Weight-Loss Surgery Preparation: Creative Ideas

Get your body and mind ready for bariatric surgery

Your journey toward bariatric surgery is an exciting step toward a healthier life! You’ll have at least 6 months between the first consultation and your big surgery day — so spend it wisely in preparing for your new life.

“Preparation can be more than just following a diet — there are plenty of creative ways to set yourself up for success,” says Tasha Dershem, RDN, a clinical dietitian for Geisinger’s Center for Nutrition and Weight Management.

Whether you’re focusing on being physically and mentally ready for the procedure or thinking about what lifestyle changes will make recovery smoother, these creative strategies can get you started today.

From consultation to surgery, how long does it take?

That depends on you and the program.

“Most insurance companies require at least 6 months in a nutrition program before approving a patient for surgery. That includes the program tests and preparations, as well as the dietary changes leading up to the surgery,” says Ms. Dershem.

Stick to your preoperative eating plan

Key to prepping for bariatric surgery: following the preoperative eating plan. These diet modifications will help you lose weight, reduce the size of your liver and get you in top health for your procedure.

"Focusing on high-protein, low-carb meals during this period helps with weight loss and post-surgery recovery," says Ms. Dershem. "It’s also a great time to build habits that will make the transition easier."

The pre-bariatric surgery eating plan usually involves:

Cutting out sugary drinks: Replace soda and juice with water or unsweetened tea. Flavored or infused water is OK, too.
Staying hydrated: Aim for at least 64 ounces of water per day. Drinking water will also help address your hunger cues.
A balanced meal plan that is sustainable: Focus on lean proteins like chicken and fish, and up your fiber intake with more produce and whole grains.
2-week liquid pre-op diet: Two weeks before your procedure, you’ll start a low-carb full-liquid diet to prepare your stomach for surgery. You can drink protein shakes and clear liquids and eat sugar-free popsicles or gelatin.
Multivitamins and supplements: Your doctor may recommend chewable supplements such as calcium and multivitamins to support your nutrition needs.

Add a twist to your pre-surgery diet

Don’t slog your way through your preoperative eating plan — frame it positively as a life-changing opportunity! Sure, it takes commitment and effort to change lifelong habits, but who says it can’t be fun, too?

Here’s the twist: Make it your mission to discover your new favorite meal.

“To turn a diet into a lifestyle, you’ve got to find nutritious foods you truly enjoy,” says Ms. Dershem. You can make it exciting by experimenting with new protein shakes, meal-prepping vibrant dishes and challenging yourself to try 1 new healthy recipe a week.

While bariatric surgery has the most durable weight loss of any treatment, you’re far more likely to be successful if you don’t treat your new way of eating as a punishment. Think of it instead as an exploration into uncharted territory.

There are so many foods out there you haven’t tried yet. And you can combine familiar ingredients in limitless ways. Don’t let your surgery day arrive without knowing how to shop for and prepare at least one healthy dish you like.

Know what tests are done before bariatric surgery

Before you have bariatric surgery, you’ll need to complete a series of tests to make sure you’re a good candidate. These tests assess your overall health and identify any potential risks. Most patients will need to have:

Blood tests: These check your baseline levels of micronutrients like iron (anemia) and comorbid conditions like diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and other metabolic conditions that will likely improve after weight loss.
Various medical tests: These may include an EKG (electrocardiogram) to evaluate heart function, EGD (endoscopy) to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, stool testing for GI infections and an abdominal ultrasound. Referrals to specialists in areas such as sleep medicine, endocrinology, nephrology and cardiology may also be needed.
Nutritional assessment: A dietitian will assess your dietary balance, consistent meal schedule and ability to stick to dietary changes with work and life commitments. They’ll also evaluate your ability to plan and cook healthy meals at home, with minimal reliance on eating out. The dietitian will teach you about diet stages and eating behaviors needed to tolerate your postoperative diet. And if you have food allergies or specific dietary restrictions, they’ll guide you on how to adapt your diet after surgery.
Psychological evaluation: An assessment of your mental health makes sure any existing conditions are managed and well-controlled. This evaluation also checks that you have a support system in place, evaluates your readiness for surgery and confirms that your weight-loss goals are realistic and achievable.

Understanding what tests are done before bariatric surgery can ease anxiety. Make a checklist and schedule appointments in advance to smooth the process.

