Weight-loss (Bariatric) surgery is like any other major surgery. The best preparation is to understand the risks and potential benefits and to closely follow your doctor’s instructions.
To mentally prepare yourself:
- Understand the surgical process and what to expect after the surgery is complete.
- Talk to people who have had weight-loss surgery.
- Write a letter to yourself and your surgeon explaining your reasons for having the surgery and outline your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery.
- Start a journal about your experience. Record how you feel now, the obstacles you encounter, the things you hope to be able to do after surgery.
- Get a letter of support from your family. It helps to know you have people supporting your decision.
To physically prepare yourself, it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidelines. These usually include, but are not limited to:
- Restrict yourself to a clear liquid diet 12-24 hours before surgery.
- Stop smoking at least one month before surgery.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding any medications you may be taking to control other health conditions.
- Arrive on time; with supplies from home for a three to four day hospital stay. If you use special equipment for sleep apnea, please bring your machine to the hospital.
- The decision to undergo Obesity Surgery is a very serious one, and anyone considering it should think about it carefully, because it also involves the individual making significant lifestyle changes after the surgery is conducted.
Many surgeons, medical centers, and insurance companies require that patients who are to have this surgical procedure undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation to assess their psychological status prior to the Gastric Bypass Surgery. The requirement for the patient to see a psychologist or psychiatrist is part of the preparation for the surgery.
The Purpose of the Psychological Evaluation:
Prior to the Gastric Bypass Surgery, patients should be evaluated to rule out any existing eating disorders or any other psychiatric or psychological issues that might adversely affect the results of the surgery. The evaluation assesses whether the patient is mentally and emotionally prepared for the surgery, and is mentally and emotionally prepared to deal with the outcome of the surgery.
Psychological Evaluations assess the presence of any psychiatric issues that are relevant to the Gastric Bypass Surgery, such as:
- Whether or not the patient is psychotic or clinically depressed.
- Whether the patient is competent in making the decision to proceed with Gastric Bypass Surgery.
- Whether the patient fully comprehends to serious of the procedure and the lifestyle changes that must take place once it is done.
- Whether the patient has unrealistic expectations about the outcome of surgery.
- The patient’s ability to handle the stress of the period following surgery.
- Any history of substance or alcohol abuse.
Psychosocial assessment: Because gastric bypass surgery is a life-altering operation, you must be mentally prepared to deal with the significant changes that will occur after surgery. This mental preparation includes ensuring that you have a good support system of friends and family; that you understand how important it is to adhere to new routines after the surgery, such as diet; and that you have a realistic plan for physical recuperation after surgery. Before you undergo surgery, a social worker will explain these changes so that you will know exactly what to expect. You will also be given information on the support groups available.
Support groups
Talking to others who have had Bariatric surgery will help you better understand how the procedure will affect your life. There are many support groups for people who have had or are considering a Bariatric procedure.