What can you expect?

Before the procedure

Some post-surgical patients refer to the day of their weight-loss surgery as a “birthday,” because it’s the beginning of a life-changing transformation. Even though this is a major step toward changes you’ve long desired, some anxiety is only natural.

Here are some suggestions of ways to prepare yourself mentally:

  • Don’t hesitate to ask the LCWLS staff about any of your concerns about surgery or the lifestyle changes you’ll be making later. Don’t be embarrassed to ask them to explain procedures in simpler language if you don’t understand the medical terms.
  • Keep in mind that you’ll never be 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 your family and friends about what kind of support you will need during recovery. Some patients ask for a letter of support from family members. Often, people want to be helpful but aren’t sure what to do, so they’ll appreciate an opportunity to discuss this.
  • Talk to other people who have had bariatric surgery.

Preparing yourself physically for this eventful day is much like preparing for any other surgery. Follow the instructions given to you by Dr. Walter Sartor and the LCWLS staff. Here are some of the most frequent instructions.

  • Do not drink or eat anything prior to the surgery, starting the evening before.
  • Most prescribed medications you normally take can be taken the day of surgery, just with small sips of water. Your doctor may have instructions regarding specific medications. Bring all of your medications with you. As with any medical procedure, it’s important that you inform your doctor of all prescription and over- the-counter medications you’re taking.
  • Arrive early.
  • Leave at home jewelry and valuables that you normally carry on your person.

The preoperative steps will not take long. Before surgery, an IV line will be started to keep you hydrated and administer medications such as antibiotics.

If you are not already under anesthesia before you get in the operating room, you will be once you are there.

 

After your procedure