Before bariatric surgery
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery can provide a highly effective weight loss treatment for patients with obesity and other chronic conditions related to obesity.
The most common bariatric surgery procedures include a sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Your surgeon will have a discussion with you to decide which procedure is most suitable for you.
Bariatric Surgery Service
A patient's experience
Very Low Energy Diet (VLED)
Prior to your bariatric surgery, you will be required to follow a Very Low Energy Diet (VLED) usually in the form of meal replacement products. The purpose of this pre-surgery diet is to reduce the size of your liver to provide access to your stomach, as well as reducing your risk of surgical complications.
If you do not follow this VLED diet as prescribed, you are at risk of your surgery being cancelled. Your bariatric surgery team will advise you when to start your Very Low Energy Diet and advise how long you will have to follow this diet for.
- Resource booklet for patients on Very Low Energy Diets (VLED) – includes example meal plans
Very Low Energy Diet (VLED) before surgery
Provides guidance about preparing for surgery, including detailed information about following a meal replacement program for the four weeks leading up to bariatric surgery, and information about supplementation after surgery.
Very Low Energy Diet (VLED) – Short refresher only
This video provides a brief refresher about following a meal replacement program for the four weeks leading up to bariatric surgery and is intended for those who have done a VLED before.
Helpful resources
Contact us
Metro North Bariatric Surgery Service
(07) 3647 0844
Email: MN_BariatricSurgery@health.qld.gov.au
Statewide Bariatric Services
Visit the website
Metro South Bariatric Surgery Service
(07) 3176 1060
Email: msac@health.qld.gov.au