Can a VLCD be used as an alternative to surgery?
You can only eat tiny portions because your stomach is much smaller. Some high-calorie foods high in sugar and fat cannot be eaten because they cause nausea and vomiting, and part of the digestive tract is bypassed, which reduces the absorption of nutrients and calories. If you’re looking for a safer alternative to gastric bypass, you may be tempted to consider a doctor-supervised very low calorie diet (VLCD), without the surgery. VLCDs have been shown to result in weight loss of up to 15 to 20 percent of the patient’s initial weight in three to six months, but almost everyone regains the weight – and more – after the diet is over. The reason for the weight gain is biological – it has nothing to do with your will-power. The diet itself may require hospitalization or a stay in a treatment center so your physician can monitor your progress and health. This can be expensive, but a very low calorie diet is a bit safer than surgery when the patient receives regular care from a physician. Ho
