Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery Program

Use of OPTIFAST before Surgery Improves Weight Loss Outcomes

Medical research shows that following the OPTIFAST Full-Meal Replacement Program for as little as two weeks before bariatric (weight loss) surgery reduces the risk of bleeding and other complications during surgery and improve surgical and weight loss outcomes.

Many surgeons and/or insurance companies currently require that patients seeking weight loss surgery participate in a meal replacement weight loss program before undergoing the procedure.

Patients who participate in the comprehensive OPTIFAST Full-Meal Replacement

Program for a longer period of time before surgery have the opportunity to lose more weight and to develop the skills they need to adopt a new healthy lifestyle and cope with the emotions and stress that accompany life after bariatric surgery. 

Our OPTIFAST Program Can Help You Qualify for Surgery

Some patients who would benefit from weight loss surgery based on their body weight and diet history may not be good candidates for surgery due to weight-related health conditions. Many surgeons refer such patients to OPTIFAST programs until they have lost enough weight to safely undergo a weight loss surgery. Successfully following either a partial- or full-meal replacement program will help you lose enough weight to qualify for surgery.

What Can I Expect from a Pre-Surgical OPTIFAST Program?

At our Center, we provide personalized, pre-bariatric surgery weight loss programs customized in length to meet your surgeon's demands. The NWMC healthcare staff will work closely with you and your surgeon to help you meet the pre-bariatric surgery weight loss goals your surgeon recommends.

Once you are enrolled in our pre-surgery program, you will be monitored each wee by Dr. Gupta to ensure you are losing weight at a safe rate and to determine if the dosage of any medications you are taking for weight-related conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) needs to be adjusted. The NWMC dietitian will work with you to help you learn strategies for sticking with the diet and making other lifestyle changes.

Why Use the OPTIFAST Program After Bariatric Surgery?

Absolutely. After bariatrics surgery, your nutritional needs are very specific and may be challenging to meet. OPTIFAST nutritional products can be used post-surgically to help patients who have recently undergone weight loss surgery meet their specialized nutritional needs. In addition, our dietitian, Renu Vij, is experienced in helping weight loss surgery patients make the necessary dietary and life adjustments following surgery. She is available to help you through this challenging time when you rebuild your relationship with food based on its nutritional value.