Are you considering undergoing surgery to help you lose weight and improve your health? Bariatric surgery is a tool that thousands of patients turn to every year to help them achieve their weight loss and health goals. Unlike traditional diets, bariatric surgery is proven to help patients lose weight and keep it off. Research also indicates that bariatric surgery can improve weight-related health conditions, from high blood pressure/hypertension to type 2 diabetes.
If you’ve struggled with your weight for some time, weight loss surgery may be the right option for you. But the decision is not one to take lightly. Bariatric surgery also requires a commitment to making lifestyle changes, including sticking to a strict nutrition plan and regularly participating in physical activity. And you’ll need to start making these changes as soon as you schedule your surgery, if not before.
Once you make the decision to undergo weight loss surgery and have chosen the procedure that makes the most sense for you, your surgeon will provide you with specific, personalized instructions on preparing for surgery. Here’s an overview at what life prior to surgery might look like for you. (Keep in mind these instructions are general and can vary from one patient to the next.)
One Week Before Surgery
Stop taking aspirin, aspirin products and any blood thinners, including ibuprofen (a common ingredient in over-the-counter pain relievers) and cold medicines. Check with your surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for pre-op body cleansing.
24 Hours Before Surgery
Drink only clear liquids: water, tea or clear broth. Have nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day of your surgery.
Surgery Day
Bring any medications and your CPAP machine (if needed) with you to the hospital.
Preparing for weight loss surgery may seem daunting, but McCarty Weight Loss Center offers numerous support options, including nutritional counseling and surgical support services to help patients during both the pre- and post-op stages of the process. It’s our goal to help you be as successful as possible in achieving your weight loss and health goals. If you have any questions about your pre-op or post-op instructions, do not hesitate to give us a call.
