Weight Loss Drugs vs. Bariatric Surgery – Which is Right For You?
If you’re trying to lose weight and finding it difficult, you may have considered taking medications or undergoing bariatric surgery. Both of these... read more
Nutrition
Pre-Operative Diet
- Download a printable version – Pre-Operative Bariatric Surgery Diet
You went for your initial appointment and have booked a surgery date- now is the time to start getting prepared for the big day. You should get everything ready in advance, from the protein shakes, to vitamins, to knowing the behavioral changes necessary for success following surgery.
Pre Surgery “Diet”
Prior to bariatric surgery, you will need to be on a high protein liquid diet. This should start 1-2 weeks before your surgery date, depending on what the doctor recommends. The liquids need to consist of high quality protein shakes, which you can get at the office or order here and have it shipped directly to your house.
It is recommended you drink these as meal substitutions (3 per day). In addition to the protein shakes, it is imperative to drink plenty of water/calorie free beverages to stay hydrated. The goal of the pre operative diet is to shrink your liver and jump start your weight loss!
Vitamins
It is crucial that you take good quality, well absorbed vitamins following surgery. Remember, you are eating a fraction of what you ate before and your body needs the nutrients! Plus, you can be at risk for nutrient deficiencies and hair loss. You should start taking your vitamins 24 hours after surgery (or when the doctor tells you to start) to help your recovery. Each procedure is recommended a different vitamin regimen. Vitamins are needed not only right after surgery, but for life.
You can have all the vitamins you need in one custom blend. After much research and thought, we have come up with the best blends for each procedure. For vitamins following Gastric Sleeve, Lap-Band, Gastric Bypass, or Revision procedures: Click Here
Read more: Endoscopic Outlet and Pouch Repair
Buyers Beware
There are many poor quality supplements/vitamins out there. Both the nutrition facts AND ingredients are important to read. Please consult the doctor or dietitian to find the best regimen for you.
Post Operative Diet
- Download a printable version – Post-Operative Bariatric Surgery Diet
The first few weeks (and of course beyond) after bariatric surgery are extremely important- so you must obey the rules! This is your body’s healing time. Remember, you have the rest of your life to eat. If the rules say full liquids, do not go and eat an apple. The post-surgery meal plan is as follows:
Week 1 – Clear liquid beverages (calorie/carbonation free) and clear protein supplements. The number one priory this week is hydration: you must make sure you get in plenty of fluids.
Week 2 – Full liquids – just like the pre op liquid diet. Protein shakes and plenty of clear liquid beverages for hydration.
Week 3 – Puree
Week 4 – Soft foods
You will get a handout with these phases in more detail upon discharge from the hospital. Remember, surgery is just a TOOL and you need to commit to change in order achieve your long term goals. The true measure of success is keeping the weight off the healthiest way possible. Post surgery visits with the doctor and Dietitian are critical to success following any bariatric procedure. Protein, fats, and carbohydrates all still play a role in your diet, so it is not healthy to avoid any of them or just eating the same foods everyday. Schedule an appointment with our Dietitian if you need a pre-operative or post operative visit, are confused and need direction with your meal plan, or you have reached a plateau that you want to break out of. It will ease your worries! Remember, not one thing works for all. You need an individualized plan based on your lifestyle and nutrition needs.
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The medical team are great
Courteous, professional front desk staff. My questions have been answered with accuracy and swiftness. The medical team are great. All of the doctors I’ve encountered have been honest and friendly. That said, Dr. Antoine is my favorite. He’s super personable and funny. I am pleased with the care I’ve received and would recommend Advanced Bariatrics to a friend who was invested in the services provided here.
Joan C.6 month Bariatric Surgery Diet Supervised Program
Patients will come once every 3-5 weeks for 6 consecutive months. Initial consultation will be 45 minutes- 1 hour and follow- ups ~30 minutes.
Goal: Patients will display understanding and competence in the expectations set forth for them pre and post bariatric surgery. Pre surgery weight loss goals will be met.
Each visit the following will be assessed/documented:
- Weight
- Lbs lost/gained
- Goal weight loss pre-operatively
- Nutrition/lifestyle goals
- Exercise
- Patient education
- Patient’s adherence to program and assessment at each visit
- Long term goals to attain over 6 months as well as short term for in between each sessions: each visit will end with goal setting
Month 1 – Initial Consultation – Mainly reviewing medical history, past diet attempts, getting idea of patient’s lifestyle and eating habits, 24 hour food recall. Discuss weight / lifestyle goals for 6 month program. Have patient start replacing 1 meal with protein shake most days and discuss 1 other nutrition or lifestyle goal (individualized)
Month 2 – Protein education.
Month 3 – Carbohydrate education.
Month 4 – Fat education. Discuss fluid needs and appropriate sources.
Month 5 – Pre op diet, eating first 2 weeks post surgery, and vitamin education. Patients will purchase vitamins, Creamsicle, and pre op diet shakes.
Month 6 – Review session: pre operative diet, weight loss goals, macronutrients, eating during the first few weeks after surgery. Patients will purchase more pre op shakes and vitamins as needed. Last minute questions will be answered. Schedule follow up with RD for 3 weeks post op.
Dr. Ragui Sadek is a premier surgeon who established a state-of-the-art and one of the safest bariatric surgery programs in the state. Dr. Sadek has fellowship training in both laparoscopic/bariatric surgery and surgical trauma/critical care, allowing him to safely perform complex surgeries on patients who have been turned down by other practices. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of surgery at RWJ Medical School & the Director of bariatric surgery program at RWJ University Hospital, Dr. Sadek offers a cutting-edge range of laparoscopic, robotic, & bariatric surgical procedures with a complication rate substantially below the national average.
Dr. Sadek is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having performed more than three thousand advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Sadek has established a strong patient satisfaction rate and a solid reputation among the surgical community and is renowned as a top physician in his field by International Association of Healthcare Professionals. As a board-certified surgeon, he holds affiliations with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastro Endoscopic Surgeons. More about Dr. Sadek
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