PRE-OPERATIVE DIET PLAN FOR BARIATRIC PATIENTS
Before bariatric surgery you need to follow a low-fat 800-1000 calorie diet to reduce the amount of glycogen (storage form of carbohydrate), water and fatty deposits in the liver and thus reduce the liver’s overall size. The purpose of this is to allow the surgeon to safely move the liver aside during the operation which will reduce the risk of complications associated with surgery. This pre-op diet will also help with the transition between your normal diet and the 2 weeks post-op liquid diet that you will have to follow. The pre-op diet is not optional and should only be followed before surgery.
How long will I need to follow the pre-op diet for?
· If your BMI<32 follow a low-fat diet for 5 days but keep your total energy intake the same
· If your BMI is 32-40 follow the pre-op diet for 5-7days
· If your BMI is 40-50 follow the diet for 2 weeks
· If your BMI is 50-60 follow the diet for 3 weeks
· If your BMI>60 follow the diet for 4 weeks
The pre-op diet has to be a nutritionally balanced low-fat, low-carb and moderate protein diet. Therefore we highly recommend you follow the pre-op Weight to Go diet (shown in bold below) which consists of 4 shakes, 2 soups, and fruit & veg. However, if you wish to prepare your own food, you can have some Weight to Go products, for example the shakes, and combine them with some of the meal options listed below. Do not be tempted to have a large meal the day before surgery as this will reduce the liver reducing effects of the diet.
Suggested 800-1000 calorie diet plan:
Breakfast (200 kcal) / · Weight to Go shake with 1 portion fruit· 1 medium wholegrain toast with scrambled egg
· 1.5 Weetabix with 125ml skimmed milk and half a banana or some strawberries
· 30grams oats, bran flakes, All-bran or Fruit & Fibre with 125ml skimmed milk and half a banana
Mid-morning snack (125 kcal) / · Weight to Go shake
· 1 portion of fruit
· Low-fat yogurt
Lunch (200 kcal) / · Weight to Go soup + side salad
· Salad with chicken breast/tuna/beans
· 1 brown toast/2 crisp breads with deli meat/tuna/low-fat cottage cheese
Mid-afternoon snack (125 kcal) / · Weight to Go shake
· Raw veg with a low-fat dip
· Low-fat yogurt
Dinner (350 kcal) / · Weight to Go soup with veg or side salad + WTG shake as a dessert
· 100g very lean meat/grilled white fish/ grilled chicken breast(no skin)/pulses (e.g. lentils & beans) with veg or side salad
Maximum calories per meal/snack are shown in brackets. Make sure you drink at least 2 litres of fluid/day.
The following can be used to add flavour: salt, pepper, fresh or dried herbs, spices, mustard, curry powder, lemon/lime juice, vinegar, stock cubes, garlic, vanilla and other essences. Do not add any butter, oil or cream to your veg. One portion of fruit is: one piece of fresh fruit e.g. apple or small banana; 2 small fruits e.g. plums or apricots; 1 small glass of fruit juice; 1 tbsp dried fruit; handful of grapes or cherries.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Bariatric Nutritionist on 0121 693 4488.