Prepping for Your Big Day
Once you have completed the pre-surgical process and have been approved for surgery our staff will guide and educate you in order to insure you have the best and safest outcomes.
Your pre-op appointment (usually 1-2 weeks prior to your procedure) includes blood work (if needed), a visit with a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Registered Nurse (RN). One of the Nurse Practitioners will review/update your medical history and most importantly direct you on what medications/supplements you will be taking before and after surgery.
Most patients will receive 3 prescriptions from the NP that will be used after returning home from surgery. An anti-emetic will be prescribed to help prevent you from vomiting after surgery. It is used as needed for nausea. Avoiding vomiting after Bariatric surgery is crucial as new stomach pouches are fragile and lap bands could slip. Our Anesthesiologists also do a great job with giving medications during surgery that helps to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Patients having the Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y Bypass (RNY) will also receive a prescription for an acid reducer. This will help decrease the incidence of ulcers. These medications will be required daily for 1-6 months depending on which surgical procedure you have.
Prescription pain medications (narcotics) are often given to patients to use after surgery. We advise Tylenol first for mild to moderate pain/discomfort. During surgery you will receive pain medications (injections into abdomen and IV) that will keep your pain levels to a minimum. Remember that you cannot drive while taking these medications and they can lead to issues with constipation.
We ask that you bring all of your prescription medications and over the counter supplements to your pre-op appointment for review with the NP. You will be advised which medications to continue and or stop and when. Medications such as blood thinners, aspirin and anti-imflammatory’s need to be held prior to surgery to decrease the chance of bleeding. Diabetic, blood pressure and cholesterol medications often are held after surgery. Some medications may be taken on the morning of surgery as directed by the NP.
Sleeve and Bypass patients will be on clear liquids the day before surgery (water, tea, low calorie drinks only) to decrease complications during your procedure.
The RN will review your consent forms and provide education on what is required before, during and after surgery. Diet instructions will also be provided. Expect to be seen within a week after surgery and every 2 weeks after for the next few months. Our dietary staff will assist with your diet progression.
All of the information provided during your visit will be in writing. We suggest that you review the handouts several times and contact us with any questions.
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