A proper bariatric surgery diet helps patients prepare for the procedure in multiple ways. Eating properly before the surgery allows for a realistic look at what the patient needs to do after the surgery is over. Also, the pre-surgery diet gets the body better prepared for a major change in the organs most closely tied to food consumption.
Preparation Diet Facts
Before a patient undergoes any form of bariatric surgery, he must first consult with the administering doctor, surgeon or an assigned dietitian to fully understand necessary requirements. Searching for information from external sources does not provide enough clear and decisive data regarding every specific surgery for each individual patient. Dietary needs differ on a patient per patient basis.
The Pre-Surgery Diet
Most pre-surgery diets have a few basic standards. Naturally, patients must avoid foods high in saturated fat, sodium, sugar and any other identified nutrient that has shown to cause damage; a medical professional or a dietitian will help each patient with his specific needs.
Another common factor found in most pre-bariatric surgery diets includes increased protein consumption.
Diet Goals and Objectives
The pre-surgery diet helps patients better prepare, both mentally and physically, for the surgery and its potential effects. A healthy diet helps reduce the fat found in and around stomach tissue. This special diet will also reduce the size of the patient’s liver, which often causes surgical postponements when it remains too large.
A reduction in body fat prior to the weight loss surgery will also help patients reduce bleeding during and after the surgery concludes. Increasing the amount of protein consumed will help muscles act properly. Protein allows muscles to avoid depletion and damage. Without an adequate protein supply, muscle tissue does not have the ability to repair, grow and preserve itself during, but especially after surgery.
The Diet Contents
Eating healthy poses a challenge for many patients. For one, patients feel as though they have one last chance to indulge in their favorite junk foods before the surgery takes place. Others simply prefer fatty, salty or sugary foods as opposed to meats and vegetables.
However, surgeons and dietitians recommend that patients consume small meals throughout the day. These meals must contain a protein source such as lean meat, eggs, fish or a protein supplement. The number of small meals must not contain foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium.
Many people preparing for bariatric surgery invest in protein supplements. Consuming these products allow patients to reduce their intake of other protein sources like lean meats and eggs. Protein supplements also make for a quick and easy intake. The powder-like protein sources mix with most liquids to form shakes; patients enjoy mixing in fruit or other ingredients to improve taste.
Diet Ideas
Patients who struggle with the pre-bariatric surgery diet often find recipes that satisfy the cravings. Rather than seasoning foods with salt, patients turn to other herbs and spices to enrich their choices.
Cooking with natural vegetable oils rather than butter helps reduce fat consumption while limiting caloric intake. Several patients carry a protein drink throughout the day in order to meet protein intake requirements.
