What are the pre-surgery steps that must be taken?

A bariatric surgery (an abdominal surgery performed to lose weight) or even a laparoscopic bariatric surgery (similar to bariatric surgery but with smaller incisions made in your abdomen) is a very strenuous and dangerous procedure. These can take a long time and can be fatal if not done correctly. However, there are certain steps you can take to make sure that you do not have to die on a hospital operating table. Here are some of them:

1. Communicate well with your doctor to know what is going to happen to you

It is crucial that you at least know what is going on. This is the first step to making sure that you do not face bariatric surgery complications. It is highly likely that your doctor can go wrong, missed something or may even be doing the work for economic reasons. These are not just bariatric surgery risks, but risks of all surgeries. Therefore, always be sure you have a basic understanding of what the doctor is doing. A number of bariatric surgery complications may develop even if your doctor is good. This is because your doctor does not know everything about you. It is your responsibility as a patient to tell him/her as much as possible about yourself and your medical history to prevent any sort of complications that may arise.

2. Seek second opinions before going for a surgery

Once again, the first step you should take is to know it all. One of the best ways to achieve this is to get a second opinion. A second opinion is useful because many times the first doctor may have missed something and the second doctor will be able to catch this and help you out.

3. Make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking

Alcohol and smoking are especially dangerous because they lead to a number of complications. These include problems with anesthesia, infections, internal bleeding and a longer time to heal, which is why you must quit these habits. It may be hard for you to quit them permanently, but it is not as hard to quit till the day of your surgery.

4. Before the operation, don’t eat or drink

There are mechanisms in your body, which stop food from going up your esophagus while a surgery is being performed. They also stop inhaling food you spit up and this can lead to serious complications. With these body mechanisms stopped, it is much better to not eat or drink as then these risks are evaded.

5. Keep a stock of food ready at home before you go for a surgery

After a bariatric surgery, you will be eating less and probably be following different diet, which has been prescribed by your doctor. However, it is also true that you will have a lot more trouble shopping and cooking. Therefore, it is highly advisable that you go and fill your fridge as then you do not have to do this later on when you need to rest.

6. Get a blood supply ready if you need transfusion post-surgery

Sometimes, you will need a blood transfusion after the surgery as immense blood loss can be involved in the surgical procedure. If that is the case, it is crucial that you have the blood arranged for from before. You can talk to someone who has the same blood group as you or even donate your own blood for your own operation. This is rare but if it is possible do it because there is absolutely no chance that the tissues will not match if you use your own blood.

These are just some of the ways you can prepare for the surgery, but do talk to your doctor about what else you can do to ensure a successful and complication free surgical process.