Medical Weight Loss

There are protocols that you must follow in the weeks leading up to your bariatric surgery. Here’s what to expect from medical weight loss before bariatric surgery.

 
 

Pre-Surgery Diet

Two weeks before your surgery, your surgeon will have you begin a pre-surgery diet. You should:

·       Decrease all fats (whole milk products, fried foods, fatty meats)

·       Decrease sugary foods and drinks

·       Decrease high-carbohydrate foods like white bread and pasta

·       Stop smoking

·       Avoid alcohol

·       Avoid binge eating

·       Begin protein supplements

 

Weight Loss before Bariatric Surgery

Why should you lose weight before your bariatric surgery? Well, this pre-surgery diet has a purpose. First, it reduces body fat which increases patient safety.

Next, it helps to preserve and protect muscle tissue. Increasing your protein intake helps prevent the body from using muscle tissue as an energy source during a reduced calorie diet. This means the body will burn fat instead.

Furthermore, it prepares your body for surgery and recovery. Eating a healthy diet and taking your vitamin/mineral supplements daily will help your body heal and recovery after surgery.

Lastly, this prepares you for the post-surgery diet. The pre-surgery diet is similar to the post-surgery diet. Both are reduced calorie, high protein, low fat, low carbohydrate. The pre-surgery diet helps to prepare patients for the way they will eat after bariatric surgery.

Pre-Surgery Weight Loss

Medical weight loss before bariatric surgery can lower your risk of complications and help make weight loss surgery safer. The main purpose of weight loss before bariatric surgery is to reduce the body fat in the abdominal region, especially in and around the liver. In some cases, a bariatric surgeon may have to postpone surgery if the patient’s liver is too large. However, reducing the size of the liver can shorten operating time and make the procedure safer.

For patients with extreme obesity, a BMI over 50, losing sufficient weight before surgery allows the procedure to be performed using a minimally invasive technique rather than through open surgery.

What to Expect from Medical Weight Loss Before Bariatric Surgery

The amount of weight you need to lose before bariatric surgery can only be determined by your bariatric surgeon. The amount is based on your health, weight, and the bariatric procedure. Some patients may need to lose 10 percent of their weight, but others may only need to lose 10-20 pounds to reduce the risk of complications.

Medical Weight Loss Before Bariatric Surgery in HayMARKET Northern Virginia

Following your surgeon’s pre-surgery guidelines is important. Not only does the diet help prepare you for life after bariatric surgery, but it also prepares your body for surgery and increases your chances of a positive outcome.