The Weight Loss Surgery: What To Expect Before Surgery

Karen Buzby, RD, LDN, member of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team, discusses what to expect before weight-loss surgery to ensure long-term success.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Lau-tzu, Chinese Philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC)

For individuals contemplating weight-loss surgery this statement certainly rings true.

The path to a healthier weight actually begins well before the actual surgery date. The pre-surgery journey starts by attending a bariatric surgery information session. At this session potential candidates learn about the bariatric surgical procedures, the benefits and risks of surgery, essential diet and lifestyle changes and what the weight and health criteria are to qualify for weight-loss surgery.  A member of the bariatric team is available to answer questions and schedule an initial consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons.

At the initial consultation your health, diet and weight loss history will be reviewed by a surgeon, dietitian and a nurse specializing in weight loss surgery. A plan for your pre-operative evaluation and nutrition education is created. Completing the series of pre-operative clinical and laboratory tests are the next steps in your journey to weight-loss surgery. A sleep study, psychological evaluation and medical specialist consultation are also required. All of these procedures and visits may take several months to complete.

During this time it is important to attend monthly medical weight management appointments and start taking steps toward a healthier diet and lifestyle. Keep a food and activity diary to help establish regular eating and exercise habits.

The goal before surgery is to put into place positive behaviors that will help you succeed after surgery.

• Eat at least three meals a day.
• Limit foods that are high in fat and sugar.
• Eat whole not processed foods focusing on lean protein and fiber containing products.
• Increase your activities of daily living and start a “dedicated exercise program.”
• Focus on losing weight.
• Stop smoking, patients must be smoke free for at least 2 months before surgery.

Get Weight-loss Support

Attend a bariatric support group.

Encouragement and support are essential for success. The support group provides the opportunity to interact and ask questions of our professional staff as well as patients who have had surgery.

One of the last steps in the pre-operative journey is attending the diet instruction class to reinforce the details of the post-operative diet progression.

Our team will help you take this pre-operative journey one step at a time!