Pre-op Gastric Bypass Checklist

You have been preparing for your weight loss surgery for the past six months and you are filled with anticipation at thought of regaining your health and losing weight. Your surgery date is fast approaching, but are you really ready for what is to come? Here are some things you will want to make sure that you understand and take in to consideration as you prepare for your new, thinner life.

There is one thing you must understand. Regardless of the type of gastric bypass surgery that you have, at first you will lose weight quickly, but ultimately how much weight you lose and keep off will depend on how effectively you make lifestyle changes. In order to reach your goals, you should avoid sugar as much as possible, choose low-fat foods, eat 3 small meals with 2-3 snacks and exercise 3-5 times per week. These basic steps will be a big part of achieving your goals.

Make sure you have completed the following checklist and you understand each item:

• Keep food records and share them with your counselor or dietician.
• Avoid all sweets, sugars, desserts and sweetened beverages.
• Take mineral supplements and multiple vitamins on a daily basis.
• Eat 6 small meals each day.
• Gradually discontinue drinking caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol and begin increasing sugar-free beverages and water.
• Learn about protein and protein sources as they pertain to your post-op diet plan.
• Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• Reduce your fried food, added fats and fast foods that are high in fat.
• Sip liquids. Practice eating your meals without beverages.
• Eat meals very slowly and chew thoroughly.
• Read and understand a blended diet and taste blended foods, baby foods and protein drinks.
• Make a grocery list of proper foods for a blended diet and make a 3 day menu.
• Understand what will happen while you are in the hospital.

Gastric bypass surgery can be the beginning of a new life. Your life is going to change dramatically. If you had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea these conditions will likely be reduced and may even disappear completely. Your health is just the start of the changes you will experience. You will be able tie your shoes and cross your legs, probably something you have not thought about for a long while.

Remember, gastric bypass surgery is only a tool. It will get you started and the rest will depend on the changes that you make in your lifestyle.

weight loss surgery, gastric bypass surgery, bariatric surgery, lap band surgery