Checklist: What You Need Before Weight Loss Surgery

If you are considering weight loss surgery, then you should know that it’s a highly involved process. While modern weight loss surgery offers fast and effective weight loss solutions, there is a lot of work required. Patients set to undergo weight loss surgery have a long checklist of responsibilities and evaluations to undertake before their operation. For those curious about weight loss surgery, this article will break down some of the most important steps to follow pre-surgery.

Weight Loss Surgery Near Me

For those in the California Bay Area, BASS Bariatric Surgery Center offers all the latest weight loss surgery techniques. With two locations in Walnut Creek and Brentwood, our doctors have helped many patients achieve their weight loss goals. 

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

BASS Bariatric offers the most advanced types of weight loss surgery available today. Our surgeons specialize in gastric bypass, gastric band, gastric sleeve, and duodenal switch procedures. Each type of weight loss surgery follows different procedures and has different results. Be sure to read more about each surgery type on our website to learn which option is best for you.

Pre-Surgery Checklist for Weight Loss Surgery Options

When weighing your weight loss surgery options, you will also need to figure out what requirements there are before surgery. Here are some of the most essential steps you must take before your surgery.

Consultation

Before you can even begin to plan for your weight loss surgery, you need to schedule a consultation with a doctor. This allows you to discuss your health and weight loss surgery options with a medical professional. Your doctor might make recommendations, and can walk you through the expectations and requirements of each available surgery.

Health Insurance

Another essential step is making sure that your weight loss surgery will be covered by health insurance. Some insurers will not cover weight loss surgery if the individual’s BMI is too low, or if they cannot demonstrate proof of obesity-related health complications.

Psychological Evaluation

Perhaps the most misunderstood step in the pre-surgery process is the psychological evaluation. Many patients are anxious about this step for fear of being diagnosed with a psychological condition. But this is not the purpose of the psychological evaluation. 

Instead, this evaluation is meant to help your medical team develop strategies to help you maintain your weight loss after surgery. Therapists use these evaluations to identify strengths and weaknesses that can be used to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle post-operation.

Blood Tests and Other Evaluations

In addition to a psychological evaluation, you will also need to undergo a physical examination. Blood tests are essential to make sure you are not at risk of health complications stemming from weight loss surgery. Other tests may be required to get a complete picture of your physical health for better overall success.

Diet

Not to be overlooked in this process is the pre-surgery diet. Not everyone realizes that their dietary habits must change dramatically following weight loss surgery. And adjusting to those changes abruptly can be very difficult. Your doctor will prescribe a specialized diet two to three weeks before surgery to help you prepare for your nutritional needs following surgery. This also helps to ensure that you are at a healthy weight when undergoing weight loss surgery.

This step in the process is essential for your overall health and safety, so it is crucial to take it seriously. And there is no sense in trying to cheat, as your doctor will know and may postpone or cancel the surgery as a result.

Read more about weight loss surgery options at BASS Bariatric Surgery Center to learn which options are right for you.