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Home > Search > Weight Loss > Weight Loss Surgery Preparation for your weight loss surgery
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Your Consultation
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Purchase any
supplies that you will need for recovery.
Follow your
surgeon's instructions regarding medications.
Recruit an
"escort" — a close friend or relative — who can drive you home
after surgery and possibly stay with you for
several days
afterward. The after-effects of anesthesia will likely impair your
ability to drive and perform normal functions
such as meal
preparation, personal hygiene and even walking. You may also need
emotional support as your incisions
heal and you become accustomed
to your new body.
Fill any
postoperative prescriptions.
Stop smoking
for at least 30 days before bariatric surgery.
Smoking can make the lungs more sensitive during surgery
and may
possibly lead to pneumonia. Smoking can also slow the healing
process by narrowing the blood vessels and
thus restricting the flow
of blood to the healing sites. Many surgeons will not operate on
patients if evidence exists that they are smokers and even go so far
as to require blood or urine testing for nicotine levels before
surgery.
Inform your surgeon if you become sick the day before surgery.
Refrain from alcohol use for at least 48 hours before bariatric surgery.
Have a support group in place to help with your aftercare needs.
The
Night Before Your Procedure
Pack your bag with any personal items you might need.
Remove credit cards and other valuable items from your wallet or purse.
Leave all jewelry at home.
Bring a container to hold your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Bring comfortable clothes to wear after the procedure.
Bring these documents if you have them: insurance card and medical power of attorney, advance directive or living will. A medical power of attorney gives someone you trust the legal authority to act on your behalf regarding health care decisions if you ever become incapacitated or unable to communicate. An advance directive lets you provide guidance for medical decisions, such as the termination of life support, in case you become incompetent to make such decisions. A living will is a type of advance directive in which you request to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery.
Bring all
educational materials that your surgeon and nutritionist gave
you. This often contains information and
instructions about postoperative care.
Follow your bariatric surgeon's instructions regarding avoidance of eating and drinking before surgery.
The
Day of Your Procedure
You will receive a list of discharge instructions, as well as medication instructions.
You will receive emergency contact information.
Be certain to have someone stay with you for the amount of time that your surgeon recommends.
Please note: These lists do not replace the advice of a qualified bariatric surgeon. But they can serve as reminders about what to ask your surgeon and how to be better prepared for your weight loss surgery. Taking the time to prepare for bariatric surgery can reduce your risk of complications, as well as make your recovery more comfortable and stress-free.
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