All patients who are about to undergo WLS must follow a strict Low calorie diet for at least 7 days before their procedure (you may chose to start earlier 10-14 days) We recommend a liquid pre-operative diet based on shakes and soups from the Slimfast range. you can also consume fruit and most vegetables.
By using the Slimfast meal replacements it mean that we can really control your calorie intake before surgery it also removes decision anxiety on your part.
by following a low calorie liquid diet you will
- reduce the size of your liver which will make you surgeons task easier
- be prepared (physically and psychologically) for the fluids only stage of the post -op nutritional plan (remember for 2-3 weeks after surgery you will be having fluids only)
- you may even loose a few pounds before you have surgery - a great way to start your weight loss journey.
7 day pre-operative diet
Breakfast - 1 Slimfast ready to drink shake or smoothie
Lunch - 1 Slimfast ready to drink shake or smoothie
Dinner Slimfast soup
((these don't seem to be being produced anymore so I am making my own clear soup chicken and veg))
snacks 1 additional Slimfast shake/smoothie/soup
You should also consume 3-5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day these can be with any meal or as snacks
A portion ?
- 1 piece of fruit apple pear banana
- 2 plums
- 2 Clementine's
- 80g dried mixed fruit
- 80g dried weight vegetables (NOT POTATOES)
- cereal bowl of green salad
Drinking
you can drink as much water and low cal fluids (less than 3 cals serving) as you like including tea and coffee (with a splash of skimmed milk) before and after surgery you should aim to drink 1.5-2litres of water / fluid a day.
After surgery we strongly recommend you avoid fizzy drinks for at least the first 3 months after surgery these can cause pain and discomfort from trapped wind. You should wean yourself off fizzy drinks during the pre-op stage.
Vitamin and mineral supplements
during the pre-op stage it would be a good idea to get into the habit of taking a multivitamin&mineral supplement. you should ensure your supplement of choice contains B-vitamins, Iron, Calcium and zinc.
hope this helps
