Steps to Prepare for a Gastric Sleeve
Check out the following steps to improve your experience with gastric sleeve surgery.
Medications
It's important that in to discuss all medications, vitamins, or supplements you may take with your doctor before undergoing surgery to avoid complications. Certain medications can have an adverse reaction with medications used during and after surgery, while some vitamins and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding.
Quit Smoking
If you're a smoker, quit smoking or using any tobacco and nicotine products as far in advance of your surgery as possible and throughout your recovery. Smoking and other tobacco and nicotine products can increase the risk of experiencing complications when undergoing gastric sleeve plication.
Eat a Healthy Diet
In preparation for gastric sleeve plication, patients should make changes to their eating habits and focus on maintaining a healthy diet. Avoid unhealthy foods, such as fried foods, sweets, and foods high in fat. Instead, stick to a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables with plenty of protein from lean meats, nuts, and grains. Making such dietary changes before surgery can make it easier for patients to adjust to dietary requirements after surgery, helping patients have greater weight loss success.
Keep Track of Meals and Snacks
Because the size of the stomach is reduced with gastric sleeve plication, it is necessary for patients to follow dietary restrictions after surgery. Keeping track of meals and snacks and sticking to three meals and one or two snacks a day before surgery can help patients prepare for necessary dietary changes.
Introduce Exercise into Your Routine
Those who don't exercise should add some physical activity into their daily routine before surgery. Exercise does not need to be strenuous and can include taking a short walk. Gradually increasing activity can help the body become accustomed to exercise while also avoiding injury.
Don't Overeat in the Weeks Leading Up to Surgery
Some patients may be tempted to eat all of their favorite foods before surgery in preparation for the diet and lifestyle changes that are required after surgery. It's important not to overeat in the weeks leading up to surgery as this can cause weight gain and make recovery more difficult.
Prepare for Recovery
Patients should take steps before surgery to prepare their recovery area. For example, gather pillows and plenty of books to read or movies to watch. Patients should also make sure they have appropriate foods to eat after surgery and understand the post-operative food guidelines provided by their doctor.
Arrange for Help from a Friend or Family Member
Patients may need help getting around for several days after surgery, as well as assistance taking care of personal needs. For this reason, they often benefit from having a friend or family member stay with them. It is recommended that patients arrange for a friend or family member to stay with them for a few days after surgery.
Preparations for the Night before Surgery
Patients are typically advised not to eat the night before surgery to ensure the stomach is empty at the time of surgery and reduce the risk of complications. Patients should also try their best to relax and get a good night's sleep so they are well rested on the day of surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
To receive your personalized tips for , we welcome you to schedule a consultation. We welcome you to schedule a consultation at Tijuana Bariatric Center.
