By 2 weeks before surgery, you will have completed your pre-op tests, your physical, and whatever else your surgeon and/or insurance company have asked.
You are eating and drinking as if you’ve had surgery. It is always important to practice getting into the routine before your surgery arrives.
You are walking or exercising at least 20 minutes per day. Exercise is an important part of your weight loss journey, so it is a good idea to make it a habit.
Your surgery date and time should be set and you know what time to arrive to the hospital.
In the week or two leading up to surgery you’ll be seeing the pre-surgery department for blood work, urine test, chest x-ray if needed and last minute instructions. You’ll see the surgeon one more time for consents, a pre-operative physical and any last minute details.
The night before surgery you’ll be asked to not eat or drink anything starting at midnight.
Following is a checklist of things to have ready before the big day…
- Make sure you have planned for time off from work. You need time to recover, to adjust to your new stomach, and to figure out what your body can and cannot tolerate, so 2-6 weeks is wise depending on what type of job you have.
- Have your child care worked out, you will not be able to lift anything more than 20 pounds for 6-8 weeks.
- Have someone to take you to and pick you up from the hospital.
- You’ll need someone to help you for at least the first week of your recovery.
- Start preparing the food and vitamins that you will eat after surgery or make a shopping list for someone to buy those items for you so you have things ready once you get home. Have your vitamins purchased in advance and make sure you have an appropriate protein shake at home.
- Make sure ALL of your prescriptions are filled and waiting for you at home after discharge.
- Set up a comfortable sleeping arrangement as you will likely be a little sore following surgery.
Comfort items to consider for your hospital stay and ride home:
Sleep Aids:
- Ear plugs
- Sleep mask
Entertainment:
- Music player, DVD player, smart phone, etc.
- Batteries/Charger electronic devices
- Books, magazines or other reading material such as the paperwork you receive at the pre-op class to review
Clothes:
- Sturdy slip-on walking shoes
- Robe (hospital can give you a second gown to wear as a robe)
- Loose-fitting clothes to go home in
- Clean underwear and socks
Hygiene:
- Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and hair brush
Other:
- Notebook and pen to take notes and help remember questions to ask
- Pillow for the ride home and in case hospital pillows are uncomfortable
- Sports bottle for easy no-spill drinking
- Throat lozenges
- Chapstick for dry lips after surgery
