Congratulations!
Like many thousands who preceded you, you’ve made the decision to undergo surgical weight loss for the treatment of obesity.
Since then, you have patiently completed the pre-op medical testing, met with a bariatric dietitian and someone from the mental health community.
Your date for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or a bariatric revision has been scheduled. You’ve taken time off from work or school and prepared your home for your post-op recovery.
Whew!
So, now what do you do before your bariatric surgery date?
Don’t Procrastinate Your Operation
Don’t wait too long to schedule your procedure. If you are recommended for surgery, the medical issue is not going to go away on its own, unfortunately.
Delaying surgery can allow your weight to increase and any obesity-related medical conditions to worsen, potentially offsetting your surgery date due to safety concerns.
Move forward with courage with the knowledge you are taking back control of your health and your weight.
Follow Pre-Op Doctor’s Orders
Surgery puts stress on the body, so the stronger you are physically, the faster you will recover.
As you prepare for anesthesia and surgery, focus on the following:
- Be sure to get 7-8 hours of quality REM sleep nightly
- Eat a healthy diet and cut out as much sugar as possible
- If you smoke, stop at least two weeks prior to surgery
- If you take medications, carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions about pre-op usage
Protect Yourself against Surgical Complications
Surgery is surgery and there is always a risk of complications, even if the chance is highly unlikely.
In routine surgeries, such as gallbladder removal, appendectomies, hernias and other GI operations, post-op and anesthesia-related complications are possible.
Successfully managing your operation includes being well-informed. Ask your board-certified surgeon to explain any risks related to the type of weight loss surgery operation you are having.
Equally important, ask how to recognize possible complications, what to do, and when you should call your doctor.
Appoint Your Personal Patient Advocate
While you’re in the hospital, a spouse, family member or good friend should be on hand to assist you or answer short-term questions the hospital team may need to know.
After you are released, someone needs to watch over you for at least the next 48 hours on a 24/7 basis, until you are up and around independently.
Stay in Touch with Your Medical Team
Your inpatient and outpatient surgical team wants to know how you are doing and if you have questions or concerns. Rather than reaching out to us via direct message (DM) on social media or even emailing us, just call us at 732-210-0702 for the quickest answer to your question or issue.
Never assume any health concern is minor.
A high-quality surgical practice wants to ensure you are
as comfortable and safe as possible until we see you again.
If you ever experience symptoms related to difficulty breathing, severe pain or cardiac issues, call 911 without hesitation.
Post-Op: Rest, Recover, Minimize Stress
Even minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery is a shock to the body and it needs time to “reboot.”
Your body needs rest, first and foremost—
Follow your bariatric surgeon’s specific instructions for exercising,
lifting, driving, eating and liquid intake requirements.
Don’t go back to work before your doctor clears you to do so, particularly if you have a physical job.
“One of my patients who is a mail carrier went back to work after colon surgery before had examined her,” recalls Dr. Seun.
“She subsequently encountered a complication while on the job that required hospital re-admission.”
Dr. Seun said she was released a few days later, but her recovery time was twice as long.
Take it easy, have others help out with cooking, cleaning, and other chores and recognize that returning to “normal” will take some time.
“Think of it this way,” says Dr. Seun. “Your surgical weight loss marks the start of a new normal — a healthier one — if you follow your team’s advice before and after the operation.”
Ready to Learn More about Weight Loss Surgery
To learn more, meet medical director Dr. Seun Sowemimo and his board-certified surgical associate, Dr. Bennet Togbe, in person by attending their next New Patient Information Seminar, located at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.
The seminars are open to anyone interested in learning more about a surgical weight loss solution. Bring a supportive friend or family member along, too!
Or, if you prefer, schedule a private consultation by calling Prime Surgicare at 732-210-0702