Before your gastric band surgery, you will be advised by your bariatric provider to complete a pre-operative diet. Pre-op diets can vary from one provider to the next and you should always follow the plan that you have given. If your provider has asked you to follow the BandBoozled pre-op diet, then you will find the different options and plans below.
Why do you need to do this diet? The pre-op diet is designed to shrink your liver so your surgeon can perform your procedure safely. The liver lies across the stomach so if it is enlarged it can make the procedure more difficult and in some cases the surgery is even cancelled. So, the pre – op diet is a very important step towards your surgery and your overall gastric band journey.
There is a choice of Plans to follow and they are all calculated to provide around 800 - 1000 calories and 100g of carbohydrate daily. This will ensure the glycogen levels in your liver reduce causing it to shrink liver adequately ready for your surgery. You must follow this diet for TWO WEEKS prior to your operation and you must follow it 100% for this time. If you do fancy a bit of a blow out with your diet before your band is placed this should happen before you start the pre – op diet and not the night before surgery! It would undo the effects of the diet.
Try to view starting the pre – op diet as the first stage in your gastric band journey. You need to follow this diet in order for your surgery to go ahead and whilst it can be strict and difficult to follow it is only for a short time. If you can see this as a positive measure and start to use it as a way of getting ready for your Band journey. Over these 2 weeks research the band thoroughly – the info here on BandBoozled can help you do this. Have a practice at the 20+ rule (You can download a free App called “Eat Slower” to help with this), clear out your cupboards of any less healthy food and snacks you may have and buy in some small plates and cutlery to make eating with the Band easier (BandBoozled recommend a 6inch plate and a small desert fork – you can purchase these in our online SHOP if you wish)
If you have diabetes or any other medical problem which a strict diet may interfere with please discuss this with your Bariatric provider or surgeon. Usually with diabetes adjustments to your medication or insulin may be needed so discussing this with your diabetic nurse or GP is advised
Once you start the Pre – Op diet we would recommend the following:
Whilst following the pre – op diet it is common to have the symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, bowel changes, dizziness, nausea… This is normal but if you really do feel unwell or are struggling with this then please contact your Bariatric provider.
The plans below are all calculated to fit the values that will shrink your liver so there is no one option that is better for you – it is more about finding the plan that suits you best. You don’t have to follow the same plan for the full 2 weeks, you can mix and match the plans over the fortnight provided you do each full day on the same plan.
If your operation isn’t too soon and you get a chance it might be an idea to practice the plan you like best for a few days before you start it for real. This will give you a chance to see if you can manage it ok and have chosen the best option for you.
Plan 1: Shake Plan
This plan is based on using meal replacement shakes that are easily accessible and not too expensive. Meal replacements are easy, full of vitamins and minerals and since they are liquid they will start to prepare you for the liquid stage of the diet after your band has been placed. It is quick and easy option involving minimal preparation and measuring. You are welcome to use meal replacement shakes of your own choice provided the number of shakes you have each day doesn’t exceed 700 kcals and 80g carbohydrate. Or you can choose from the options below that have already been calculated for you:
Asda Great Shakes – Powdered (made with skimmed milk) or ready to drink bottles – 3 full shakes daily plus an additional ½ shake as a between meal snack Celebrity Slim – 3 shakes daily If you use the celebrity slim active range – 3 shakes daily however you can only have the milk or the yoghurt portion below not both Slimfast – Ready to drink bottles – 3 bottles daily Powder made with skimmed milk - 2 ½ shakes daily (the carbohydrate content is higher so one meal would only be ½ a shake)
In addition to these shakes whether it be the ones we have calculated or your own choice ones you can also have: 200mls semi skimmed milk plus 1 yoghurt provided it has less than 100 kcals and 10g Carbohydrate Please check the labels carefully and ensure you add up the values in the total yoghurt and not just 100g of the product.
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Plan 2: Milk Plan
If you find meal replacements too sweet, too expensive or you just don’t like them then our very simple milk plan could be a better option for you. Simply choose the milk you prefer, add in your yoghurt allowance and stick to the serving size listed
Milk – skimmed or semi - skimmed – 3 pints daily (1700mls) Plus 1 yoghurt that contains less than 100 kcals and 10g carbohydrate Plus 2 small plums, 1 satsuma, 1 kiwi fruit If you are unable to use skimmed or semi skimmed milk and need a lactose free or soya milk then please use the values below: Soya Milk or Lactofree milk – sweetened – 3 pints daily (1700mls) Plus 1 yoghurt that contains less than 100 kcals and 10g carbohydrate 2 small fruits –plum, kiwi, satsuma OR 1 large fruit – apple, orange, pear, nectarine, peach
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Plan 3: Food Plan
This plan is based on normal, healthy foods. You will need to be organised and plan your meals then ensure you have everything bought in ready to prepare or cook each day. This plan will involve a lot of weighing and measuring so you will need a set of scales. Sometimes you may weigh out your meal and since the portions are small you may be tempted to eat more (especially if you have more cooked and ready) You must not do this or it will put you over the recommended calorie and carbohydrate levels. If you do think this will be the case then consider choosing one of our other plans. Breakfast:
or
Lunch:
with
Evening meal:
and
and
You can also have the following each day:
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If you are struggling to follow any of the above plans then you can devise your own plan however we would only recommend this as a very last resort. Provided you stick to less than 800 - 1000 calories and 100g carbohydrate daily then you will shrink your liver ready for surgery. However, you would need to track every single item you have eaten and drunk and calculate the calories and carbohydrate contents - this can be tricky and time consuming. It would also have to be done very accurately to ensure the values are correct so everything would need to be weighed and measured. A lot of planning would be involved with this so we would recommend you try your absolute best to follow one of our options above
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