As you approach your day of surgery you may be nervous or anxious, but remember that this is a day to celebrate the start of your transformation. This major milestone in your weight loss journey signifies your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. You should be excited about the decision you are making!

Your healthcare team will give you a specific set of instructions to prepare you for surgery. They know your specific clinical needs and you should always follow your healthcare team’s directions and advice.

The following are some general tips that will help you prepare for the day of surgery:

• You may start a high-protein liquid diet. This diet can improve your surgeon’s ability to visualize your stomach and abdominal cavity during surgery. You may be directed to avoid drinking eating anything prior to surgery—most often this fasting period begins the night before surgery.
• You also may start taking vitamins and minerals at this time. Your healthcare team will determine whether you need to continue taking nutritional supplements after surgery.
• Most medicines can be taken the day of surgery, just with small sips of water. Your doctor will have instructions regarding specific medications. Be sure to bring all of your medications with you.
• If you have a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, bring it with you for use in the hospital.
• Arrive early; some hospitals and surgery centers require patients to arrive two hours early.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will be easy to put on when you are ready to go home.
• Take two pillows to the hospital. You may want these to wrap around your stomach for comfort during the car ride home.
• Bring someone with you who can make decisions for you while you are under general anesthesia (asleep).

What to Expect the Day of Surgery⁷

When you arrive at the hospital, you will undergo several preoperative steps, and you will speak with members of your healthcare team including your nurses, surgeon and anesthesiologist. An IV line will be started to keep you hydrated and to administer medications such as antibiotics.

• Total surgery time is usually between 30 minutes and one hour.
• Several hours after surgery you may get up, sit in a chair, and walk a short distance.
• Once you awake after surgery, you probably will take liquid pain medication by mouth for any discomfort.
• A clinician will test your ability to swallow. When you can drink liquids, you probably will be ready to go home. Most people go home the day of surgery or the following day.

It’s okay to feel nervous about your day of surgery – you are not alone. Many band patients feel this way.  Hear what some patients had to say about their surgery experience.

For detailed information about surgery, check out the Realize™ Surgery page.

Remember, you are making a significant and positive change in your life - a change that is worth the anxiety associated with surgery.

Next: Recovery Expectations >