Why are patients instructed to follow a low-calorie high-protein diet prior to bariatric metabolic surgery?

Patients are instructed to follow a low-calorie high-protein diet prior to bariatric metabolic surgery primarily to promote a reduction in liver size for better organ visualization. The liver can be significantly enlarged in individuals with obesity, and a larger liver may present challenges during surgery, such as obstructing the view of the stomach and other surrounding structures.

By adhering to a low-calorie high-protein diet, patients can achieve weight loss that leads to a decrease in liver volume, which facilitates a safer and more efficient surgical procedure. This preparation ultimately helps the surgeon to navigate the operative field more easily, minimizing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes.

While other approaches, such as accelerating weight loss or decreasing hunger, may support the overall weight management strategy and recovery process, the primary surgical consideration focuses on optimizing the anatomy for a safe surgical environment, making the reduction of liver size a key factor.