Pre and post-operative preparation for bariatric surgery

Pre-operative and post-operative preparations are required for a bariatric surgery to ensure successful outcome.

Pre-operative preparation

Before the surgery, the patient must undergo:

1. Health screening e.g. blood test, ultrasound, x-ray, electrocardiography, lung function test
2. An endoscopy to inspect the stomach to ensure that the patient does not have other stomach diseases that may not suit for bariatric surgery.
3. A consultation with a dietician to evaluate and preparation for post bariatric diet modification.
4. A psychological assessment to ensure that the patient does not have major psychiatric disorder that prohibited bariatric surgery and patient  is willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes required after the surgery
5. Current medical condition assessment e.g. heart disease, diabetes, hypertension
6. A STOP-BANG evaluation and a sleep test
7. A consultation with a rehabilitation physician regarding physical activities and exercises, pre and post-surgery
8. Stop smoking 4 weeks before the surgery.
9. Refrain from eating and drinking after midnight prior to the day of the surgery. If the patient has to take any medication, follow the doctor’s instructions.
10. If you are not sure whether you are pregnant, consult your doctor or nurse.
11. Consult the doctor if you are taking any herbal medicine or dietary supplement.
12. Inform your doctor if you have taken blood thinner or any history of venous thrombosis.
13. All patient would be given blood thinner 12 hrs before surgery.

Post-operative care

After the surgery, the patient must

1. Receive IV fluid until the patient is able to eat.
2. Wear calf compression device in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis until the patient is fully mobile. Early ambulation is crucial and the patient should be able to perform daily activities within 2-3 days after the surgery.
3. Consult the doctor, if there are any sign of complications such as rapid heart rate > 120 beats per minute, High temperature > 37.8 C or   experienced severe abdominal pain.
4. Control the diet as per dietician’s instructions.
5. The diet for post-operative bariatric surgery patient consists of 2 stages:

• 1 week after the surgery: 
  liquid diet e.g. non-carbonated drink, unsweetened drink, clear broth, vegetable juice, fruit juice, yoghurt
• 3 weeks after the surgery: 
  – Soft food and small pieces of food.
  – Drink water 15-30 minutes before having a meal. 
  – Eat small portions and chew your food well.

6. The patient can begin light exercise on the 2nd week after the surgery. But does not heavy lifting for 3 months after the surgery.
7. Attend follow up appointments to evaluate the result of the procedure.
8. Any or symptoms or any question please call Hot line.

​

Post-operative instructions

• Eat 3 meals a day. No snacking.
• Stop eating when you feel full.
• Cut your food into small pieces. Chew your food well.
• Drink liquid between meals to avoid dehydration. Does not drink ½ hr before and after meal.
• Keep sugar intake to less than 15 g/meal.
• Avoid soft drink, coffee, sweetened drink
• Eat high protein food. Choose lean meat.
• Avoid carbohydrate and fat.
• Take dietary supplements and vitamins as per the doctor’s instructions.
• 30 minute exercise, 5 times/week

“Lifestyle change is the important factor for a successful bariatric surgery”