What to expect before your procedure
Everyone may have a different path - each patient is unique and insurances have different requirements. However, there are a few things that everyone can expect.
Activities that everyone will do
The goal of these activities is to make sure you are ready – and have a great outcome. Activities here may include:
- Visit with a dietician/nutritionist to understand what you can expect to eat after the procedure.
- Visit with behavioral specialist to talk through your readiness and some of the changes you will need to make.
- Blood work to understand your health and vitamin levels.
- Visit with your primary care physician and bariatric surgeon to clear you for surgery and review the plan.
Additional requirements depending on medical history
The goal of additional requirements is to make sure you are personally medically ready. These additional testing may include:
- Sleep apnea testing for those that may have sleep apnea.
- Cardiology clearance, which may include and echocardiogram or stress test, if you have a history of heart conditions.
- Upper endoscopy if there are concerns on reflex or a hiatal hernia.
- Abdominal ultrasound if you may have gallstones.
- Clearance from any other specialists you see, such as an endocrinologist or a hematologist.
Potential additional insurance requirements
Some insurance companies may require regular pre-op visits, either with a doctor or nutritionists. Others may require a specific program to be completed
Pre-Op Diet
Some surgeons ask patients to do a two week pre-op diet with the intent of shrinking the liver and making surgery easier. This is a high-protein, low sugar diet where you replace meals with protein shakes (15g+ protein, <5g sugar). Some practices will also allow low-fat protein snacks (eggs, greek yogurt) or non-starch vegetables (asparagus, broccoli). In addition, everyone should be getting plenty of water prior to the procedure (10-12 cups/80-100 oz). Make sure not to drink alcohol during this period.