What to Eat in the Weeks Before Surgery While Taking Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Here’s What To Know About Eating Well While On Mounjaro Before Surgery

1. Understand Why Diet Matters Before Surgery

Mounjaro works by slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach (a process called gastric emptying).

While this helps you feel full longer, it can also increase the risk of nausea or regurgitation during anesthesia if your stomach isn’t empty.

That’s why doctors often recommend:

• Pausing Mounjaro about 7 days before surgery (check with your healthcare provider for exact timing)
• Following a light, easy-to-digest diet in the weeks leading up to your procedure

2. Focus on Gentle, Nutrient-Rich Foods

In the 2–3 weeks before surgery, aim for foods that support your immune system, maintain muscle, and promote healing — without causing stomach discomfort.

Best choices include:

• Lean proteins: chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, Greek yogurt
• Cooked vegetables: carrots, zucchini, spinach, pumpkin, green beans
• Whole grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa
• Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, small amounts of nuts or seeds
• Low-acid fruits: bananas, berries, apples, and melons

Tip: Eat slowly, chew well, and stop when comfortably full. Large or heavy meals may trigger nausea or bloating while on Mounjaro.

3. Foods to Limit or Avoid

To protect your stomach and manage blood sugar, reduce or avoid:

• Fried, greasy, or spicy foods
• High-fat meats (like sausage or bacon)
• Sugary drinks, sweets, and processed snacks
• Carbonated beverages or alcohol
• Large raw salads or gas-forming vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, beans)

These foods can delay digestion even more or increase post-meal discomfort.

4. Stay Well Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen side effects like nausea and constipation.

Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water daily, or choose clear fluids such as:

• Herbal teas
• Water with lemon or cucumber
• Low-sodium broth
• Electrolyte-enhanced water (if approved by your doctor)

Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, as both can dehydrate your body.

5. The Week Before Surgery

As your procedure date approaches, transition to smaller, lighter meals with emphasis on soft, low-fat, and low-fiber foods like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or smoothies.

Avoid trying new foods that might upset your stomach and confirm with your surgeon when to stop Mounjaro and when to begin fasting before the operation.

6. After Surgery: Ease Back into Eating

Once you’re cleared to eat again post-surgery, start slow and begin with clear liquids, then soft foods.

Focus on protein-rich, low-fat, low-sugar meals to promote healing and only restart Mounjaro when your doctor advises.