How many days or months do I need to prepare myself for getting a bariatric procedure done?

Before surgery it is important to know that 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 the person undergoing treatment  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 doctors from University of Minnesota.

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

• 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

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.

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 healing
• 1 month: Evaluation with your surgeon or primary doctor, as well as nutritional and psychological follow-ups as needed
• 3 months: Appointment with your dietitian or nutritionist to assess your diet; psychological follow-up as needed
• 6 months: Recheck appointment with your primary doctor and routine blood testing
• 9 months: Appointment with your dietitian or nutritionist to assess your diet
• 1 year: Recheck appointment with your primary doctor and routine blood testing
• Annually: Recheck appointment with your primary doctor and routine blood testing
• 1-2 years or with a BMI (body mass index) less than 30: Consultation for plastic surgery (if needed or desired).