Preoperative Preparation
Pre Operative Preparation
Congratulations! You have finally taken the decision to change your life by undergoing a life-saving and life-altering procedure. Rest assured, this is the right choice – because now, not only will you look better, but you’ll also feel better. More importantly, you will now get rid of your medical diseases, and not let them creep into your body in the future – prevention is better than cure. With Bariatric Surgery, you will lose weight gradually over a period of 8-10 months. This weight loss occurs slowly and naturally, because now your brain knows how to re-route all the excess fat, and allows your body to respond beautifully to this process.
Bariatric Surgery is not a short cut to weight loss. Be prepared for a struggle, as there is no gain without pain. Always remember – for long term success, your diet and lifestyle has to change. For a long time, you have given into unhealthy eating habits and haven’t exercised. But now, with Bariatric Surgery, you finally have an in-built mechanism that ensures you will eat well and exercise daily, giving shape to the new you.
Before The Surgery
Congratulations! You have finally taken the decision to change your life by undergoing a life-saving and life-altering procedure. Rest assured, this is the right choice – because now, not only will you look better, but you’ll also feel better. More importantly, you will now get rid of your medical diseases, and not let them creep into your body in the future – prevention is better than cure. With Bariatric Surgery, you will lose weight gradually over a period of 8-10 months. This weight loss occurs slowly and naturally, because now your brain knows how to re-route all the excess fat, and allows your body to respond beautifully to this process.
Bariatric Surgery is not a short cut to weight loss. Be prepared for a struggle, as there is no gain without pain. Always remember – for long term success, your diet and lifestyle has to change. For a long time, you have given into unhealthy eating habits and haven’t exercised. But now, with Bariatric Surgery, you finally have an in-built mechanism that ensures you will eat well and exercise daily, giving shape to the new you.
Before The Surgery
Surgery is not a one step process. The weight loss process starts when you first realize that you need help to lose weight. Gathering the courage to meet a specialist Bariatric Surgeon is the next step. Then you take the mighty decision of going under the knife. And that is when your lifestyle needs to change – before the surgery.
We insist that you follow a strict liquid diet before the surgery. This is important because:
- 1. It shrinks your liver: Once you avoid solid food, your liver is the first organ that starts to starve. Because of this, the liver shrinks in size. And this is a good thing – it means that your liver no longer completely covers the stomach. Now, when we see your stomach from inside, the liver does not obstruct our view. This helps us to operate more easily, and reduces the chances of bleeding from the liver or the spleen. This in turn translates to a faster recovery for you, and an earlier return to your routine activities.
- 2. You get used to the post surgery diet: Immediately post surgery, we keep you on a liquid diet for 1-2 weeks (depending on your weight and BMI). If you are on a liquid diet before surgery, you are automatically prepared for what comes after surgery.
During this phase, it is important to increase your protein intake. You can start with the
following liquid protein sources:
- 1. Protein powders – These are available at all major chemists and food shops.
- 2. Protein based meal replacements – These are concentrated forms of protein which are low in carbs and fats, and keep your stomach full for a few hours. These may be used once in a day for a few days before the surgery. These are available at leading chemist shops and food stores.
Hernia Specialist Doctor In Mumbai
Preparing For The Surgery
Before the surgery, some habits need to change, and some medications need to be altered.
- 1. Stop smoking
- 2. Stop Blood thinners
- 3. Stop Birth control pills/ Hormonal therapy/ Steroids
- 4. Diabetes medications: These need to be continued till the surgery. However, while you are on a liquid diet, doses of your medications need to be altered to avoid chances of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Consult your endocrinologist for the same.
- 5. CPAP/ BiPAP: If you are suffering from severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and are on a CPAP/ BiPAP machine, please bring it with you to the hospital.
- 6. High Blood Pressure medications: These are to be continued.
- 7. Medications for lowering Cholesterol (Hypolipidemic drugs): These are to be continued.
- 8. Thyroid medications: These are to be continued.
- 8. Thyroid medications: These are to be continued.
- 9. Asthma medications: These are to be continued.
- 10. Incentive Spirometry: This is a device that helps to improve your lung capacity before the surgery.
On The Day Of The Surgery
- 1. Stick to clear liquids on the day of the surgery from morning itself. For example - water, coconut water, skim milk, clear juices, clear soups, buttermilk.
- 2. Do Incentive Spirometry as many times as possible.
- 3. Avoid the 'Last Supper': Many patients tend to think that one last binge-eating episode is called for before the surgery. But remember, by doing this, you are putting yourself at risk for complications. An empty stomach is the stomach that is easiest to operate upon, and this reduces your chances of getting complications.
Take Home Message
Trust that you are taking the right step for your health. This is a surgery that shall help you get rid of your medical diseases, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Post this surgery, your medications will reduce and you will be independent. A patient who comes to the hospital smiling, will always go home smiling. So stay calm and lose weight!
