Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to have weight loss surgery and change your life for the better.
Before you undergo the procedure, you’re going to want to take some steps to make sure that you’re healthy—both emotionally and physically—to help ensure the procedure is a success and make your recovery as easy as possible.
Here’s a look at three things you should do to prepare for your weight loss surgery:
Develop a plan for success
Believe it or not, your ability to reach your weight loss goals begins well in advance of your surgery. A few weeks before you’re scheduled to undergo the procedure, meet with your medical team—your surgeon, dietician and nurses—to put a pre-surgery plan in place.
Start eating the way you will eat after the surgery so the post-surgery transition won’t be so jarring. Start taking a daily multi-vitamin so you’re as healthy as possible heading into the procedure. Get a clear understanding of what the procedure will entail—and what recovery will feel like—so you can mentally prepare.
Connect with a support group
You likely have a lot of questions. Some your doctors will be able to answer, some are more personal and can only be answered by people who have already undergone weight loss surgery.
Joining a support group prior to the procedure will allow you to ask a lot of questions, gain a better understanding of what it takes to be successful and also build your confidence.
Talk to your family and friends
Even though you are the person having the surgery, your friends and family will also be affected. You’ll need their emotional support, physical help in the days following the surgery and understanding of the fact that you’re not going to be eating the way you did in the past.
Talk to your friends and family about what you’ll need from them, how your lifestyle is going to change and the importance of them being supportive of your new choices.
These are only three keys to success. Your medical team will have more specific tips for you. Good luck—and congratulations!
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