Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery is currently considered the most effective methods of treatment for obesity and obesity-related health conditions. Once you make the decision to undergo weight loss surgery, you will encounter a series of dietary, exercise and other behavioral changes that you’ll be encouraged to make in your life.
These changes, together with the surgical procedure and recovery process, make up the weight loss surgery experience.
Throughout this period, you will be in close contact with your bariatric surgery center. Always follow the instructions of your weight loss surgeon precisely. The instructions below offer add guidelines to help answer any questions you may have as you consider weight loss surgery.
General Instructions
To fully prepare for your surgery, there are a number of things that you should begin considering in the months and weeks leading up to your procedure. Readying your body, home and habits for weight loss surgery will enhance your transition to a post-bariatric way of life.
The Week before Weight Loss Surgery
The week before surgery is the time to prepare your home for your recovery and get ready for the diet and lifestyle changes to come. Your surgical team will tell you how much time off from work you will need. Organize family or friends for transportation to and from the hospital and to stay with you on your first night home if you live alone. .
The Day before Weight Loss Surgery
Your weight loss surgeon will provide you with a preoperative schedule that you can use as a guideline the day prior to your operation. Follow your surgeon’s exact instructions about what you are able to eat the day before surgery and when you should stop eating and drinking. You will also be informed about how to take medications on the day of surgery and what to bring with you to the hospital.
The Day of Surgery
The day of your weight loss operation can be both exciting and stressful. You can reduce the stress by making sure you are prepared ahead of time. Be sure you arrive at the hospital at the correct time. If you are not sure where to go, leave yourself extra time to find parking and find the right area to check in.
You will have received instructions on what to bring to the hospital. Go through the list a couple of times to make sure you leave nothing behind.
At the hospital you will go to the preop holding area where you will wait for your surgery. It is perfectly normal to be a little anxious at this point. The staff are all aware of how you feel and you will be made as comfortable as possible while you are there.
This is the start of a whole new way of life for you and while you have a couple of quiet moments before surgery, be excited about what is before you and resolve to make every choice bring you closer to weight loss success.