Weight Loss Surgery? Our Bariatric Surgery Prep Checklist

Embarking on a weight loss journey through bariatric surgery can be life-changing. But it requires careful preparation, with several guidelines you should follow both before and after the procedure. We’ll explore a bariatric surgery prep checklist to help ensure you’re ready to embark on this journey that will dramatically transform your life.

How Do I Prepare My Body for Bariatric Surgery? A Bariatric Surgery Prep Checklist

Ready for weight loss surgery? Here’s some vital bariatric surgery prep tips you need to be successful

Consultation and Evaluation

First, you have to schedule a consultation with our bariatric surgeons in Myrtle Beach and Horry County. This crucial first step enables you to discuss your options with the healthcare team and see if you are eligible. 

During this time, you’ll also complete all pre-operative evaluations and medical tests as recommended.

Know What Your Insurance Will Cover

You’ll have to meet certain criteria before your insurance covers bariatric surgery. We want to ensure that there are no surprises when it comes to your medical expenses. We encourage you to speak with your health insurance representative to ensure you have the most recent information. 

Dietary Changes

Follow a pre-surgery diet plan provided by your medical team to reduce liver size and minimize the unlikely chance of any complications. 

Start incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into your diet to prepare your body for post-surgery nutrition.

Physical Activity

Begin a regular exercise routine to improve your fitness level and help with post-surgery recovery. We’ll work with you to develop a suitable exercise program that will help prepare your body. This is vital because you’ll also need to follow a regular exercise routine after the surgery.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Many people overlook the emotional impact of the procedure, and that’s why preparing yourself through support groups or counseling sessions is an important part of bariatric surgery prep. 

This will also help you develop strategies to address emotional eating triggers and stress management.

Arrange Support

Inform family members, friends, or colleagues about your upcoming surgery to garner support during your recovery.

Delegate responsibilities at work and home to ensure a stress-free post-surgery period.

Post-Surgery Living Arrangements

Arrange for a comfortable and safe living environment during your initial recovery phase. Ensure that you have easy access to the necessary medical supplies and a support system in place. You may need someone to help you with housekeeping, driving or grocery shopping. 

Have Realistic Expectations

Those who have had bariatric surgery have lost hundreds of pounds and regained a new lease on life. But you have to realize that this won’t happen overnight. You won’t become thin in a matter of days. 

You also must carefully follow the instructions from your physician on how you will have to eat after the procedure. It is possible to regain weight after surgery if you don’t follow these guidelines. This is one step of your bariatric surgery prep you don’t want to overlook!

Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

It’s always a good idea to review the criteria to see if you qualify for bariatric surgery. To get this weight loss surgery, you must meet the following:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) 
  • To be eligible for bariatric surgery, your BMI should typically be 40 or higher, or 35 or higher if you have obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Not sure what your body mass index is? You can discover it through this useful BMI calculator. 
• Documented Failed Attempts
  • You may qualify if you have documented failed attempts at traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, supervised by a medical professional.
• Age Requirement
  • Candidates are usually between 18 and 65 years old, though some exceptions may apply based on individual health factors.

Questions About Bariatric Surgery Prep? Let Our Weight Loss Services Help You Get Your Life Back

There’s no question that weight loss surgery saves lives, and CMC Weight Loss is here to help. 

Bariatric surgery can be a transformative step toward a healthier life, but adequate preparation is crucial for a successful outcome. We’ll work closely with you to help ensure you reach your weight loss goals and answer any questions you have. 

All you have to do is watch this weight loss seminar and complete a questionnaire, and we will contact you.