Mild headache or light-headedness
Common in the first few days as your body adjusts. It typically passes — stay hydrated and rest.
Pre-Op Guide
Preparing for surgery, step by step.
A general roadmap for the weeks leading up to bariatric surgery. Your surgical team's specific instructions always take precedence over anything on this page.
Section 2
What to expect — and manage.
Constipation
Low-fiber intake can slow things down. Ask the office about a fiber supplement or gentle laxative.
Diabetes & glucose
A low-carb diet lowers blood sugar. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medications, contact your prescriber about adjusting doses and monitor your glucose closely.
Skip the 'last supper'
The urge to overindulge before surgery is real — but it enlarges the liver and makes the procedure harder. Trust the prep.
Section 3
Getting medically ready.
A working checklist. The exact order and timing comes from your surgical team.
- 01
Complete your workup
Labs, EKG, and any additional tests your team orders (e.g., sleep study), plus nutrition counseling and a psychological evaluation.
- 02
Medications
Do NOT stop any medication unless your surgeon or PCP instructs. Confirm which to pause — for example blood thinners and NSAIDs — and exactly when. (Practice-specific hold instructions: confirm with the office.)
- 03
Stop nicotine
Smoking, vaping, and nicotine products impair healing. Stop as directed by your surgical team and stay off through recovery.
- 04
Day before & day of
Follow the office's clear-liquid and any bowel-prep instructions, shower as directed, and arrange both a ride home and a caregiver for the first day or two.
Section 4
What to bring to the hospital.
- Photo ID & insurance card
- Current medication list
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- Toiletries (toothbrush, lip balm)
- Phone & charger
- CPAP machine, if you use one
This guide is general education. Your surgical team's specific instructions — diet length, medication holds, bowel prep, and day-of details — always take precedence.