For many of our bariatric surgery clients, the long-anticipated day of surgery is an exciting end to a long wait. It’s often referred to by postsurgical clients as their “birthday,” because of the life-changing transformation that follows.
Preparing for the day of bariatric surgery is like preparing for many other surgeries. You will be given detailed instructions during our pre-op class prior to your procedure.
Watch our short video on What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure:
At Your Arrival
When you arrive, you will undergo a few preoperative steps. You will change out of your clothes and see your nurses, Dr. Tom, as well as your anesthesiologist. We will offer you our scientifically formulated preoperative beverage, Clearfast® to keep you hydrated and nourished. Clearfast® can safely be taken several hours prior to surgery and prepares your body for a quicker recovery by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
An IV line will be started to keep you hydrated and to administer medications such as antibiotics. IV and oral pain medications are also given at this time. The preoperative experience is often a short one, after which you will be taken to the operating room.*
Operating Room
If you are not under anesthesia before you get to the operating room, you will be given anesthetics once you arrive. You will then be intubated and your surgeon will perform the operation. Both the bypass and sleeve are fairly short procedures lasting about 60 minutes. Dr. Tom will meet your family and/or support person in the recovery room immediately after the operation.*
After Surgery
After surgery, Dr. Tom and your healthcare team will make sure your vital signs are acceptable and arrange for you to be taken to the recovery room.
In the early days after surgery, you may not feel much different. Even though you’ve taken a big step, you may find yourself asking what has changed. In the recovery room, you can expect to have some discomfort and feel the effects of the surgery (this can last for several days).
Management of postoperative pain is simple and straight-forward. Because the operations are laparoscopic and clients can drink immediately after surgery, oral pain medication is given. The nursing staff can supplement this at any time. Just notify your nurse, as soon as possible, that you need more pain medications. Most clients find the postoperative pain to be more of a discomfort that quickly resolves.*
*These are actual testimonials, however, individual results may vary. Price depends on multiple factors including health history and known insurance benefits. Program does not include airfare or meals.