Does Dr. Now's Diet Allow Fruit? A Guide to Pre-Op Restrictions

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

The pre-operative diet for bariatric surgery, famously employed by Dr. Nowzaradan, often limits patients to just 1,200 calories per day, emphasizing strict control. When faced with such rigid rules, a common question arises for followers: does Dr. Now's diet allow fruit? The answer, while not a simple yes or no, depends on the type of fruit and the quantity.

Quick Summary

Dr. Now's restrictive diet for pre-bariatric surgery patients permits some low-sugar fruits in moderation, while high-sugar options like mangoes and bananas are prohibited. Adherence to these strict low-calorie, low-carb guidelines is essential for weight loss and surgical clearance.

Key Points

Low-Sugar Fruit Only: Dr. Now's diet permits certain fruits, but only those with low sugar content, like berries and apples, in very limited portions.
High-Sugar Fruit Is Forbidden: Fruits high in natural sugars, such as bananas, mangoes, and watermelon, are strictly prohibited to control carbohydrate and calorie intake.
No Fruit Juice or Dried Fruit: All forms of concentrated or added sugars from fruit, including juices, syrups, and dried fruits, are forbidden.
Strict Calorie and Carb Limits: The diet is a very-low-calorie plan (1,200 kcal/day) with a strong emphasis on low carbs, making moderation essential even for approved fruits.
Pre-Surgery Purpose: The diet is a short-term, medically supervised program for bariatric surgery candidates and is not a sustainable, long-term diet for the general public.
Focus on Protein and Fiber: The diet prioritizes lean protein and non-starchy vegetables to provide nutrients and satiety within the caloric limits.

Understanding the Purpose of Dr. Now's Restrictive Diet

Dr. Now's diet is not a typical weight loss plan; it is a very-low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, and high-protein regimen specifically designed to prepare morbidly obese patients for bariatric surgery. This medical preparation is critical for two main reasons. First, rapid weight loss helps to shrink the liver, making it smaller and less obstructive for surgeons during the laparoscopic procedure. Second, the diet serves as a training ground, requiring patients to demonstrate their commitment and ability to follow the drastic, long-term dietary changes necessary for post-surgery success. Given its extreme nature, the diet severely limits many foods, including some traditionally considered healthy, to maintain a tight caloric budget.

The Verdict: Does Dr. Now's Diet Allow Fruit?

Yes, but with significant caveats. The diet differentiates between high-sugar and low-sugar fruits. The core principle is to minimize sugar intake, and since fruit contains natural sugars, or fructose, only specific types are allowed and in strict moderation. Fruit juice, canned fruit in syrup, and dried or candied fruits are entirely off-limits due to their concentrated sugar content.

Allowed Low-Sugar Fruits

For those on the program, approved fruits focus on fiber and lower natural sugar levels. These include:

Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Apples
Pears
Oranges
Peaches

These fruits are to be consumed sparingly and in small, controlled portions. Some sample meal plans even suggest a half-cup of blueberries or a fruit smoothie with strawberries.

Prohibited High-Sugar Fruits

To stay within the stringent calorie and carbohydrate limits, Dr. Now’s diet strictly forbids certain fruits with higher sugar content. These include:

Bananas
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Mangoes
Figs
Cherries

Why High-Sugar Fruits are Prohibited

The primary reason for restricting high-sugar fruits is their impact on blood sugar and caloric density. High levels of natural sugars can cause blood sugar spikes, which the diet is designed to avoid. Furthermore, since the diet operates on a strict 1,200-calorie limit, high-sugar fruits can quickly consume a significant portion of the daily calorie budget without providing the same level of satiety as lean protein and non-starchy vegetables.

Comparison Table: Allowed vs. Forbidden Fruits


Feature	Low-Sugar Fruits (Allowed in Moderation)	High-Sugar Fruits (Forbidden)
Examples	Berries, apples, oranges, pears	Bananas, watermelon, mangoes, cantaloupe
Sugar Content	Lower concentration of natural sugars	Higher concentration of natural sugars
Calorie Impact	Lower caloric density, easier to fit into 1,200-calorie budget	Higher caloric density, can quickly exceed calorie limits
Blood Sugar	Less likely to cause significant blood sugar spikes	Can cause more pronounced blood sugar spikes
Purpose	Provides vitamins and fiber with minimal sugar	Primarily provides quick energy from sugar

Beyond Fruit: Other Diet Staples and Restrictions

The diet focuses on lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and portion control. The core tenets are based on the acronym FAT: Frequency (2-3 meals daily, no snacks), Amount (1,200 calories), and Type (low-fat, low-carb, high-protein).

Staples of the Diet

Lean Protein: Egg whites, skinless poultry breast, fish, tofu
Non-Starchy Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini
Nonfat Dairy: Plain nonfat yogurt, skim milk
Healthy Fats (Limited): Flax seeds, chia seeds
Beverages: Water, unsweetened tea, black coffee

Foods to Strictly Avoid

Sugar, candy, sweets, honey
Refined carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, rice
Starchy vegetables: Potatoes
Processed and fried foods
Sugary drinks: Soda, fruit juice, sports drinks
Most nuts and seeds, except for flax and chia seeds
Full-fat dairy and sweetened dairy products

Conclusion: Navigating Fruit on Dr. Now's Program

While it's a misconception that Dr. Now's diet allows fruit indiscriminately, it does permit certain low-sugar options in limited quantities. This selectivity is crucial for meeting the diet's primary goals of rapid, medically supervised weight loss before bariatric surgery. The restrictions are designed to control calories and carbohydrate intake effectively, but they are not intended for general, long-term use. Anyone considering this diet should do so under strict medical supervision and understand that it is a temporary, intensive measure, not a sustainable lifestyle choice. For more details on the diet's design and health considerations, further research from medical experts is recommended. For a deeper understanding of the program's context, consulting reputable sources like Healthline or U.S. News & World Report is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, bananas are considered a high-sugar fruit and are explicitly on the list of prohibited foods due to their higher natural sugar and calorie content.

Yes, low-sugar fruits like berries (including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) are allowed, but only in very small, controlled portions.

Fruit juice is prohibited because it contains a high concentration of sugar and lacks the fiber of whole fruit, making it a high-calorie, low-satiety beverage that works against the diet's goals.

No, medical professionals advise against using this very-low-calorie diet for long-term, general weight loss, as it is highly restrictive and intended only for short-term use under strict medical supervision.

The main reason is to control calorie and sugar intake. The diet's low-carbohydrate and very-low-calorie approach means that even the natural sugars in some fruits must be carefully limited.

Yes, absolutely. The Dr. Now diet is extremely restrictive and should only be followed under the direct supervision of a medical professional, as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other complications.

The diet restricts a wide range of foods, including refined carbohydrates (pasta, rice), most fats, processed snacks, sugary desserts, and starchy vegetables (potatoes).