Surgery that is done by a minimally invasive or laparoscopic technique can be very challenging.  There are two that are especially difficult to deal with during surgery; they are a large liver and excess intra-abdominal fat.  Fortunately, both of these problems can be minimized through the use of a Very-Low-Calorie-Diet (VLCD), this means low a calorie/low sugar diet.

The pre-op diet is very effective at improving outcomes by:

• Making the operation easier, quicker, and lower risk due to reduced liver size and intra-abdominal fat
• Achieving weight loss prior to surgery that can be considered “bonus pounds,” which means less you have to worry about losing after surgery.
• Getting you in the mind-frame of how you will need to be eating right after surgery.

We utilize JourneyLite & Proti products as they are very effective in achieving all of these goals.  The duration of the pre-op diet is based on your pre-op BMI.  We know it’s not easy, but it’s done to ensure you have a fantastic result and a safe surgery.

Our dietitians will develop a customized plan for you and go over it with you.  They will also help you every step of the way to make sure you are following the plan and give you advice to optimize your success.

If you are diabetic please monitor your blood sugars very closely.  It is also a good idea to contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist and let them know you’ll be doing a VLCD.  They may want to adjust the dosage of your medications.