Bariatric and Metabolic Institute Preparing for Surgery - Liquid Diet - Night Before Surgery - Morning of Surgery - Preparation for Surgery

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Preparing for bariatric and metabolic surgery with clear, step-by-step instructions focused on diet, hydration, and day-of-surgery readiness. The guide outlines a preoperative liquid protein plan, recommended daily options (including sugar-free alternatives), and examples of allowed clear liquids. It specifies timing for the last protein shake, when to stop liquids, and how to handle diabetes or sleep apnea. It also covers personal prep, showering and hygiene rules, medication follow-ups, pre-op arrival coordination, and an overview of possible surgical complications and risks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Liquid Diet

Night Before Surgery

Morning of Surgery

Preparation for Surgery

The Day Before Surgery

The Day of Surgery

Complications

Bariatric and Metabolic Institute Preparing for Surgery Congratulations on taking the next step towards a healthier and happier life! Getting ready for surgery can feel overwhelming, but our team will be with you every step of the way. This booklet will provide you with important information on how to prepare. Your upcoming surgery along with changes to your diet, exercise routine, and overall lifestyle will ensure the success of your weight loss journey. Liquid Diet You will begin a liquid diet of only protein shakes and clear liquids unless otherwise instructed by your provider’s nurse or our dietitian before your surgery date. Make sure you drink at least 64 ounces of fluid on top of your protein shake intake per day to keep hydrated. Please Note: **If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you must discuss this diet with your primary care provider** Below are 4 options that are recommended for the 800-calorie protein liquid diet If you would like to use other products, discuss this with your dietitian or refer to the nutrition chapter in “Your Guide to Surgery” book. Recommended daily options: ● 4 ½ cans of “High Protein”Slim Fast daily ● 5 ½ packets of “No Sugar Added” Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink mixed with fat free or 1% milk ● 5 individual cartons of Atkins Advantage daily ● 4 ½ bottles of “Glucose Controlled” Boost daily Clear liquids include: ● Water ● Clear broth or bouillon ● Sugar-free Popsicles ● Plain gelatin (NO sugar added, NO fruit or topping) ● Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea (NO milk/creamer/ sugar) ● Propel or Crystal Light beverages (NO sugar added) ● NO pulp-juice (apple, cranberry, lemonade, white grape) Night Before Surgery 1. Last Protein shake should be before 6pm. 2. Drink a 28–32-ounce bottle of a regular (not sugar free) sport drink (Gatorade, Powerade, etc. ) before surgery. Please note: **If you have diabetes, drink sugar free sports drinks. Morning of Surgery 1. Drink 12-20 ounces of a regular sport drink (or juice as above) and stop liquids 2 hours before scheduled arrival time. Preparation for Surgery The Day Before Surgery 1. To find out your arrival time for surgery, your scheduler will call you in the afternoon the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for Monday, you will receive a call on Friday. 2. Do not wear jewelry, body piercings, make-up, nail polish/artificial nails, deodorant, lotion, perfume, hair pins, or contact lenses on the day of surgery. Please shower the night before and the day of surgery using your preoperative body wash as instructed below: a. The evening before your surgery, take a shower using your preoperative body wash or Dial® soap as instructed. Do not apply to the face and head. b. Do not shave the surgical area. You may shave your face, underarm, and legs. c. Using a clean fresh towel, dry your body. d. After washing, do not apply any lotions, powders, creams, or hair products. 3. Nothing to eat after midnight the day before surgery. However, you may have clear liquids up to 2 hours before arrival time. 4. If you have Sleep Apnea and have been prescribed a C-PAP machine, please bring your CPAP machine, mask, and tubing with you to the hospital. The Day of Surgery 1. Repeat the shower as you did the night before (repeat steps A-D) . If you are unable to take two showers, a minimum of one is highly recommended, preferably on the morning of your surgery. 2. Medication-Please follow your doctor's advice. They may have advised you to take certain medications with sips of water on the morning of surgery. 3. After you have checked in, you will be prepped for surgery in the pre-op holding area. You will change into a hospital gown and an IV will be started. You will be transported to the surgery suite and your friends/family will be asked to wait in the waiting area. Your surgeon will call or visit the waiting area after the surgery is over to give an update to your waiting f

FAQs

What liquid diet is required before bariatric surgery?

Before surgery, the plan calls for only protein shakes and clear liquids unless your provider instructs otherwise. Hydration is emphasized with at least 64 ounces of fluid daily, on top of protein shake intake.

When should the last protein shake and liquids be taken?

The last protein shake should be before 6pm the night before surgery. On the morning of surgery, regular sport drink or juice is allowed, and liquids should stop 2 hours before the scheduled arrival time.

What should be done with personal items and hygiene on the day before and day of surgery?

Avoid jewelry, piercings, makeup, nail polish or artificial nails, deodorant, lotion, perfume, hair pins, and contact lenses on surgery day. Shower the night before and on surgery day using the preoperative body wash, avoid shaving the surgical area, and do not apply lotions, powders, creams, or hair products after washing.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel