PREPARING FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY

At Mercy Weight Management Center, we know that the choice to have weight loss surgery is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in your life. That’s why we’ve compiled this general list of things to expect as you prepare to undergo this life-altering procedure—and also to tell you about some of the unique things our surgical weight loss program offers to make this process as easy as possible for you.

WEEKS TO MONTHS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Our bariatric surgeons will evaluate you, perform tests and ask you to visit your other healthcare providers before you have this surgery. Some of these are:

• A complete physical exam.
• A dietary evaluation from a registered dietitian.
• Blood tests, ultrasound of your gallbladder, and other tests to make sure you are healthy enough to have surgery.
• Visits with your doctor to make sure other medical problems you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart or lung problems, are under control.
• Dietary education seminars.
• Education classes to help you learn what happens during the surgery, what you should expect afterward, and what risks or problems may occur afterward.
• A visit with a psychologist to make sure you are emotionally ready for major surgery and are completely committed to making major lifestyle changes after your surgery. (Because this is a huge component to any successful bariatric weight loss surgery, Mercy Weight Management Center offers a highly trained team of compassionate people to help you prepare for those changes.)

In order for you to be as healthy as possible before your procedure, you should start a diet and exercise program. Our team will help you with this. (Keep in mind that many insurance companies require that you be on a physician-supervised diet for anywhere from three months to a year before they will approve your surgery request, and we can help you with this requirement.)

You will need to find a support person or group to help you with this transformation. Bariatric support groups are a great place to go for tips, advice and emotional encouragement as you prepare for your life-changing weight loss surgery. We invite you to learn more about Mercy’s incredibly knowledgeable and caring surgical weight loss support group.

If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking 2 months before starting the program and not start smoking again after surgery. Smoking slows recovery and increases the risks of problems. Tell your doctor or nurse if you need help quitting. You can also review these tips to quit smoking or attend one of Mercy’s many smoking cessation classes.

DURING THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), vitamin E, warfarin (Coumadin), plavix and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.
• Prepare your home for after the surgery.
• Use the grocery list we provide and do your grocery shopping, so you have the proper food waiting for you at home.
• Pack your bag for the hospital.

THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Review and follow your doctor’s instructions for bowel preparation.
• Go to bed early so you’ll be as rested as possible.
• Double-check your bag to make sure you have everything you will need while at the hospital.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR SURGERY

• Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.