
The length of a bariatric pre-op diet depends on the patient's BMI. For instance, if a patient's BMI is between 35 and 40, they should start the pre-op diet 10 days before surgery and the clear liquid diet three days before surgery. If a patient's BMI is over 40, they should start the pre-op diet two weeks before surgery and the clear liquid diet five days before surgery. The pre-op diet is essential for reducing fatty deposits in and around the liver, decreasing its size, and making it easier for the surgeon to access the stomach. It also helps patients lose weight before surgery, reducing the risk of laparoscopic surgery having to be converted to open surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pre-operative diet duration | Depends on BMI. If BMI is <34, start 5 days before surgery. If BMI is 35-40, start 10 days before surgery. If BMI is >40, start 14 days before surgery. If BMI is >45, start 60 days before surgery. |
| Clear liquid diet duration | If BMI is <34, start 3 days before surgery. If BMI is 35-40, start 3 days before surgery. If BMI is >40, start 5 days before surgery. If BMI is >45, start 20 days before surgery. |
| Diet characteristics | High protein, low carbs and fats. |
| Daily protein intake | 3 protein shakes per day. Each serving should contain at least 20 grams of protein. |
| Daily fluid intake | 64 ounces. |
| Foods to avoid | Alcohol, marijuana, THC products, nicotine, caffeine, dairy, starches, sugars, and desserts. |
| Medication considerations | Discontinue blood thinners, NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen), hormone medications, and herbal supplements. Consult a doctor about managing diabetes medication. |
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What You'll Learn

The pre-op diet duration depends on your BMI
The pre-operative diet for bariatric surgery is essential for all patients before undergoing weight loss surgery. The duration of this diet depends on your BMI. For example, if your BMI is below 34, you should follow the diet for 5 days before surgery and the clear liquid diet for 3 days before surgery. If your BMI is between 35 and 40, you should follow the diet for 10 days before surgery and the clear liquid diet for 3 days before surgery. If your BMI is over 40, you should follow the diet for 14 days before surgery and the clear liquid diet for 5 days before surgery. A BMI of over 45 indicates that you should follow the diet for 20 days and the clear liquid diet for 5 days before surgery.
The pre-operative diet consists of two stages: high protein and low carbohydrates and fats, followed by clear liquids only. This usually starts a few days before surgery, depending on your BMI. During the first stage, you should consume 2 or 3 protein shakes per day, as well as some chicken, fish, or egg whites. You can also have a salad with low-fat or fat-free dressing. If you still feel hungry, you can eat smaller portions of vegetables like cucumber or zucchini.
The second stage of the pre-operative diet is the clear liquid diet, which usually starts a few days before surgery. This includes water, teas, broths, clear juices, Jell-O, and popsicles. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon and to seek help if you are struggling with the guidelines. Failure to follow the pre-operative diet can lead to complications and increased risks during and after surgery.
In addition to the pre-operative diet, there are other lifestyle changes that need to be made before surgery. This includes discontinuing the use of alcohol, marijuana, THC products, nicotine, and caffeine two weeks before surgery. These substances can increase the risk of bleeding and cause other issues during surgery. It is also important to consult with your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, as some may need to be discontinued or adjusted before surgery.
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Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine should be avoided
While there is limited information on why alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine should be avoided during the bariatric pre-op diet, there are some insights from studies and patient experiences.
Nicotine is a known vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes the blood vessels to narrow. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the surgical site, impairing the healing process and increasing the risk of complications. It is not uncommon for surgeries to be canceled if a patient has nicotine in their system, as it can increase the risk of postoperative complications and hinder the effectiveness of anesthesia.
Although there is limited research on the effects of marijuana use on bariatric surgery outcomes, some studies suggest that it may not significantly impact the immediate physical outcomes of the surgery. One study found that marijuana use following bariatric surgery was associated with anxiety and maladaptive eating. It is important to note that the impact of marijuana may depend on various factors, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects on surgical outcomes and long-term health.
Regarding alcohol consumption, while there is limited information available specifically about its impact during the pre-op diet, it is generally advisable to avoid it before any surgery. Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and may interact with anesthesia. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from consuming alcohol during the pre-operative period to ensure the safest and most successful outcome.
In summary, it is important to avoid alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine during the bariatric pre-op diet to ensure optimal conditions for surgery and recovery. These substances can increase surgical risks, hinder healing, and potentially lead to adverse outcomes. By abstaining from them, patients can improve their chances of a successful surgery and a smoother recovery process.
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A liquid diet is required before surgery
A liquid diet is required before bariatric surgery, and it is essential that you adhere to your surgeon's instructions. The duration of this diet depends on your BMI. For instance, if your BMI is above 40, you should follow the pre-operative diet for 14 days, and the clear liquid diet for 5 days. If your BMI is above 45, the pre-operative diet should be followed for 60 days, and the clear liquid diet for 20 days.
The purpose of the liquid diet is to reduce the size of your liver and intra-abdominal fat, thereby reducing the risk of your laparoscopic surgery having to be converted to open surgery. It also reduces operating time, recovery time, and post-operative risks. The diet consists of 2 or 3 protein shakes per day, with at least 20 grams of protein per serving, and a serving of chicken, fish, or egg whites. You can mix the powdered protein with water, soy milk, skim milk, or almond milk. In addition, you should aim for a fluid intake of 64 ounces per day.
