Undergoing weight loss surgery is a life-changing event. You have planned for this financially, emotionally, and physically. Chances are, you’re feeling nervous and excited. Your gastric sleeve surgery will change how you look and feel! Any bariatric surgery is just the first step, however. Physical activity and diet will go a long way to ensuring success after the procedure.
But what about the days before surgery? This certainly isn’t the time for “one last hurrah!” After the initial consultation with one of our surgeons, you’ll meet with an exercise physiologist and a dietitian prior to your surgery. In addition to discussing diet and physical activity after the surgery, there are a few pre-op diet considerations, too.
Leading up to the sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) surgery, there are some important things to keep in mind in order to ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. The day before your surgery, you will start a clear liquid diet. This helps prepare your digestive system for the procedure.
It also helps make sure that you are kept well hydrated and that your intestines and stomach are mainly empty. Not sure what a clear liquid diet is? This is anything that you can see through that doesn’t have any sugar, fat, or alcohol in it. Some examples include jello with no added fruits, iced tea, broth, or sugar-free drinks.
Other preparations
After midnight the night before surgery, you will not be able to eat or drink anything. Do not swallow any more water – even while you’re brushing your teeth. You will not be able to eat or drink anything the morning of the surgery either. Yes, you will feel hungry and a bit uncomfortable, but it is incredibly important to adhere to these guidelines.
Following the rules is necessary for you to have a procedure that goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Make sure that you shower fully the night before or the morning of the surgery. Make sure that your navel area is washed and rinsed well.
Work With Gastric Sleeve Professionals
Any long-term weight loss success depends on much more than bariatric surgery itself. That’s why we feel the WeightWise program has been so successful for so many. Along with the pre-op steps, the support you get from us in the days, weeks, and months after surgery is just as important.
Dietitians
For many patients, the days after surgery are often the hardest – and not because of the surgery itself. More than 95 percent of our surgeries are done laparoscopically, which drastically cuts down on recovering time. Many return to everyday tasks 24-48 hours after the procedure.
It’s the all-liquid diet for the first two weeks after surgery that can be troublesome. But it’s all part of the process. By drinking 96 ounces of the recommended liquids, including protein shakes, throughout the day, your body is given the chance to adapt. Hormonal changes will occur, reducing hunger pangs and helping you “fill up” faster.
Soon, soft, lean foods will be introduced to your diet. While hydration will always be important, slowly bringing in new foods will help you physically and emotionally ease into a healthier way of eating. It isn’t as much of a diet as it is your new life.
The WeightWise shop is full of tasty snacks, satisfying meals, and other treats to keep you on track in both the short and long term. We also have an incredible amount of recipes for you to work with – including pizza! Losing weight has never been so tasty!
Exercise Physiologists
In addition to an improved diet, WeightWise will also work with you to devise a workout program and attainable goals. After a discussion about past injuries, health concerns, and collaboration with your doctor, you’ll increase your physical activity. You won’t be expected to run any marathons any time soon, but you will be more active.
In the beginning, you’ll work on flexibility and cardiovascular health. If it’s been a while since you’ve climbed a few flights of stairs, walked around the neighborhood, or enjoyed any kind of physical activity, your personalized workouts will reflect that. Once your target weight loss has been achieved – usually nine months to a year – weight training will be introduced.
Patient Advocates
The surgery is starting to really look like the easy part, doesn’t it? We totally understand that – and the need for emotional support before and after the procedure. You’ll be paired with a patient advocate to help you through those hard times, as well as offer the occasional high five!
These “personal cheerleaders” will also be by your side to help with insurance questions, scheduling appointments, and other questions you may have during your journey. At WeightWise, you won’t be on this road alone. We want you to succeed as much as you do, so we offer the support to keep you on track.
Your weight loss journey is about to begin and it’s something that is worthy of being excited about! Watch our FREE online seminar and then contact our team at WeightWise to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery. We’re here for you when you’re ready to begin a newer, healthier lifestyle.