If you’re scheduled to undergo weight loss surgery with us at Healthier Weight, it’s likely that you have been recommended a pre-operative diet to follow to help prepare your body for the procedure. This diet is often referred to as the ‘liver reduction diet’ as it helps to reduce the size of your liver ready for your operation as well as decrease inflammation and improve your overall health before surgery. This diet is crucial for success however, we understand sticking to a strict diet plan can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how to stick to your pre-op diet before weight loss surgery so you can have the best outcome!
Before you start your pre-op diet, it’s essential to understand why it’s so crucial. The pre-op diet helps to reduce the size of your liver, which makes it easier for your surgeon to perform the procedure. This is because your liver lies almost directly on top of your stomach so if the liver is too large, this can make it extremely hard to operate. The pre-op diet also helps to decrease inflammation and improve your overall health, reducing the risk of complications during and after surgery.
Planning your meals in advance is a great way to stay on track with your pre-op diet. You can create a weekly meal plan and make a grocery list in accordance with that so you can prep your meals in advance. This will help you avoid making impulsive food choices and ensure that you always have healthy, pre-approved meals on hand.
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Removing temptation is an important step in sticking to your pre-op diet. Clear out your fridge and cupboards of any unhealthy snacks or foods that aren’t approved on your diet plan. If you live with others who aren’t on the same diet as you, you can kindly ask them to keep any tempting foods out of sight which may also make it easier for you.
Staying hydrated is essential during your pre-op diet. Drinking plenty of water can help curb hunger and keep you full. It can also help to flush out toxins and improve your overall health. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses (2 litres) of water per day.
Having someone to hold you accountable can be helpful when trying to stick to a strict diet. You can enlist a friend or family member to check in on you regularly or even join a support group for people undergoing weight loss surgery.
Finally, it’s important to be kind to yourself during this process. Drastically changing your diet and lifestyle can be challenging, and slip-ups are normal. Try to remind yourself the pre-op diet is only short-term and that you’re doing it for a life-changing procedure which will benefit you in the long term. If you do slip up, don’t beat yourself up, negative self-talk only makes binge eating seem more irresistible – just get back on track as soon as possible.
In conclusion, sticking to a pre-op diet can be challenging, but it’s essential for your success. By understanding the importance of the diet, planning your meals in advance, eliminating temptation, staying hydrated, staying accountable, and being kind to yourself, you can stay on track and prepare your body for weight loss surgery.
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