Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Team Approach
Our approach to Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery is a team approach and a program for life. There are five components in preparation for the surgery including medical, nutritional, psychological, surgical, and support. We evaluate you before surgery and provide education, treatment and support after surgery. Our team provides medical, nutritional, and psychological care, and looks at lifestyle changes following surgery.
Our program for life allows you to participate in support groups before surgery. This group setting will allow you to discuss your concerns and hear from other patients who have gone through Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery.
Selecting a Procedure
After you have completed the pre-surgery medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluations and have adequate metabolic control, we will discuss the benefits and risks of the different procedures including Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery. Together we will help you choose the most appropriate surgery for you. Next, we schedule a date for your surgery.
Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery is like other major surgeries. Education will help you prepare by knowing the benefits and risks of surgery.
To help mentally prepare yourself:
- Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward.
- Remember that you will not able to eat the way you did before, and that you’ll have to watch the way you eat for the rest of your life.
- Talk to people who have had bariatric surgery.
- Start a journal and discuss how you feel now, the challenges you face, and goals after surgery. Contact us if you are interested in starting a blog or online journal that will allow you to share your experience with others.
- It helps to know you have people behind you. Get support from your family and friends.
Follow the guidelines that your doctor will give you to prepare yourself physically. The guidelines will be based upon the type of surgery, your personal profile, and other factors.
