What to Expect Before Having Weight Loss Surgery

Learn more about weight loss surgery at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians www.RMAP.com (801) 268-3800

 

It is important to us here at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians that, you as our patient, have all the necessary information you will need prior to surgery and for postoperative lifestyle adjustments.

  • Attend our Risks and Benefits class, you can sign up for one here.
  • Attend the Consent Class & have a consultation with the surgeon you have chosen. You can read more about our surgeons here.
  • Attend the Surgery Orientation Class where you will pay all your fees for surgery and receive our Blue Binder (RMAP Bible).

For the steps on How to Get Started, you can go here.

Once you have surgery and orientation class scheduled, you will need to pre-register. If you are having surgery at St. Mark’s Hospital, scheduling will call you to schedule your appointment 2-3 days before your surgery. You will have bloodwork and will pre-register on the same day as your orientation class. If you are having surgery at LDS Hospital, scheduling will call you to pre-register. Your bloodwork order will be mailed or e-mailed along with your surgery packet from RMAP. You will get your bloodwork done at a facility that accepts your insurance.

Pre-Bariatric Surgery Diet (Unless told otherwise)

  • Studies show that if you lose a minimal amount of weight prior to surgery, it can shrink your liver, giving your surgeon more room inside of your body to perform the surgery. This also helps reduce the risk of complications. You will start your pre-surgery diet 14 days prior to surgery and a handout will be given to you with examples of what to eat. Your diet should consist of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet consuming no more than 1,000 calories per day. For patients who are unable to tolerate protein supplements, eat high protein foods with low carbohydrates. You will need to count your calories.

The Day Before Surgery

  • Diet
    • Normal breakfast
    • Light lunch
    • Clear liquids after 3:00 PM
  • Drink Magnesium Citrate at 3:00 PM
    • You can pick up a bottle from a pharmacy or RMAP office
  • Do Not eat or drink after midnight
  • Call the hospital you are having your surgery at after 3:00 PM the day before surgery.
    • St. Mark Hospital: (801) 268-7119
    • LDS Hospital: (801) 408-5022
  • Wash your abdomen with an anti-bacterial soap before bedtime.
    • You can pick up some anti-bacterial soap from a pharmacy or RMAP office

The Day of Surgery

  • You will wash your abdomen again with an anti-bacterial soap.
  • Be at the hospital you are having surgery at either on time or earlier. You will want to plan accordingly with the weather and/or traffic.
  • Take your medications with a tiny sip of water:
    • Take: Blood Pressure, Heart (i.e. cholesterol), Asthma, Thyroid, Antidepressant, Steroids, Diabetic oral meds w/ half dose insulin (check your blood sugars first)
    • Do Not Take: Estrogen, Allergy, Narcotics, Anti-inflammatory, Pain medications
    • STOP 5 days prior: Coumadin, Herbal Remedies

What to Bring

  • Pack light
    • Leave your jewelry and valuables at home
    • Family members can bring you a laptop and your binder to you post-op
    • Wear loose fitting clothing to wear home
    • Slippers and robe; the hospital will provide gowns that they prefer you to wear because of easy accessibility for I.V. therapy, etc.
    • Chapstick is a must!
  • Bring your own CPAP/BiPAP

What to Expect

  • Ambulatory Care: SMH is on the 5th floor, LDS is on the 3rd floor
    • Prepare for surgery
    • 1½ hours
  • Go into Operating Room (OR)
  • Family members will stay in the waiting area room until the doctor’s report
  • From there you will go into the Recover Room
    • Spend 1-2 hours
    • SCD’s (Sequential Compression Devices)
    • JP Drain (not band patients)
  • Main Room: family will meet you here
    • 4th floor at SMH and 6th floor at LDSH

The relationship you have with your surgeon and primary care physician is important for your long-term success along with your participation in support groups and educational activities. We wish you all the best, and always remember we are here to answer any questions, and willing to help. Weight Loss Surgery is only a tool, the long-term success is up to you!

 

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www.RMAP.com
Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians
801-268-3800
1160 East 3900 South, Suite 4100
SLC, UT 84124