The pre gastric bypass diet is an important preparation for surgery. Many doctors require patients to loose some weight prior to surgery. For those who see their only option at weight loss to be gastric bypass surgery, this request may seem unreasonable. However, there are very good reasons that many surgeons require this of their patients.

Patients are frequently asked to loose 10 to 20 pounds before the surgery and in the two weeks to one month prior to surgery, they are put on a special diet consisting of limited calories, high protein, low fat and sugars. The reason for this is to reduce the fatty liver which can create complications during surgery. Excess fat is stored in the abdominal organs, and if the surgeon cannot manipulate the laparoscopic tools around the organs well, open surgery may be required. Open surgery is proven to carry greater risks and complications than laparoscopic gastric bypass. Loosing even 10 pounds can reduce the size of the organs, and the liver in particular.

High protein in the pre-surgical diet is also important as protein helps the body heal itself. Keeping protein levels high before and after surgery is important to reducing the risk of complications. Because gastric bypass surgery carries a great risk for complications anything a patient can do to minimize their risk is worthwhile.

The pre gastric bypass diet also prepares patients for their post gastric bypass diet. Protein shakes are often used both pre and post operatively as a low calorie, filling and nutritionally valid meal option. Getting used to changing your eating habits before surgery and being successful at that change will give you and your surgeon the confidence that you will be successful post-surgically.

The psychological reasons for eating can be one of the most difficult things to overcome for gastric bypass patients. Getting a head start for patients by cleaning out their kitchens and mentally preparing for a new way of eating will help them reach their health and weight goals after surgery.