Bariatric surgery can involve a lot of preparation before you actually get to the hospital. You may find that it can get so hectic that you don’t have time to feel nervous, then again you may not. As it is a major surgery and will require a lot of healing time afterwards.
After you’ve had the prerequstite visits with your doctors and been approved by your insurance you will set a date and begin countdown. This can be a stressful time to anyone. You may wish to sit down with your family and discuss the surgery and what changes you will need to make to your diet and lifestyle. You will need to tell them that you’ll need their support, especially in the time immediately following your surgery as you will be at your weakest then.
Some doctors suggest that their patients arrange to have an in home nurse visit them after the surgery to help them with their daily activities and to take care of themselves for a few hours each day. This can be extremely helpful especially for those patients that don’t have family nearby to take care of them or that have a family member that leaves for work during a part of the day.
You will also begin appointments with a nutrionist, hopefully. Your nutritionist will help you with your diet, and if they have experience working with patients that have had bariatric surgery they will tell you what to expect. This is also a good way to help you stay on your new diet after the surgery.
Lastly you will want to buy any items you feel you need for after the surgery. You may be spending a lot of time in bed or sitting on the couch so you might want to buy a couple of pillows. Plus you can get a head start on your new diet by buying some of the clear liquids that you will eat beforehand so you have them available.
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