What to Expect on the Day of Weight Loss Surgery

Posted by Dr. Nick Nicholson on August 28th, 2014

Even if you’ve been planning weight loss surgery for months, the day of the procedure can be a little frightening.  When you know what to expect, however, everything seems to flow much easier. Chances are your bariatric surgeon went over what to expect, but that doesn’t mean in the flurry of activity you remember it all.

While the exact requests for preparation and the day of the surgery can vary based on the procedure you’re having, here are the basics:

The Night Before

It’s best if you have a liquid dinner the night before weight loss surgery and stop eating or drinking anything after about 10 p.m. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication beforehand. You may need to take this the night before, depending on instructions.

Those are simply the basics. Be sure to consult your pre-surgical paperwork for specifics in your case.

The Morning Of

This is the big day. Be sure to avoid food and water before the procedure. While you can take blood pressure pills, if you’re on them, and half your normal insulin dose if you use this medication, hold on any other medications unless otherwise directed by your weight loss surgeon.

Before you head in to the hospital or the surgical center, go ahead and take off all your jewelry and take out your contact lenses. You should bring your glasses, if you wear them, and hearing aid, as well.

Once you arrive at the hospital, just follow the routine check-in procedure at registration and you should be good to go. If you have any questions about what to expect on the day of weight loss surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon’s office for guidance.

About Author:-

One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.