Welcome to the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Surgery’s Liquid Protein Diet Program. This program is medically supervised and personalized to meet each participant’s desire to reach his or her weight loss goal. The GI/Endocrine division diligently focuses on services to provide each participant with the medical attention necessary to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The medically supervised diet contains about 800 calories per day - the equivalent of about four slices of pizza - and consists of a specially designed protein powder that dissolves in water, milk, tea, yogurt and similar products.  No other food is consumed initially, although after a certain period some vegetables and other foods can be added.

The bariatric surgeons developed the program because bariatric surgery candidates often are required by insurance to follow a dietary plan for at least six months before surgery.  In addition, research by UT Southwestern bariatric surgeons shows that losing pounds before weight-loss surgery can help reduce the time spent in the operating room.

UT Southwestern offers free monthly 90-minute education sessions for potential bariatric surgery patients the first and third Thursdays of each month.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please call 214-645-2900.  We have staff ready to answer your questions or concerns Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00p.m.