Getting Ready for a Gastric Sleeve Surgery: A Diet Plan to Follow 2 Weeks Prior
Have you made the decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery? Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier life. This surgical procedure can help you reduce your weight by removing a significant portion of your stomach. You’ll experience a smaller stomach that can hold less food, leading to decreased calorie intake and weight loss. However, to prepare your body for the surgery, your doctor will advise you to follow a strict diet plan two weeks prior to the operation. In this article, we’ll explore the key components of this diet plan and how to adhere to it.
Why Follow a Diet Plan Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Following a pre-operative diet is crucial to ensure that your body is in the best possible condition for surgery. This plan helps in reducing the size of your liver, which, if it’s enlarged, can create difficulties for the surgeon during surgery. Additionally, it helps in reducing the amount of fat in and around your organs, which lowers the risks of complications during the procedure.
The 2-Week Pre-Op Diet Plan
The two-week pre-operative diet plan consists of two stages – liquid and pureed. Let’s take a closer look.
Liquid Diet (Days 1-7)
During the liquid diet phase, you’re only allowed to consume clear liquids that are easy to digest and will not interfere with the surgery. You should aim for at least 2 liters of fluids a day, including water, broth, sugar-free popsicles, and clear juices.
Example Liquid Diet Menu:
- Breakfast: Sugar-free jello
- Morning Snack: Sugar-free popsicles
- Lunch: Clear broth with a protein shake (mixed with water)
- Afternoon Snack: Apple juice diluted with water
- Dinner: Chicken broth
- Evening Snack: Decaf tea
Pureed Diet (Days 8-14)
The pureed diet is the second stage of the pre-operative diet plan. It will help your body adjust to the post-operative diet by gradually introducing semi-solid foods.
Example Pureed Diet Menu:
- Breakfast: Protein shake (mixed with water)
- Morning Snack: Applesauce
- Lunch: Pureed vegetable soup
- Afternoon Snack: Greek yogurt
- Dinner: Pureed meat or fish with vegetables
- Evening Snack: Sugar-free pudding
Key Takeaways
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery is a crucial part of the journey towards a healthier life. Following a strict pre-operative diet plan two weeks prior to the surgery is essential to ensure that your body is in the best condition for the procedure. Remember to:
- Consult with your surgeon or dietitian for a personalized plan.
- Stick to the liquid and pureed phase of the diet to ensure that your body is ready for surgery.
- Ensure that you drink at least 2 liters of fluids daily during the liquid phase.
- Introduce semi-solid foods gradually during the pureed phase to help your body adjust.
In conclusion, it’s important to note that following a healthy diet after the surgery is equally crucial to achieving optimal weight loss and maintaining it long-term. Make sure to follow your surgeon or dietitian’s advice on your post-operative diet and lifestyle. Good luck on your journey towards a healthier you!