Create a vision board for motivation

Visualizing your goals can be a powerful motivator. A vision board is a tangible picture of what your success will mean to you. Pin images of healthy meals, fitness inspiration and encouraging quotes. These can be visual reminders of why you’re choosing this path — whether it’s better health, more energy, feeling confident in your skin or being present for your loved ones.

Journal your thoughts before surgery

Quiet your mind and intentionally reflect on your journey by writing everything down. When you’re further along, you can look back and remember how you were thinking and feeling during this process. These prompts can help you prepare mentally and emotionally for your procedure:

What’s my “why”? Get to the bottom of why you’re embarking on this journey. Often your first answer is not your true reason. For every reason you come up with, ask yourself “why” again. Do this for several rounds until you get to the core. Your true “why” can help you realize your personal values and motivate you when the going gets tough.
I hit my goal — now what? Imagine you’ve already lost the weight. What will you be able to do in your new body? You don’t want to continue the same lifestyle that led to your health challenges, do you? Think beyond a number on the scale and envision what this fresh start will mean for you and those you love. How will you live differently? Odds are, there’s something you can start today to take baby steps toward your new lifestyle.

Gamify your water intake

Knowing how much water to drink is key to staying hydrated. But if drinking enough water feels like your nemesis, turn it into a game! Use a tracking app, set reminders or challenge yourself to finish a bottle before your favorite show ends. Post-surgery, sipping water throughout the day becomes crucial — so start practicing now.

Prep for weight-loss surgery with meal planning

After surgery, portion sizes will be much smaller. Get ahead by starting to use smaller plates, chew food thoroughly and practice mindful eating.

“Portion control is one of the biggest adjustments post-surgery, so getting used to seeing smaller amounts of food on your smaller plate will help you be ready for your postoperative meals,” says Ms. Dershem.

Think ahead for post-op success. “If you’re anticipating a busy day, plan to have protein alternatives available, such as protein bars, protein shakes, low-fat Greek yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese or other protein-focused options,” she says.

Meal planning for the week can keep you from eating out, making poor food choices or skipping meals altogether.

“Lack of hunger is common after weight-loss surgery but should never lead to missing a meal,” says Ms. Dershem. Mealtimes are your chance to fuel your body with protein and balanced nutrition, so you feel energized and able to tackle the challenges ahead.

Strengthen your support system

Surround yourself with encouragement! Join online forums, find a workout buddy or start journaling your thoughts. Having a strong support network makes the journey more manageable and uplifting.

Some people won’t know how to support you appropriately — maybe they’re used to baking cookies to congratulate or console. You can address this type of “negative support” by communicating your need to modify your diet and lifestyle to become healthier. Your loved ones may need ideas, so come up with a list of suggested alternatives to food gifts or dining events, such as going out to a movie, fitness gifts or outdoor activities.

Get ready for movement, even in small ways

Exercise isn’t just about hitting the gym. Dance around the house, take short walks or try chair exercises if your mobility is limited. Be intentional about changing your habits.

“It may take some time at first to start noticing all the little opportunities for activity throughout your day that you used to pass up,” says Ms. Dershem.

Start by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking the car far away from your destination. These little habits add up to a lot more activity by the end of the week!

Embrace mindfulness in your eating practices

Whether you’re undergoing gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, mindful eating is essential. Start now by eating without distractions, recognizing hunger cues and savoring each bite.

“To manage your hunger, it is absolutely critical that you to stick to your eating schedule to avoid long periods of no food,” says Ms. Dershem.

Take pictures to document your journey

Your body is going to change a lot through this process. If you tend to avoid the camera, now is a great time to change that. Take photos of yourself from different angles to start documenting your progress and the lifestyle changes you’re making.

The scale won’t always reflect all the hard work and dedication you’re putting in. On days when the numbers aren’t budging, having visual records can help you see the small but significant changes happening in your body every day.

And don’t just take photos of yourself — you can also capture the beautiful, nutritious meals you make to nourish your body, the first steps of a new habit you try or any reminders of the lessons you learn along the way.

Celebrate small wins and non-scale victories

Every step you take is progress. That includes things like hitting a hydration goal, quitting smoking or caffeine, sticking to your eating schedule or completing your required tests.

“Remember that the scale does not always reflect your effort, so keep a list of every non-weight accomplishment,” says Ms. Dershem. “Absolutely celebrate your dedication and hard work — just not with food!”

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing step, and preparing for it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By incorporating fun and creative strategies, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.