Expectations For Surgery

What to Expect Before and After Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a big commitment and one that takes a considerable amount of preparation.  But what exactly should you expect before and after the operation? Here is a helpful guide that outlines what you can expect before and after your weight loss surgery.

Before Surgery After Surgery

What to Expect Before and After Weight Loss Surgery

How To Prepare For Bariatric Surgery

When preparing for weight loss surgery, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, on the morning of your procedure, do not eat or drink anything — not even juice, coffee, water, or gum!

Also, make sure you have a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure. Due to the impacts of anesthesia, you also need a responsible adult at home through the evening.

Important Medication Instructions

For all medications, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications:

Continue all your usual medications in their usual doses.

Do NOT eat or drink after midnight the night before your bariatric surgery (unless if taking medication for blood pressure and/or diabetes. Anything more specific, please ask).

Please ask your doctor whether to continue any pill medications for your diabetes. If you use insulin, we will frequently suggest that you only take half of your normal morning dose, but please verify this with Dr. Bhoyrul if instructions have not been given to you.

If you take Coumadin (a type of blood thinner), we will frequently suggest that you discontinue this medication 5 days prior to your operation. Only discontinue this following the specific instructions of your doctor.

Stop These Medications

Due to the risk of increased bleeding, stop the following medications for at least 10 days prior to your surgery (Tylenol is okay):

  • Aspirin
  • Bufferin®
  • Excedrin®
  • Advil®
  • Motrin®
  • Ticlid®
  • Naproxen
  • VIOXX®
  • CELEBREX®
  • Voltaren®
  • Ibuprofen
  • Ticlid®

Discuss any other medications with your surgeon.

Liver Shrinking Diet

The purpose of the Liver Shrinking Diet when preparing for weight loss surgery is to reduce the size of your liver. This makes it easier for the surgeon to operate on the stomach, which is located underneath the liver.

You will need to start this liquid diet 5-12 days before surgery. Remember to get at least 60 grams of protein. Minimize your intake of high sugar and high fat liquids.

Protein Shakes

Drink 1-2 shakes a day. They can be used as a meal replacement only during this diet phase. We offer Bariatric Advantage supplements and Bariatric Advantage protein and vitamin for sale in our office.

A good protein shake should contain at least 20 g protein and less than 5 g sugar and fat. Take a look at our protein supplements information sheet to learn more.

Acceptable
  • Bariatric Advantage
  • Nectar
  • Premier
  • FairLife
  • Muscle Milk
  • Orgain
  • Equate
  • Gold Standard 100%
  • Whey Protein
  • Ensure Max Protein
Unacceptable
  • Regular Slim Fast
  • Ensure
  • Boost
  • Atkins

Sugar Free Options

Sugar Free Drink Options
  • Water
  • Crystal Light
  • Wyler’s Light
  • Sugar Free Kool Aid
  • Sugar Free Tang
  • Diet Snapple
  • Fruit 20
  • Propel
  • Decaffeinated Tea/Coffee
Low Sugar Options
  • Juice
  • Gatorade
  • Powerade
  • Limit to less than 2 cups a day
Food Options
  • Broth soups
  • Thick soups (low sodium, low fat)
  • Limit to less than 2 cups a day
  • Sugar-free Jell-O

Attention Diabetics

For our patients with diabetes we recommend consuming 15 grams of carbohydrates every 2 hours or so. Check your blood sugar levels more often and adjust your pills or insulin accordingly. Be sure to contact us if necessary to help manage your diabetes during this period. If your blood sugar is above 150, spread out the sugar-sweetened liquids over a 3 hour period.

What to Expect Before and After Weight Loss Surgery

Mood and Energy Levels

It is common to experience low energy levels after bariatric surgery. Make sure you have help at home for the first few days, especially if you are a caregiver for young children or elderly family members.

Give yourself time to heal. Intersperse your periods of rest with 10-20 minute walks and deep breathing. You may experience periods of sadness. This is quite normal and potentially related to the medications you may have received while in surgery.

Post-Surgery Diet

Follow the Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 Dietary Guidelines given to you by your dietitian.

Physical Limitations

  • Wait 24 hours post surgery before showering, unless specifically instructed otherwise by your surgeon
  • Use gentle soap, like baby soap, to go easy on your skin
  • Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking prescription painkillers
  • Don’t lift more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks post surgery
  • In regards to sex, listen to your body and be careful for 2 weeks post surgery

Are You Considering Weight Loss Surgery?

Contact us to find out how our non-surgical weight loss programs can support you as you pursue your goals.

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