During this time, it is important to discontinue the use of alcohol, marijuana, THC products, and nicotine products. These substances increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. You should also avoid caffeine, as it is a diuretic and may cause dehydration. In addition, you should stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements. Consult your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, as you may need to adjust your diabetes medication.
If you are struggling with the guidelines of the liquid diet, contact your bariatric team for help. It is important to follow the pre-operative diet as closely as possible, as failure to do so can result in complications and may prolong your recovery time.
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You should consult your surgeon about medication
Preparing for bariatric surgery can be a complex process that requires careful planning and monitoring by an interprofessional team of healthcare professionals. This team typically includes nurses, dietitians, psychologists, case managers, patient care coordinators, and physicians in multiple specialties. The process is tailored to each patient, taking into account their unique medical and psychological history, comorbidities, expectations, and peri-operative management considerations.
One crucial aspect of this preparation is the pre-operative evaluation, which serves to ensure patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes. During this evaluation, patients meet with their bariatric provider to review medications and pre-operative test results. Certain medications may need adjustments or discontinuation before surgery to minimize the risk of complications. For instance, diabetic patients may have their insulin or diabetic medications reduced during the pre-operative liquid diet phase.
The pre-operative diet itself is an important component of the preparation process. Typically, patients are advised to start a full-liquid, low-carbohydrate diet about two weeks before surgery, although the specific timing and guidelines may vary according to individual needs. This diet aids in pre-operative weight loss, which can reduce the risk of converting laparoscopic surgery to open surgery. It also helps reduce liver size, intra-abdominal fat, co-morbidities, operating time, recovery time, and post-operative risks.
However, adhering to this diet can be challenging, and non-compliance may even result in surgery cancellation. Therefore, patients should closely follow their surgeon's instructions and seek support from their bariatric team if needed. It is also important to note that patients with obesity may have unique considerations, such as the need for close examination of veins or the insertion of a central line for anesthesia administration.
In conclusion, preparing for bariatric surgery extends beyond dietary modifications and involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's health and lifestyle. Consulting with the surgeon and the interprofessional team is essential to tailor the pre-operative plan, including medication adjustments, to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety.
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The diet aims to reduce liver size and weight loss
For bariatric surgery, it is recommended that patients adhere to a pre-operative liquid diet for two weeks. This diet serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps patients lose weight before surgery, reducing the risk of laparoscopic surgery being converted to open surgery. Secondly, and more crucially, it causes the liver to shrink, increasing the chances of a safe operation.
During keyhole surgery, the liver must be moved out of the way to access the stomach beneath it. A large, fatty liver can obstruct the surgeon's view and access to the stomach, extending the duration of the surgery and time spent under general anaesthesia. Moreover, a heavy liver poses a higher risk of bleeding during the procedure or sustaining injuries to other organs. In such cases, the surgeon might opt for open surgery, resulting in a larger abdominal scar and a lengthier recovery period with elevated risks.
The pre-op diet typically involves consuming a full-liquid, low-carbohydrate diet. Patients are advised to aim for a fluid intake of 64 ounces per day, including at least three protein shakes (200 calories or less each) made with water, soy milk, or skim milk. It is important to avoid drinking through straws. Sugar-free jelly, made with water or a small amount of milk, is also recommended. Patients can consume unlimited water, tea, coffee (without milk or sugar), and squashes. Additionally, it is essential to take a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure adequate nutrient intake during this restrictive diet.
Compliance with the pre-operative diet is vital. Deviations from the diet, such as consuming a large meal before surgery, can reverse the liver-reducing effects. In some cases, non-compliance with the diet has led to surgery cancellations. Therefore, patients should strictly follow the instructions provided by their surgeon or bariatric team.
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Frequently asked questions
The pre-bariatric surgery diet is essential for reducing fatty deposits in and around the liver, decreasing its size, and making it easier for the surgeon to access the stomach. It also helps you lose some weight before surgery, reducing the risk of your laparoscopic surgery having to be converted to open surgery.
The duration of your pre-op diet depends on your BMI. If your BMI is less than 34, you should follow the diet for 5 days before surgery and the clear liquid diet for 3 days before surgery. If your BMI is between 35 and 40, follow the diet for 10 days and the clear liquid diet for 3 days before surgery. If your BMI is above 40, follow the diet for 14 days and the clear liquid diet for 5 days before surgery. If your BMI is greater than 45, consult your doctor.
During the first stage of the pre-op diet, you can consume protein shakes, chicken, fish, egg whites, and salads with low-fat or fat-free dressing. For the clear liquid diet, you can have water, teas, broths, clear juices, Jell-o, and popsicles.
Yes, you should discontinue the use of several medications before bariatric surgery, including hormone medications, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), blood thinners, and herbal supplements. If you are diabetic, consult your doctor about managing your diabetes medication.
It is recommended to discontinue alcohol, marijuana, THC products, nicotine, and caffeine at least two weeks before surgery as they can increase bleeding risk and cause other complications.


































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