Guidelines may vary from person to person, but may include the following:
Eliminate or decrease saturated fats, including whole milk products, fatty
meat, and fried food
Eliminate or decrease foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as
sugary desserts, pasta, potatoes, bread, and bread products
Eliminate high-sugar beverages, such as juice and sodas
Exercise portion control
Avoid binge eating
Don't smoke cigarettes
Avoid alcoholic beverages and recreational drugs
Don't drink beverages with your meals
You may take protein supplements as protein shakes or powder
Very Low Calorie Diet (i.e. Optifast)
You will be given instructions to take this preop by dietician. Generally 3
weeks pre operatively. You will be best to have at least 1 week
available post operative as you will be on a liquid diet for at least 1 week
Blood thinning medications
You will be given advice as to when to discontinue your medication. If you
have any questions, please ask
CPAP breathing machines
If you use a CPAP machine at night for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea you will
be required to bring to Grace Hospital during your stay
Birth Control
It is best to have thought about alternative birth control options prior to
surgery. Your usual oral contraceptive medication will no longer be
reliable (due to unpredictable absorption)
These are be discussed with your Surgeon or General Practitioner
It is best that you do not become pregnant in first 12months
Post operative multivitamin
These are best started upon discharge. A chewable form is
recommended for the initial 2 weeks.
Celebrate Bariatric chewable Multivitamin can be ordered
through amsnutrition.co.nz
Post operative diet
You will be on a liquid diet for 5 days, then progressing through pureed
diet to soft and finally solid over 4-5 weeks period. It is best to prepare for
this by pre-buying appropriate foods and ensuring you have access to a
good Kitchen blender
Fitness/ Wellbeing
Before any major surgery it is best to stay as fit as possible and to seek
medical attention if unwell prior to your surgery date
Work
Most people will require at least 2 weeks off work. Total 6 weeks off heavy
lifting (>5kg lifting)
