Pre-op Gastric Sleeve Diet: Preparing for Surgery
Thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness, gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) has surged in popularity over the years. It’s one of the most sought-after bariatric procedures at our Tijuana, Mexico weight loss surgery center, and it’s helped change patient’s lives for the better in myriad ways.
Dr. Francisco Gonzalez always provides patients with detailed information when it comes to pre-op and post-op care. Right now, the team at Oasis of Hope would like to consider the importance of the pre-surgery diet for gastric sleeve patients. We’ll cover what the diet entails and how it can promote optimal outcomes during surgery.
Why Is There a Pre-Op Diet Before Gastric Sleeve?
Think of the pre-op diet for bariatric surgery procedures as a primer for a patient’s stomach. The foods they eat in the pre-op phase will get them ready for the foods they’ll eat during recovery and in the years after the surgery is performed. That will get patients to eating fewer carbs and sugars and focus on healthy sources of protein. Ideal foods include:
- Protein shakes
- Creamy and thin soups
- Vegetable juice
- Vegetable broths
- Gelatin
Getting these good habits started before surgery makes the recovery process much easier on patients.
The Pre-Op Diet Promotes Weight Loss Before Surgery
In addition to getting patients accustomed to eating habits after surgery, the pre-op bariatric diet also helps patients lose a little weight heading into surgery. This weight loss will typically make the surgery safer and can make weight loss following surgery easier as well.
In addition to eating lean protein and avoiding processed foods and excess sugar, patients are encouraged to exercise and lead a more active lifestyle.
Foods to Avoid in the Lead Up to a Gastric Sleeve
We typically recommend patients at our Tijuana bariatric surgery center to avoid the following foods in the weeks leading into their gastric sleeve:
- Fast food
- Candy
- Pasta
- Bread
- Pastries
- Soda
- Alcoholic beverages
- Junk food
Additional advice on what to eat and what not to eat can be provided during the consultation process.
Switching to a Liquid Diet
In the week or two weeks prior to gastric sleeve surgery, patients will be instructed to transition into a liquid diet. This diet will consist of protein shakes, soup broths, and unsweetened fruit and vegetables juices without pulp. This helps clear out solid foods from the digestive tract and also prepares patients for their diet during the initial weeks of surgical recovery.
What to Eat Before Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The 24 to 48 hours before gastric sleeve surgery will often involve some form of liquid fasting diet. Patients should only have approved clear liquids, avoiding all solid foods. This ensures no solid masses in the stomach during surgery, which makes the procedure much easier and safer to perform.
Additional pre-op instructions will be provided to increase the chances of success and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications.
Learn More About Gastric Sleeve
To learn more about different bariatric surgery options and how they can help you achieve a more ideal body mass, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgeons. The doctors at Oasis of Hope can be reached by phone in Tijuana at (619) 313-4522.
