How to prepare yourself for a weight loss surgery

1. Eating and drinking before surgery 

After surgery your diet will change dramatically. But did you know that it’s important to start with healthy eating and drinking habits even before surgery? This way you get used to them and it’s easier to keep them up later. A few tips:

• Spread your meals throughout the day. Eat small meals 6 times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and 3 snacks) rather than 3 large meals.
• Choose healthy foods rich in protein, calcium and healthy fats, like vegetables and fruit, dairy such as milk and yogurt, lean meat such as chicken or a handful of unroasted, unsalted nuts
• Drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid a day, preferably water. Do not take sugary drinks (including fruit juices) and avoid carbonated drinks
• Do not eat too fast and chew your food well. It’s best not to eat and drink at the same time. Make sure there is half an hour between each
• Is the surgery date getting closer? Try to slowly reduce the amount of food you eat. This way you will already get used to smaller portions.

2. Choose protein 

Protein is an important building block for your body. It’s a real powerhouse that is important for maintaining strong bones and muscles. After a stomach reduction your body needs time to recover, both from the anesthesia and the operation. And in addition to fatty tissue, you can also lose muscle. Protein helps with your recovery and contributes to building and maintaining muscle. Therefore, it is smart to consume extra protein in the weeks before surgery. Choose sufficient protein rich foods, such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs and legumes. Or take an extra protein shake daily.

3. The right start

Cliché but true: a good start is half the battle. The same is true of weight loss surgery. The healthier you are when you enter the operating room, the better. Many overweight or obese people have vitamin and mineral deficiencies. A deficiency disrupts bodily processes and can cause all kinds of symptoms. By starting with multivitamins before surgery and continue taking them afterwards, you can reduce the risk of deficiencies.

4. Prepare for important conversations 

You get a call from the hospital, but when you hang up you’ve already forgotten most of it. Or you have contact with a dietitian, but during the conversation you do not remember what you wanted to ask. This is quite normal because of all the tension and emotions. These tips can help you:

• Before you enter the conversation, think about what you want to know or ask. Write it down, take your notes with you and record your answers during the consultation
• Tell the doctor or nurse about your symptoms and how long you have been suffering from them
• Point it out if you don’t understand what a doctor is saying. It helps to repeat in your own words what you think the doctor means
• Are you facing a difficult decision? You don’t have to answer right away. Say you need time to think about it
• Bring your partner, friend or family member to the conversation. Not only because it’s familiar, together you’ll remember more and be able to talk more.

5. Read up and get inspired 

What exactly does the surgery involve? What do I take with me to the hospital besides warm socks and comfortable clothes? And what awaits me after the operation? The hospital or clinic where you are being treated will provide a lot of information. You can also read more about weight loss surgery on our website. We share inspiration, tips and recipes on our social pages. And you can join communities, for example on Facebook. In this way you can meet like-minded people, ask each other questions and motivate each other.

6. Ask for help 

There is plenty happening surrounding your surgery. Don’t think you have to do everything yourself. Take the time for your recovery and ask those around you for help. Tell colleagues that you are having surgery. Ask acquaintances to help you with errands, transportation or taking care of your pet. FitForMe is also always here for you. We are there for questions, advice or a listening ear.

7. Preparing for the weeks after your surgery 

The surgery is done. The surgeon is satisfied and after a few days you can go home. But at home you discover that the refrigerator is empty. You have nothing in the cupboard that you can and are allowed to eat now. Of course you want to avoid that. So prepare yourself well. The first two weeks after surgery you will only eat liquid foods because swallowing is still painful. Make sure you have enough liquid and nutritious food in the house, like soups, broth, yogurt and cottage cheese or oatmeal. Prepare small portions of food to freeze. Then you only need to defrost and reheat it.

Questions? Ask us!

If you are undergoing weight loss surgery, you will receive guidance from the hospital and your GP. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to ask questions. In addition, it is a good idea to look at your diet with a dietitian after surgery. That way you can be sure that you are getting the right food in the right quantities.