Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery isn’t something that happens the week after you decide to go through with it. Preparing for weight loss surgery typically takes a few months. During this time, you will be expected to prepare for surgery by undergoing a multidisciplinary evaluation and receive teaching about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet as exercising regularly to ensure success. Is weight loss surgery for you? What will you have to do to prepare?  

Who is Weight Loss Surgery For?

Weight loss surgery is ideal for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 and for those who are 100 pounds above their desired bodyweight. Surgery is also recommended for those with a BMI of 35 higher who also suffer from health conditions like type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea,osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and more. If you have been unable to keep the weight off for sustained amounts of time, even with a doctor/dietician-supervised diet, you might consider weight loss surgery.

Lifestyle Change

You won’t be alone through this lifestyle change. You will receive a lot of help finding solutions for problematic eating behaviors,locating your eating sabotage tendencies, and an exercise program to follow.You will also meet with a nutritionist who will work with you to create your own unique diet. Depending on the doctor you are working with, you may be expected to stop smoking and/or drinking. Your “team” of dieticians, doctors, nursing staff, psychologists, and others will help you prepare for surgery so that you are ready to be successful.

Mentally Preparing for Surgery

As you get closer to surgery, you may find yourself beginning to get anxious. Anxiety and tension are normal, as not only is this surgery, but it is also a life-changing event. You should not go into this process alone. Even if you do not have family or friends to support you, you will have a primary care provider who will help you set out goals and ease your worries. Having someone to keep you calm and motivated is a great way to feel less scared of your surgery and future.

The Week Before Your Surgery

Make sure you consult the materials provided to you by your doctor or clinic the week before surgery. You will be expected to follow a preoperative diet, which will be high in protein and low in sugar. Knowing when to start your diet is very important to your surgery. You may need to consult your doctor and adjust your medications. After your surgery, drugs will absorb into your body differently. During this time you may also take a blood thinner to reduce the risks of blood clotting.

Weight Loss Surgery Near Me

Are you in northern California and looking for weight loss surgery? At BASS Medical Group, our team will provide you a presurgery plan that will assist you in making your weight loss goals. If you are still uncertain if weight loss surgery is for you, meeting with our bariatric surgeons will help you make your decision. We are eager to assist you with your weight loss journey.

The Best Bariatric Care in California

‍BASS Medical Group and Dr. Brian T. Chin offers some of the best bariatric care in northern California. Our team is ready to make you as comfortable as possible during your recovery from your surgery. If you are interested in gastric bypass surgery and want to know more, contact our expert bariatric surgeons to find out if this surgery is right for you.