Bariatric Surgery: Pre-Operation Diet
Before your surgery, it is important that you go on a high protein, low fat, low carbohydrate liquid diet. This will make your liver smaller and will help your surgery be better and safer.
Your Pre-Surgery Diet Start Date:_______________
What to eat each day:
- No more than 1,000 calories
- No more than 35 grams of fat
- 5-6 protein shakes (Example: Slim Fast High Protein Shake)
Vegetables
- No more than 2 cups raw vegetables/salads per day
- Must be raw or cooked steamed, boiled, grilled, or in a soup with NO added fats (oils, mayo, or sour cream), dips or marinades
- Cucumbers, string beans, bell peppers, celery, radishes, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, mushroom, okra, onion, tomato, and zucchini
- NO corn, peas, potatoes, or beans (these have too many calories and carbs)
- No vegetables/salads on day before (or day of) surgery
Dressings and Toppings
- No more than 2 tablespoons daily of fat free dressing
- Small amounts only of mustard, salsa, and vinegar
- NO added butter, oil, or mayonnaise
Snacks
- Sugar free gum, sugar free popsicles, and sugar free gelatin
Drinks
- 8 cups (64 ounces) of liquid daily- water is best!
- Water, diet soda, diet iced tea, crystal light, diet lemonade, diet Snapple, and other sugar free beverages throughout the day
- Coffee and tea are o.k. - only use skim milk and artificial sweetener
Things to Remember
- Follow this diet very carefully!
- This diet may cause constipation. If this happens, add fiber to your protein shakes (sugar-free Benefiber or Metamucil powder)
- If you have any questions, please call the pediatric bariatric surgery team at 212-263-7391.
You can do this!
© 2022 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.
Created in partnership with families and expertise from our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care