be prescribed a different diet timeline and/or diet program.

8 Hours before Surgery

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Bariatric Post-op DietYou need to fast for at least 8 hours before surgery. Patients are advised not to have anything edible or drinkable after the 8-hour mark prior to bariatric surgery.

2 days Clear Liquid Diet before Surgery:

A clear liquid diet is needed before 2 days of the surgery which includes low-calorie drinks like a non-sugar water flavor enhancers or a low-calorie sports drink. Vegetable juice, vegetable broth or a bone broth with low calories will help with hunger too. Apple or other clear juice without pulp or carbonation. If you are not taking a probiotic, you need to have 2 Greek yogurts per day during your 2-day clear liquid diet.

Are you looking for the sample diet plan? Yes? Have a look below!

Get Used to Eating Better Now:

The diet sample that we are introducing will provide you with the complete nutrition needed. It will differ from below. The diet here is just to get you used to eating healthy.

Ensure you eat lean proteins, reduce carbs, and eat healthy fats

Common Protein Sources for a meal

Grilled, baked, broiled, or roasted

  • Chicken, turkey
  • Fish, shellfish
  • Beef – round, sirloin, tenderloin, roast, ground (93% or leaner)
  • Pork – loin chop, tenderloin, ham, Canadian bacon
  • Lean deli meats such as baked ham, turkey breast or roast beef
  • Eggs, egg whites, egg substitutes
  • Skim, 1%, Superskim, Ultraskim milk, soy milk, lactose free milk
  • Low fat cottage cheese made from skim or 1% milk
  • Protein shakes or bars- the first ingredient should read whey or soy
  • Low fat or fat free cheese
  • Low or no sugar, low or no fat yogurt
  • Tofu, soy products
  • Beans (black, kidney, garbanzo, navy, etc.), lentils, legumes

For every meal, add a vegetable and/or fruit

Acceptable Carbohydrates

  • Whole grain brown rice-1/2 cup serving
  • Whole grain pasta- 1⁄2 cup serving
  • Sweet potato- 1⁄2 cup serving
  • Starchy vegetables such as corn, peas, beans, legumes, lentils -1/2 cup serving
  • Whole grain cereal at one serving size
  • Oatmeal, whole grain Cream of Wheat®-1/2 cup or 1 packet
  • Whole grain bread, English muffins, wraps, pitas, crackers at one serving

Acceptable Fats

  • Olive oil, canola oil
  • Low fat or fat free salad dressings, if creamy
  • Salad dressings, marinades with an olive oil base
  • Lower fat margarine or spreads such as Promise Light® or I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter®

Drink Plenty of Fluids

  • Crystal Light
  • Brewed decaf tea (may use artificial sweetener)
  • Diet green tea
  • Sugar-Free Sports Drinks

Keep on Hand

  • Protein shakes. – Protein helps you keep the muscle you need and it increased your metabolism speeds. There are protein drinks on the market for your bariatric needs. Mix with water, skim, soy, or nut milk.
  • Clear liquids. Besides water, try a low-calorie drink like a non-sugar water flavor enhancer or a low-calorie sports drink. Vegetable juice, vegetable broth or a bone broth with low calories will help with hunger too.
  • Caffeine-free coffee and tea. Watch for sugar intake here. Do not add sugar, use small amounts of sugar-free sweetener with a soy, skim, or nut milk base.
  • Sugar-free snacks. Sugar-free gelatin or popsicles may be consumed sparingly, no more than once a day
  • Low-calorie soups. Watch your carbs, no carb-heavy foods like pasta in them. Seek vegetable or broth soups

Avoid These Foods:

  • Foods high in carbohydrates and starches. Bread, pasta, potatoes, pizza, cereal, and rice should also be avoided.
  • Foods high in sugar. Besides chocolatey desserts, cakes, cookies and the like, do not allow sugary fruit drinks to enter your liquid diet. You should not only avoid packaged fruit drinks but avoid the appeal of juicing fruit, since this can cause your daily caloric intake to increase quickly because of the number of fruits you need for a small serving of juice.
  • Foods high in fat. Cheese, fried foods and fatty meats are all high in fat and calories and can wreak havoc on your digestive system.

Sample preoperative bariatric diet grocery list.