Bariatric Surgery | Gastric Bypass Surgery | Gastric Banding | Obesity | After Surgery

Preparation for a gastric surgery is done several weeks prior, however, the night before is especially crucial, not to mention nerve-wracking for the patient who is to undergo the procedure. The success of a bariatric surgery relies largely on adequate preparation to ensure that the body and mind are ready. Here are a few friendly reminders on what to keep track of the evening before the procedure, or before going to the hospital.

1. Pack your bag. Think of this as an important trip in which you will need your personal items such as toothbrush, soap, comb, underwear, comfortable clothing, robes, blankets, and the like. Talk to your doctor about which clothes you can wear safely after the surgery.
   
2. Clean out your wallet. You will not need several credit cards and thick wads of cash. Just the same, leave any jewelry at home as you won’t be needing them in the hospital.
   
3. Safe-keep your eyeglasses or contact lenses if you are wearing any. You will be asked to remove these during the surgery so it’s important that you bring a container for them.
   
4. Prepare all relevant documents, especially legal papers such as a living will, advance directive, insurance papers, and a medical power of attorney which will allow someone you trust to make decision related to your health care should you be unable to do so. An advance directive lists all your medical decisions should the untoward occur – this includes termination of life support. A living will, on the other hand, is a kind of advance directive which states your request to be allowed to die if you can longer be recovered, instead of be kept alive by a respirator or the like.
   
5. Bring with you your guidelines, pamphlets and other educational materials the bariatric team has provided, and review them. Knowledge of the procedure can help calm your nerves and give you control over your own care.
   
6. Finally, be cautious about eating and drinking. Follow your bariatric surgeon’s instructions accurately to avoid any complications during the surgery.