What to Expect Before Surgery

There are a number of steps to be taken before your surgery and our team will help you with each one. Once you are evaluated by one of our surgeons, your requirements for surgery are reviewed and arrangements made to complete medically supervised weight loss in our office depending on insurance requirements and the team's evaluation. Each patient is evaluated by our dietitian and by our psychologist, as is also required by insurance. Depending on your health history, you may require the following clearances, a sleep study, cardiac clearance, pulmonary clearance, or better control of diabetes. You must also stop smoking/vaping - be nicotine free before you start the bariatric surgery journey.  You will require an evaluation of your upper digestive system with a scope, called an upper endoscopy, or EGD prior to surgery and medical clearance from your primary care provider. If your annual preventive health screenings, such as mammograms or colonoscopies are not up to date, you may be asked to complete those as well. Our physicians and/or physician assistant will evaluate you and review all of this with you. 

We want you to be in optimal health before your bariatric surgery procedure -all patients are required to see their primary care provider for a medical clearance appointment 2-3 weeks before surgery .  Two weeks prior to surgery we will ask you to avoid the use of some medications, such as over-the-counter herbal medications, NSAIDs, and aspirin. Any anticoagulants must be stopped prior to surgery. You will begin deep breathing exercises that will help increase your lung strength in preparation for general anesthesia and you will begin a pre-operative diet to start your path to living well. You will attend your pre-operative visit with your surgeon to review your history and risks and benefits of surgery. You also attend a pre-surgery education class to help you get ready for your surgery day and your new lifestyle.

If you have any questions or concerns during your pre-operative journey, please contact us. Our team is here for you.

For more information, or to get started, register for a St. Rita’s Weight Management seminar.