What We’ll Cover:

• The Pre surgery eating plan and why you will need to follow it,
• A brief overview of the 4 different stages of eating after surgery,
• Why being organised matters,
• The importance of a good support network. 

Getting Ready for Surgery and Life After

As your surgery date gets closer, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare your body and mind. This stage focuses on the two-week pre-op eating plan and how you’ll eat in the weeks after surgery. 

Please note - the information here provides a general overview. For more personalised information or support, make sure you reach out to your medical team. They will be happy to help you on this next stage of your health journey. 

Two weeks before surgery: your pre-op plan

About two weeks before surgery, you’ll be asked to follow a special eating plan. This will be a low-calorie, lower-carbohydrate plan, designed to shrink your liver and make surgery safer and easier.

This plan:

• Lasts for 2 weeks only
• Helps reduce fat and stored sugar (called glycogen) in the liver
• Makes it easier for the surgeon to perform keyhole surgery
• Helps reduce the risk of complications during the operation

You’ll be given three different meal plan options to choose from. Your surgical team will explain everything clearly, including what you can and can’t eat during this time.

 Important: No alcohol is allowed while you are on the pre-op plan.

What happens after surgery

After surgery, your stomach will be smaller and more sensitive. You’ll need to follow a step-by-step food plan to help your body heal. This is broken down into four stages, and each stage lasts around two weeks.

🔹 Stage 1: Liquids Only (Weeks 1-2 after surgery)

You’ll only be drinking during this stage, so it’s important to choose nutritious liquids. Here are some ideas:

• Smooth soups made with blended meat, lentils, beans or pulses
• Complan or Meritene powder mixed with skimmed or semi-skimmed milk
• Ovaltine or Horlicks made with milk
• Meal replacement drinks like SlimFast, Huel, or supermarket versions
• Low-fat or fat-free yoghurt drinks
• Skimmed or semi-skimmed milk
• Fortified milk – mix 60g of skimmed milk powder into 1 pint of milk.

🔹 Stage 2: Puréed Foods (Weeks 3-4)

Start eating smooth foods that you can blend or mash. Use a blender, hand mixer, or potato masher to get the right texture.

🔹 Stage 3: Soft, Mashable Foods (Weeks 5-6)

Move on to foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew. You should be able to mash them easily with a fork. This includes things like:

• Cooked lentils and soft vegetables
• Flaky fish or slow-cooked chicken
• Soft rice dishes with extra moisture
• Dishes from your own culture that fit the soft texture
  

🔹 Stage 4: Back to Normal Eating (Week 7 onwards)

At this stage, you can begin eating normal textured foods again. The key is to keep meals low in fat and low in sugar. This is your new long-term lifestyle - not a short-term diet.

Getting organised ahead of time

To help make life easier after surgery, here are some extra tips:

• Use smaller plates or bowls - this helps with portion control and stops you feeling overwhelmed by food
• Meal prep ahead of time - freeze small meals in containers (ramekin dishes, ice cube trays or 28oz pots work well)
• Try different foods from your culture that are easy to blend, mash, or chew during the healing stages
• Take it slow - the first 6 months will be a big adjustment. Try not to plan major events or holidays during this time
  

Build a support network

Talk to your family and friends before surgery. Let them know what to expect and how they can help. Having a supportive team around you can make a big difference as you heal and adjust to your new way of eating.

We’re with you

We are here to support you. We’ll guide you through every stage, from pre-op planning to life after surgery. If you ever feel unsure or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You’re making an important change for your health - and you don’t have to do it alone.