Undergoing gastric sleeve surgery is a significant step toward achieving long-term weight loss and improved health. However, success starts well before the operating room. A structured pre-surgery diet is essential in preparing the body for surgery, reducing risks, and ensuring a smoother recovery. Understanding the purpose, guidelines, and benefits of the pre-operative diet will help patients approach the procedure with confidence and clarity.
Why Is a Pre-Surgery Diet Necessary?
The pre-surgery diet is not just about weight loss—it plays a critical role in reducing surgical risks and improving outcomes. Key reasons for following a strict pre-operative diet include:
- Reducing Liver Size: Excess fat around the liver can make surgery more challenging. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet helps shrink the liver, providing better access to the stomach during the procedure.
- Lowering Surgical Risks: Weight loss before surgery decreases the likelihood of complications, including bleeding and infections.
- Adapting to a New Lifestyle: The pre-surgery diet introduces patients to healthier eating habits they will need to maintain after the procedure.
The Pre-Surgery Diet Plan
The duration and specifics of the pre-operative diet depend on a patient’s starting weight and health status, typically lasting from two weeks to several months. The diet progresses through different phases, focusing on nutrient intake while limiting calorie-dense foods.
1. Two or Three Weeks Before the Surgery
For patients with a high BMI, a structured diet plan may be recommended months in advance. During this process, some basic changes need to be made in your diet:
- Eat/drink more protein ( lean meats such as fish, chicken, turkey, low-fat dairy products, egg, legumes)
- Eat healthy, unsaturated fats (e.g. olive oil, nuts, avocado, olives)
- Increased water intake (at least 2 L a day)
- Reduce eating processed carbohydrates such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes
- Elimination of sugary and processed foods
- Elimination of alcohol and sugary drinks
2. The Final 24 Hours: Clear Liquids Only
The day before surgery, patients are generally required to consume only clear liquids, such as:
- Water
- Clear broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable stock)
- Sugar-free electrolyte drinks
- Decaffeinated herbal tea
- No solid foods or dairy products
Example 7-Day Pre-Surgery Meal Plan by Dietitian Naz (CK Health)
To provide patients with a structured approach to their pre-surgery diet, Dietitian Naz from CK Health has created the following sample meal plan:
Day 1:
- Breakfast: 2 small boiled eggs, 1 slice of whole wheat bread, 1 small tomato
- Snack: 1 bowl of light yogurt (200 ml), 5 almonds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast (150 grams), green salad (with lemon and a small amount of olive oil)
- Snack: 10 raw almonds
- Dinner: Grilled salmon (150 grams), 1 small portion of boiled broccoli
- Snack: 1 glass of kefir (200 ml)
Day 2:
- Breakfast: 2 slices of turkey ham, 1 slice of whole wheat bread
- Snack: 1 plain Actimel + 1 apple
- Lunch: Grilled meatballs (120 grams), mixed greens salad
- Snack: 1 small pear
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breast (120 grams), boiled zucchini
- Snack: 1 glass of light low-fat milk
Patients can rotate meals from the first three days and swap protein sources while incorporating different vegetables.
What to Avoid Before Surgery
To minimize surgical risks, patients must eliminate:
- Sugary and high-carbohydrate foods
- Fried and fatty foods
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Carbonated and sugary drinks
- Large portion sizes
Staying Committed to the Pre-Surgery Diet
Adhering to the diet before gastric sleeve surgery can be challenging, but the benefits are undeniable. Tips for success include:
- Planning meals in advance to avoid unhealthy choices.
- Staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Seeking support from healthcare providers, family, or online bariatric communities.
- Keeping long-term goals in mind—the pre-surgery diet is a stepping stone to a healthier future.
Final Thoughts
The pre-surgery diet is an essential part of preparing for gastric sleeve surgery, ensuring both safety and long-term success. By following the guidelines set by their medical team and incorporating the structured diet plan created by Dietitian Naz at CK Health, patients can set themselves up for a smoother procedure, faster recovery, and optimal weight loss results. If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, you can apply for a free consultation with CK Health Turkey for a personalized pre-surgical diet plan tailored to your needs.