How to Prepare for Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

You don't get ready for mini gastric bypass surgery by throwing your pajamas and toothpaste into a suitcase the night before the surgery. Before you check into the hospital on surgery day you need to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. The moment you and your doctor decide mini gastric bypass surgery is the best approach to your weight problems, it is time to prepare for the procedure. Read on to learn how to prepare for mini gastric bypass surgery.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn about the risks of mini gastric bypass surgery. Acknowledging that things can go wrong with the surgery is not morbid. Proper planning makes decisions down the road easier.

2. Educate yourself about the lifestyle changes that will happen after your surgery. Begin to implement some of them prior to your operation.

3. Investigate how you will pay for surgery. The procedure is expensive and is not covered under many insurance plans.

4. Curb your alcohol intake several weeks prior to the procedure. Try to stop drinking alcohol altogether, as many people find it disagreeable post bypass.

5. Begin a mini exercise program. A consistent exercise program pre-operation will improve your body's flexibility, strength and oxygen flow. All of these factors will speed your recovery.

6. Consult with a therapist about what to anticipate from your mini gastric bypass. Most doctors make consultation with a mental health professional a mandatory part of operation preparation.

7. Approach surgery realistically. Almost all post surgical patients experience depression. People who expect the operation to change the way they feel about themselves are subject to deeper and longer depression.

8. Donate blood for yourself in case you should need it.

9. Wean yourself off of sugar, caffeine and carbonated beverages.

10. Lose as much weight as possible without making yourself ill or weak. The less heavy you are, the better your surgery will go and the faster you will bounce back.

11. Make plans for your recovery. If possible, stay in an area of the house that doesn't require climbing steps, bending or stretching when you come home.

12. Clear your refrigerator and pantry of foods you won't be able to eat when you come home.

13. Stock your kitchen with a wide variety of the foods you will be able to eat. Your doctor will provide you with a list of acceptable post surgery foods.

14. Buy loose, comfortable clothes that flow free around your waistline to wear during your rehab.

Tips & Warnings

• Document your attempts to lose weight by other means than surgery. Most types of gastric surgery for weight loss are not covered by many insurance companies. Some insurance plans will pay for the surgery only if it is the course of last resort.