Pre Bariatric Diet

Bariatric surgery promotes dramatic weight loss in people who are dangerously obese and unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. The surgery requires a special preparatory diet designed to protect the patient's muscle mass, minimize complications, provide nutrients necessary to recovery and set the tone for long-term weight management.

Consult Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor and follow the advice above all else. Your doctor knows your needs and will give specific, customized instructions to follow and goals to meet. For example, some doctors require patients to lose a specific percentage of body weight before surgery. Others ask only that patients lose 10 or 15 pounds to minimize surgical risk.

Start Early

Begin your diet two to three months before surgery, or as your doctor advises. Starting early will help you reduce body fat in a safe and manageable way.

Eat Differently

Cut calories as your doctor advises. Bariatric surgery diets typically allow patients 800 to 1,200 calories a day. Typically, pre-op diets reduce sugar, fat and carbohydrates and emphasize fiber and lean protein.

Protein Supplements

Take protein supplements as your doctor advises. Protein is a common part of bariatric recovery; the surgery severely limits food intake, and stocking up on protein keeps your body from consuming muscle for energy. Some protein powders are formulated specially to reduce the size of the liver. An enlarged liver can force the postponement of surgery.