So What Should You Expect?
To prepare for surgery you will be required to be on a very low calorie diet for 2 weeks prior to your surgery date. This includes using Optifast meal replacements as well as eating plenty of ‘free’ vegetables and drinking plenty of water.
Your dietitian will give you advice and support regarding what to do during this critical time.
The purpose of this phase is to:
- Reduce the size of your liver and to reduce fat around your abdomen to allow to access your stomach easier during surgery
- A reduction in any pre-existing metabolic abnormalities (e.g. hypertension, high blood glucose levels, high blood cholesterol)
- Increase confidence that you will be able to comply with the post-operative dietary restriction
Following surgery you will need to consume a fluid only diet for two weeks. In week three and four you will have pureed diet. Following this, most will commence soft, solid food.
In the long term you should expect:
- Reduced portion sizes
- Good quality food with an emphasis on ensuring adequate protein
- Daily supplementation with a multivitamin and other nutrients as individually prescribed by your Dietitian
- Regular meals and snacks
- Separation of food and fluid
- That some foods which you eat regularly now may not be well tolerated
Our highly skilled dietitians have extensive bariatric surgery knowledge and are committed to working with you to support you through your surgical experience and into the future.
Your dietician appointments are usually scheduled for 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-surgery, then monthly at 2 and 3 months, followed by 6 months and 12 months. Each visit can be attended in person, or via telephone or Skype if required. Additional appointments and exercise consultations may be of benefit and this can be arranged privately. Private health and / or Medicare rebates for these visits may be available.