During this time, a bariatric-surgery medical team (which can include a psychologist, dietitian, fitness trainer, and other professionals in addition to a surgeon and primary doctor) ensures that weight-loss surgery is a good option for them and that they’re physically and mentally ready for the challenges and lifestyle changes that obesity surgery brings. “A number of months are spent assessing and becoming a good candidate,” says Schone. Indeed, the process of weight-loss surgery is extensive, and proper preparation can determine how successful it will be. You’ll need to make a serious commitment to improving your health and start a significant lifestyle overhaul long before the day of surgery — and keep it up permanently. The preparation and timeline for weight-loss surgery varies among medical facilities, but here’s a basic outline of what you should expect: 6 to 12 Months Before Surgery
Attend information sessions to decide if weight-loss surgery is right for you (usually free to the public).Ask your primary-care provider for a referral to an accredited bariatric-surgery program.Enroll in the bariatric-surgery program, attending all required classes and meetings.Start exercising three to five times a week for 25 to 30 minutes, with your doctor’s clearance.Begin eating a healthier diet.
2 to 4 Months Before Surgery
Start the preauthorization process with your health-insurance company, Medicare, or state medical-assistance program.Meet with the bariatric surgeon and set your surgery date.Per your surgeon’s requirements, arrange all necessary examinations and testing to be done before surgery.Make arrangements with your employer for your medical leave of absence.Make certain you’re exercising regularly, so it becomes a habit.Start practicing how to eat after surgery. “You should have already started eating like a person with a smaller stomach, which means reducing your portion sizes, pacing your meals, chewing your food well, and making good food choices,” says Schone.
4 to 6 Weeks Before Surgery
Review all results from medical evaluations and testing with your surgeon. Confirm your surgery date. Discuss how to prepare for the day of surgery.Confirm insurance pre-authorization.Meet with your dietitian or nutritionist to fine-tune your postsurgery diet.Continue your exercise routine.
1 to 2 Weeks Before Surgery
Follow your surgeon’s preoperative instructions closely, and make sure you are aware of when you need to have all your pre-op examinations and testing performed and completed.Preregister with the hospital admissions department.Continue to eat according to your dietitian’s plan.
2 to 3 Days Before Surgery
Be sure all questions have been answered by your team.Shop for specific food items for your diet after surgery.
24 Hours Before Surgery
Follow your team’s preoperative instructions and suggestions, especially those given by your surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding eating and drinking prior to the procedure.
Day of Surgery
Bring any medications to the hospital with you, as well as any items your team has suggested you take along.
Follow-Up Visits After Surgery After weight-loss surgery, an ongoing schedule for follow-up visits is necessary. Here’s an example:
5 to 7 days: Appointment with your surgeon or primary health-care provider to check the progress of your healing1 month: Evaluation with your surgeon or primary doctor, as well as nutritional and psychological follow-ups as needed3 months: Appointment with your dietitian or nutritionist to assess your diet; psychological follow-up as needed6 months: Recheck appointment with your primary doctor and routine blood testing9 months: Appointment with your dietitian or nutritionist to assess your diet1 year: Recheck appointment with your primary doctor and routine blood testingAnnually: Recheck appointment with your primary doctor and routine blood testing1-2 years or with a BMI (body mass index) less than 30: Consultation for plastic surgery (if needed or desired)
“Preparing for weight-loss surgery and beyond is a gradual process,” emphasizes Daniel Procter, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville who’s performed weight-loss surgery since 1978. Every step in the timeline above is important for your success in losing the excess weight, keeping it off, and improving your health.
