
Preparing for Surgery

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The healthier you are before surgery, the faster your body will respond and heal. There is a pre-surgery period during which you will begin making lifestyle changes and participate in pre-admissions testing.
Preoperatively you will meet with our Weight Loss Team and other Allied Health Professionals to plan lifestyle changes. Patients who embrace healthy habits ahead of their procedure have better outcomes.
Having obesity increases the risk of complications during surgery. Therefore, we recommend that patients lose ten or more pounds before their operation. We also find that patients feel better after surgery if they avoid overeating beforehand.
Patients are encouraged to begin exercising, as well, since exercise will be important during the postoperative period. Patients also find that this helps them to feel stronger after surgery. Exercise plans can include:
Pre-admissions testing takes place during an appointment with your weight loss care team members. They will assist you with final preparations for surgery and discuss the risks and benefits.
This meeting occurs one to two weeks before your surgery.
In addition to your surgeon, you may meet with a nurse practitioner, who will review your:
Making changes to your lifestyle—including to your diet and exercise habits—is key to successful weight loss, even when surgery is involved.
Visit our Online Learning Center for information about healthy eating, being active, and how to maintain weight loss achievements.
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If you have decided to undergo weight loss surgery, you can attend our free New Patient Informational Seminar.