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How should nutrition be before sleeve gastrectomy surgery

Importance of Preoperative Nutrition

Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective surgical method for individuals struggling with obesity. In this operation, a large part of the stomach is removed and a tube-shaped stomach is created. In this way, both the stomach volume shrinks and the person feels saturation with less food. Thus, the process we call fast and healthy weight loss begins.

However, the right thing is not to start this process with the surgery, but to start it before the surgery. It is very important to pay attention to the nutritional rules before sleeve gastrectomy surgery, both to avoid some difficulties that may occur during surgery and to prepare the body for the postoperative process.

In this article, we aim to examine the question of how nutrition should be before gastric sleeve surgery and provide you with a useful guide in this process. Let’s start if you are ready.

Preoperative nutrition is a critical step for a successful gastric sleeve surgery and recovery process. Developing the right eating habits during this process reduces the risks during surgery and increases the body’s capacity to recover after the operation. It also helps the liver to shrink, allowing your surgeon to perform the surgery more safely and comfortably. During this period, avoiding certain foods and eating a balanced diet with the guidance of your doctor is the basis for a fast and healthy recovery process after surgery.

Nutrition Guide Before Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy

Why is Preoperative Diet Important?

Diet before sleeve gastrectomy is extremely important for the safety and success of the surgery. The main purpose of the diet applied in this process is to help the liver shrink. In individuals with obesity, the liver can often be fatty and enlarged. Fatty and enlarged liver can make it difficult for the surgeon to access the stomach during the operation.

Shrinking the liver with a preoperative diet makes the surgical field more open and makes the operation safer. In addition, the preoperative diet accelerates the healing process by preparing the body for the operation.

How should the diet be shaped?

The preoperative diet should be based on a plan that includes low calories, high protein and minimum fat and carbohydrates. In this process, it is important to avoid refined sugars, processed foods and excess fat. By increasing your protein intake, you can prevent your body from losing muscle and thus have a better recovery experience. In addition, consuming small and frequent meals helps to create a satisfying diet without straining the stomach before the operation.

Preoperative Nutrition Stages

Balanced consumption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is extremely important in preoperative nutrition. Carbohydrates should be limited, fat consumption should be reduced and protein intake should be increased. This balance provides the energy your body will need during and after surgery.

Sugar and refined foods should be strictly limited in the preoperative period. Such foods cause blood sugar imbalance, accelerate weight gain and increase the risks that may occur during surgery.

Protein is one of the most important components of the preoperative diet. High-protein foods help maintain muscle mass, accelerate the healing process and support recovery after surgery.

Fluid Consumption and Pre-Nutritional Preparations

A pre-operative liquid diet is important to prepare the stomach for the operation. The liquid diet is usually started a few days before surgery and facilitates digestion and empties the stomach. During this period, you should consume liquid foods such as soups, smoothies and protein drinks.

Maintaining the body’s water and electrolyte balance is vital before surgery. Drinking enough water and balancing electrolyte levels will help your body to better prepare for surgery.

Caffeine and alcohol consumption should be strictly limited before surgery. Remember that these substances can negatively affect the body’s healing capacity and increase the risk of complications during the surgical process.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

In the preoperative period, it is of great importance to have adequate levels of vitamins and minerals for the body. In particular, essential nutrients such as vitamin B, vitamin D, iron and calcium will support your healing process by strengthening your immune system. These vitamins also contribute to your body recovering faster after surgery.

Before gastric sleeve surgery, vitamin and mineral deficiencies must be eliminated. Your doctor can detect these deficiencies with blood tests and, if necessary, intervene with supplements to help you go through this process smoothly. These arrangements will positively affect your general health by reducing the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Other Points to Consider Before Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy

Give Up the Habit of Eating Fast Food

It is important to adjust eating habits in the preoperative period. Eating more slowly and consciously puts less strain on the stomach and increases the feeling of fullness.

The habit of eating fast makes digestion difficult and causes unnecessary calorie intake. If you have such a habit, you should break this habit in the preoperative period and accustom yourself to eating more slowly. Eating slowly allows the fullness signal to reach the stomach more quickly.

Avoiding Overeating and Portion Control

Excessive food consumption must be avoided before surgery. Reducing portions creates a healthier diet while preparing the stomach for the operation and supports the weight loss process.

Nutrition Program on the Last Day Before Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Diet 24 hours before surgery

24 hours before the operation, you should limit your diet entirely to liquid foods under the supervision of a doctor. During this period, clear liquids, protein drinks and water should be consumed to facilitate digestion and empty the stomach. Avoiding solid foods reduces the risk of complications during the operation and facilitates the surgeon’s work.

Transition from Solid Foods to Liquid Diet

In preparation for surgery, solid foods should be replaced by a liquid diet. This prepares the body for surgery and keeps the stomach as empty as possible. Soups, water-based drinks and fluids containing electrolytes make up the ideal preoperative diet.

The Role of Proper Nutrition for a Successful Surgery

Remember that the success of gastric sleeve surgery does not depend only on the surgical process itself. It is a process including preoperative, surgical and postoperative periods. Proper nutrition before surgery prepares your body for surgery in the best way, reduces the risk of complications that may occur during surgery and accelerates your recovery process. For people who will undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery, preoperative nutritional arrangements are one of the key factors that increase the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle after your surgery ensures long-term success and healthy weight loss. Maintaining regular eating habits from the preoperative period and choosing balanced and nutritious foods are extremely important for weight management and general health. Remember, physical activity and adequate fluid intake supported by a healthy diet will be the cornerstones of a healthy life after surgery.