Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is life-changing weight loss surgery that reduces the size of the stomach, allowing patients to eat a small portion of normal food and lose weight. If you are like many patients, then you have spent years on yo-yo diets, weight-loss pills and exercise programmes and unfortunately, you have not been able to reap the weight-loss rewards of your hard work. This is where sleeve gastrectomy surgery plays a key role in finally getting your weight loss journey heading in the right direction.
If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, you may have heard about the importance of following a gastric sleeve pre-op diet. This special diet is designed to help prepare your body for surgery, reduce the size of your liver, and minimise the risks of complications during and after the procedure. However, many people are unsure about what exactly a gastric sleeve pre-op diet involves, how long it lasts, and what they can eat.
Dr Kiyingi, lead surgeon at Perth Bariatric Surgery, takes a closer look at the gastric sleeve pre-op diet below, including why it’s important, what foods to eat and avoid, and how to make the most of this important stage in your weight loss journey.
Preparing for change – the gastric sleeve pre-op diet
1. Start making healthier choices
Remember that weight loss surgery is not just about weight loss but more importantly, improving your health. In the lead-up to surgery, it is important to modify your diet and lifestyle and start making healthy choices with regular mealtimes. Identify foods and drinks that may be sabotaging your weight loss on a day-to-day week-to-week routine and get used to replacing them with healthier choices. It could be diet soft drinks, a regular take away or a sweet treat after a long day. These small changes in habits will have a big impact on your nutrition, health, and success from surgery, and are an important part of your gastric sleeve pre-op diet.
2. Have a nutritional review
Prior to surgery, you will meet with your bariatric dietitian who will perform a full nutritional review. This will include a weight and diet history and nutritional blood tests (including vitamins). 70% of patients have some form of nutritional deficiency before surgery based on their diet and they don’t even know it. These pre-surgery checks are important to ensure that any nutritional issues are identified before surgery and corrected.
3. Reduce caloric intake
Your bariatric surgical team will often recommend a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) or Liver Shrinkage Diet. This diet is limited to no more than 800 calories per day, by replacing meals with Optifast soups, shakes, bars and vegetables. This diet has been shown to shrink the liver size, in some cases up to 20% and kick-start the body’s weight loss. This makes the stomach more accessible for the surgeon and improves surgery safety.
The gastric sleeve pre-op diet takes place during the 2 – 4 weeks leading up to surgery. The first few days of adjusting to the diet can be challenging, but push through as your body will adapt and hunger pains will disappear. Avoid any alcohol during this time. On the final day prior to surgery, you will be switched to fluids only to ensure the stomach is empty. Good luck!
Pre-gastric sleeve procedure FAQs
What happens if I don’t follow the pre-gastric sleeve surgery VLCD diet?
Failure to follow the gastric sleeve pre-op diet may mean that your liver may be too heavy to lift up safely for surgery. This may increase the difficulty and risks during sleeve gastrectomy surgery. In extreme cases, your surgery may be cancelled. If you are struggling with the diet, contact your medical team.
Will I be able to eat normal food after sleeve gastrectomy surgery without vomiting?
Absolutely. Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is designed for you to get back to normal life. Patients who have had surgery are able to eat normal food a lead a normal quality of life. Vomiting is not normal after surgery. Read more regarding sleeve gastrectomy aftercare here.
Reclaim your health and transform your life
Congratulations, you’re taking an important step towards a healthier you by considering gastric sleeve surgery! And as you’re probably aware, following a gastric sleeve pre-op diet is a critical part of your journey towards a successful surgery and a happier, healthier life.
It may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and support, you can make the most of this opportunity to prepare your body for surgery and maximise your weight loss results.
Remember, this is a temporary phase that will set you up for long-term success. So stay motivated, stay focused, and stay committed to following the guidelines provided by your healthcare team. With their guidance and your determination, you can overcome any obstacles and make your gastric sleeve pre-op diet a success.
For further information visit Dr Andrew Kiyingi at Perth Bariatric Surgery.
