Navigating the 2-Week Pre-Bariatric Surgery Diet: Your Path to Success
It’s a big decision to have weight loss surgery–gastric bypass, duodenal switch, or gastric sleeve surgery–but there’s a lot of work that has to be done beforehand. Your body will go through some pretty big changes in the weeks and months before as you try to lose enough weight to help produce the best possible results. As you get closer to the surgery date, you’ll need to follow a strict, all-liquid, 2-week pre-bariatric surgery diet.
In the months prior to surgery, you will have cut back on many foods, training your body for the post-op diet immediately after a procedure–and for the rest of your life. Surgery is just one part of the journey to lose weight, but coupled with a healthy diet and consistent physical activity, it gives the best chance to lose weight and keep it off long-term.
How Much Weight Should I Lose in the 2 Weeks Before Surgery?
At this point, you should have already lost the weight required for surgery. The all-liquid diet two weeks before surgery is designed to help you lose that last bit of weight, prepare your body for the physical changes, and jump-start the hormonal changes your body will go through after surgery.
Your WeightWise bariatric surgeon and healthcare team will provide personalized guidance on weight loss targets based on your unique health profile and surgical requirements. Together, you’ll develop a tailored plan to maximize your readiness for surgery and optimize long-term success.
The primary objective of the 2-week pre-bariatric surgery diet is to prepare your body for the procedure, minimizing risks and complications while enhancing safety and efficacy. Key goals of losing weight before surgery include shrinking the liver to ease surgical access and reduce complications during the procedure.
Shedding excess weight pre-op improves surgical outcomes and long-term weight management success. Adopting nutritious eating patterns and lifestyle behaviors aims to improve your overall health and well-being. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, portion control, and hydration, you’ll address underlying health concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity-related comorbidities.
How Strict Is the 2-Week Pre-Bariatric Surgery Diet?
The 2-week diet plan is pretty straightforward: all liquids all the time. In the months leading up to surgery, you were advised to eat lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and other healthy options. You will have transitioned away from solid foods, moving on to softer or pureed foods while taking supplements to keep your iron levels up and other vitamins and nutrients.
During the two weeks before surgery, you’ll primarily consume liquids such as protein shakes, clear broths, and sugar-free beverages to reach your final pre-op goals. This liquid diet serves multiple purposes, including facilitating rapid weight loss and helping to control hunger and cravings in the days leading up to surgery and the weeks after surgery. These are the hormonal changes we mentioned earlier.
While the prospect of an all-liquid diet may seem difficult at first, rest assured that it’s a temporary measure designed to support your health and wellness goals. Protein shakes, in particular, will become your best friend during this time, providing essential nutrients while keeping you feeling satisfied and energized.
Clear broths offer warmth and comfort, while sugar-free beverages such as herbal tea and water ensure proper hydration without added calories or sugar. While many outlets will tell you 64 ounces of liquid is enough, we recommend at least 92 ounces of fluids per day to keep you well-hydrated.
It’s important to sip the water throughout the day and avoid gulping to reach your goals. After surgery, drinking large amounts of liquid at one time could cause injury to the surgery, so this is an ideal time to train yourself. You’ll want to avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages at this time to help wean yourself.
It’s essential to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by your bariatric surgery team during the all-liquid diet phase. This will include specific instructions for additional supplements to support your nutritional needs. Remember that your commitment to following the pre-operative diet plan will directly impact the success of your surgery and your long-term weight loss journey.
Can I Drink Alcohol During the 2-Week Pre-Bariatric Surgery Diet?
Alcohol consumption is typically discouraged during the 2-week pre-bariatric surgery diet due to its empty calorie content and potential impact on weight loss goals. It’s best to abstain from alcohol entirely before surgery and for some time after surgery as well.
If you have specific questions or concerns about alcohol consumption during the pre-operative period, it’s essential to consult with your bariatric surgeon or registered dietitian for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your individual health status and surgical plan.
Is Exercise Recommended During the 2-Week Pre-Bariatric Surgery Diet?
While dietary modifications are central to the 2-week pre-bariatric surgery diet, incorporating regular physical activity is also encouraged to support weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall well-being. If you can, try for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
We understand this may not be possible for everyone, especially if your excess makes it difficult. But we can design a workout program for you that starts well before surgery and helps you develop habits that will see you through after the surgery as well. Before starting any exercise program, it’s essential to consult with your primary physician to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs and medical history.
FAQs about the 2-Week Pre-Op Diet:
Q: How many grams of protein should I aim for each day during the pre-operative diet?
A: Zero. In an all-liquid diet, you will not be eating any foods. You will receive protein, iron, and other essential nutrients through supplements taken with water.
Q: Can I consume sugar-free iced liquids during the pre-operative diet?
A: Yes, sugar-free, clear liquids are typically allowed during the 2-week pre-bariatric surgery diet as a refreshing and hydrating option.
Q: Are carbonated beverages allowed on the pre-bariatric surgery diet?
A: Carbonated beverages, including soda and sparkling water, are typically discouraged during the pre-operative period due to their potential to cause discomfort and bloating. It’s best to focus on hydrating with water and other non-carbonated fluids.