Before Surgery

At Surgical Weight Loss “Boot Camp,” patients:

• Get instructions regarding self-care before and after surgery
• Learn steps towards:
  • Preventing pneumonia – such as deep breathing, coughing, and using a incentive spirometer to expand lungs.
  • Preventing blood clots – such as using compression boots while in bed, blood thinning medication and ambulating shortly after your procedure.
  • Learn strategies to control pain – splinting, ambulation, and medication.
• Review preoperative instructions
• Receive a “Patient Bag” specifically developed for our bariatric patients.

Preadmission Testing

Two weeks prior to surgery, you will undergo pre-operative evaluations that include blood work, pulmonary function studies, EKG and other tests to ensure you are medically ready for surgery.

Preoperative Meeting With Surgeon

Once all diagnostic results are available, you will meet with your surgeon and review the studies. At this visit, you will also:

• Weigh in – If a patient has gained more than five percent of his/her weight since the first consultation, the surgeon will ask the patient to lose the weight before surgery, especially if the individual is in a higher risk category (male, BMI greater than 50, over 50 years of age).
• Complete a written test – containing 20 true/false questions regarding the surgical procedure you will undergo. All patients are required to take this test and achieve a passing grade of 80 percent to verify that they understand the surgery, the risks and benefits, and the lifestyle changes required for a successful outcome.
• Sign consent forms giving permission for the procedure to be performed.