Gastric Sleeve nutrition

Statistics show that a gastric sleeve is one of the most preferred weight loss operations and is gaining popularity due to its simplicity, low level of complications and amazing results.

However it is essential to follow all the rules before and after surgery to make it effective. Here are some recommendations.

Fatty liver disease and pre-surgery diet

The liver is located close to the stomach. When gastric sleeve surgery is performed using a laparoscope, a liver retractor lifts it up to give the surgeon access to the stomach. In most cases, people with weight problems also have a fatty liver; when fat cells cover the liver and lead to an impairment in its function. This condition also enlarges the liver, so in some cases the surgery may have to be performed by open surgery, or alternatively delayed, so that the patient can follow a 2-week pre-surgery diet. This will reduce the size of the liver and so the risks of complication reduces. As a bonus, this provides the means for you to be ready for the diet after the surgery.

The 2 week diet recommends increasing proteins like lean meats, and eliminating breads, rice and cereals, as well as all types of sugars.

Here is a typical nutrition plan, which will help with the surgery:

– For breakfast, you can have a good quality protein shake without sugar. They can be bought in any specialized store;

– Your lunch and dinner should consist of vegetables and lean meat;

– Don’t forget to drink water or any drink without sugar or high calories;

– You can have berries, salads and nuts as snacks.

– Two days before the gastric sleeve, you need to exclude caffeine and fizzy drinks. Some surgeons ask patients to follow a two day liquid diet.

Do not forget to follow all the recommendations carefully. For example, in our clinics we give patients all the information on menu types, possible meals and most favourable combinations to help prepare for surgery.

Nutrition after the operation

When gastric sleeve surgery is performed, you will need to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid complications and adjust to a new way of life.

In the first week, you will only be allowed to have clear liquids without sugar: water, broth, decaffeinated tea and coffee. Eliminate sugar, caffeine and carbonated beverages.

During the second week, you can add protein to the liquid diet. This might include pudding, soup, yoghurt or watery oatmeal. Remember that these meals should have reduced or no sugar.

The diet during the third week can be composed of soft pureed foods. Make sure you have enough protein, eat slowly and adjust to one new dish at a time. This week, you can add almond or coconut milk, hummus, soft vegetables and cheeses, scrambled eggs, canned salmon and soups.

Week four and beyond you can introduce real meals, but make sure you avoid sweets, fried foods and fizzy drinks.

If you follow all the recommendations, you will see how easy and fun it is to lose weight and introduce new, healthy habits into your lifestyle.