If you’ve made the decision to have bariatric surgery, you certainly may feel a huge sense of relief; you’ve taken the time to learn about your options, determined what was right for you, and set a date to undergo the procedure that could ultimately change your life. This is an exciting time in your life in which you can begin to take charge of your health and do something for yourself that can extend your life.

With surgery on the horizon, it is important to prepare appropriately so that you can optimize your chances for success in your health and weight loss management.

• Make sure you understand the details of the surgical procedures you have chosen; what to expect the day of the surgery in terms of pre-op and post-op procedures.

• Complete all pre-admission paperwork and testing.

• Talk to your doctor about how to prepare for the surgery at home. What should your diet be in preparation for the surgery? What exercise should you be doing if any? Is there anything else you should be doing to prepare?

• If you’re a smoker, stop before surgery. Smoking increases your chances of developing infections following the surgery.

• Stop taking Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc. prior to surgery as they can thin the blood. Talk to your doctor about any other medications that you are currently taking.

• What level of pain and discomfort can you expect following your surgery? What are your options for pain relief?

• What can you expect after surgery? How long can you expect to be recovering? What are the symptoms of any potential complications?

• What are the follow-up procedures following surgery? When do you meet with your surgeon for follow-up visits and how often?

• What is your diet following surgery? It is important to consider how your diet will change after surgery and how your lifestyle choices will impact your success.

Contact the Nicholson Clinic today for more information about preparing for bariatric surgery or attend one of our free seminars to learn more!