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How To Prepare For Bariatric Surgery

How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery By Changing Your Food Intake

When preparing for weight loss surgery, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, on the morning of your procedure, do not eat or drink anything -- not even juice, coffee, water, or gum!

Also, make sure you have a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. Due to the impacts of anesthesia, you also need a responsible adult at home through the evening.

Important Medication Instructions

For all medications, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications:

  • Continue all your usual medications in their usual doses.
  • Do NOT eat or drink after midnight the night before your bariatric surgery (unless if taking medication for blood pressure and/or diabetes. Anything more specific, please ask).
  • Please ask your doctor whether to continue any pill medications for your diabetes. If you use insulin, we will frequently suggest that you only take half of your normal morning dose, but please verify this with Dr. Bhoyrul if instructions have not been given to you.
  • If you take Coumadin (a type of blood thinner), we will frequently suggest that you discontinue this medication 5 days prior to your operation. Only discontinue this following the specific instructions of your doctor.

Stop These Medications

Due to the risk of increased bleeding, stop the following medications for at least 10 days prior to your surgery (Tylenol is okay):

  • Aspirin
  • Bufferin®
  • Excedrin®
  • Advil®
  • Motrin®
  • Ticlid®
  • Naproxen
  • VIOXX®
  • CELEBREX®
  • Voltaren®
  • Ibuprofen

Discuss any other medications with your surgeon.

How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery With Medication

Liver Shrinking Diet

The purpose of the Liver Shrinking Diet when preparing for weight loss surgery is to reduce the size of your liver. This makes it easier for the surgeon to operate on the stomach, which is located underneath the liver.

You will need to start this liquid diet 5-10 days before surgery. Remember to get at least 60 grams of protein. Minimize your intake of high sugar and high fat liquids.

Protein Shakes

Drink 1-2 shakes a day. They can be used as a meal replacement only during this diet phase. We offer Bariatric Advantage supplements (vitamins, protein shakes, etc.) and Nectar protein powder for sale in our office.

A good protein shake should contain at least 15 grams of protein, less than 20 grams of carbohydrates, and less than 5 grams of fat for an 8 ounce serving.

How to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery Protein

Good Options

  • Bariatric Advantage
  • Nectar
  • Premier
  • Muscle Milk
  • Carb Solution Shakes

Bad Options

  • Regular Slim Fast
  • Ensure
  • Boost
  • Atkins

Sugar Free Options

Sugar Free Drink Options

  • Water
  • Crystal Light
  • Wyler’s Light
  • Sugar Free Kool Aid
  • Sugar Free Tang
  • Diet Snapple
  • Fruit 20
  • Propel
  • Decaffeinated Tea/Coffee

Low Sugar Options

  • Juice
  • Gatorade
  • Powerade
  • Limit to less than 2 cups a day

Food Options

  • Broth soups
  • Thick soups (low sodium, low fat)
  • Sugar-free popsicles
  • Limit to less than 2 cups a day
  • Sugar-free Jell-O

Attention Diabetics

For our patients with diabetes we recommend consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates every 2 hours or so. Check your blood sugar levels more often and adjust your pills or insulin accordingly. Be sure to contact us if necessary to help manage your diabetes during this period. If your blood sugar is above 150, spread out the sugar-sweetened liquids over a 3 hour period.

Take Control Today

Contact us to find out how our  weight loss programs can support you as you pursue your goals.

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: (858) 457-4917