Diet restrictions before Lap-band weight loss surgery
A low-fat/carb diet is recommended about two weeks before your Lap-band weight loss surgery. It is important because you need to lose fat around your stomach and liver and reduce the size of your liver. You are required to lose about 15 - 20 pounds. Below is the diet recommended :
1. Low in calories, fats, and carbohydrates foods.
The diets will reduce body fat around the stomach and liver, as well as shrink the liver itself. A smaller liver helps the surgeon perform the surgery easily and a smaller liver can reduce potential surgical bleeding. If the liver is too large, the surgery may have to be postponed. A typical pre-op diet ranges from 800 to 1200 calories per day which includes about 70 to 120 grams of protein each day.
2. High protein foods
Many surgeons require a full liquid protein diet for two weeks before surgery. Because the high levels of protein will help the body heal after surgery as well as protect muscles so that the body burns excess fat instead of muscle tissue when on a low fat diet.