Diet, Support and More: How to Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery
After scheduling weight loss surgery, patients often have questions and concerns about the impending procedure. Your team of health care providers will give you specific instructions on what to do to prepare for your operation. Carefully follow your doctor’s recommendations to minimize the risk of complications and ensure you get the best possible results.
Lose weight
To lose weight after surgery, you will need a strong determination to stop unhealthy eating habits. Many doctors recommend that patients lose a few pounds before surgery. This directive can be an effective way for health care providers to assess overall commitment to a lifestyle change that will result in better health. Your doctor may suggest that you lose 15-30 pounds before your procedure is scheduled. People who lose weight before the operation often lose more during the postoperative period. Weight loss before the procedure often shortens the time you spend in the operating room, also because surgeons can perform the procedure more easily. Losing weight also reduces the risk of complications.
Give up smoking
Doctors will encourage smokers to quit before surgery. Smoking cigarettes not only causes serious long-term health problems, such as emphysema and cancer, but also makes complications more likely to occur. Patients who smoke are more likely to develop pneumonia after undergoing surgery.
improve diet
Health care providers typically refer patients to a nutritionist for dietary advice. You’ll learn how to make healthier food choices, serve smaller portions, and take your time eating. Making dietary changes before the procedure can make it easier to adjust to a healthier diet after the procedure.
Psychological evaluation
Overeating and compulsive eating usually leads to obesity. People who engage in these behaviors often have psychological problems related to them. To make permanent and positive dietary changes, you may need to explore what led you to overeat in the first place. If you don’t understand and resolve these psychological issues, you may not be able to overcome the behaviors after surgery. A psychological evaluation can help you learn what motivates your behavior so you can make positive changes.
Seminars and Support
Many surgeons offer seminars designed to educate patients on what to expect from weight loss surgery. Attend these seminars so you know your options and are ready for typical problems. Your doctor may also provide opportunities for you to participate in support groups with other patients. Seminars and other educational opportunities are sometimes required to obtain prior approval from the surgeon and insurance plans.
learning about liquids
After weight loss surgery, you will have strict rules about drinking fluids with meals. You will not be able to have drinks until at least one hour after finishing a meal. If you drink with a meal, the liquids can cause food to move through your stomach too quickly, which can lead to excessive hunger. Drinking can also overfill your stomach, causing malnutrition or dehydration because you’re not eating and drinking properly. So learn the rules about fluids and start getting used to waiting to drink after meals.
Follow the recommendations for weight loss surgery to ensure your recovery is quick and successful.