Energy balance

Preoperative dietitian-led Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) of 800-1000 kcal/day for 2-12 weeks significantly reduces weight and waist circumference in obese adults undergoing elective surgery without causing unfavorable lean body mass loss.

If you are scheduled for elective surgery and have obesity, ask your surgeon or care team about a preoperative dietitian-led Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). This involves consuming 800-1000 calories daily, primarily through meal replacements, for 2-12 weeks before your operation. Crucially, a dietitian must monitor your protein intake to ensure you do not lose muscle mass, which can complicate surgery and recovery. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce weight and waist circumference, potentially making the surgery technically easier and reducing complications.