Surgical Treatment of Obesity

Preparing for Surgery

There are a number of things patients can do before the operation that will help both the recovery from the operation and the ultimate result.

Most importantly, if you are a cigarette smoker, you should stop smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Studies have repeatedly shown that stopping smoking 2 weeks prior to surgery decreases the incidence of pneumonia and other respiratory problems.
You should also begin to build up your muscle strength prior to surgery by walking every day for 30 minutes. This will give you a greater reserve during the post-operative period, when muscle mass normally decreases.
Finally, you must begin to mentally prepare for the procedure and the changes you will need in your lifestyle and dietary habits in order for you to be successful.

A time of minimal stress is best. It would be ill advised to have the procedure following major life changes, such as a new job, change in location or death in the family. You need to give your full attention to this process and not be distracted by other events. Similarly, others in your family should not be dependent on you for 2-3 months after the operation. This makes the summer a bad time if you have dependent children.

You should also make arrangements to have help available at home for the first 2-4 weeks to help with child care and daily living activities such as laundry, housecleaning, yard maintenance, grocery shopping, etc.

The day of surgery >>

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