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Getting Prepared for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Before your Gastric Bypass Surgery

As the date of your procedure approaches, it’s natural to be filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Fortunately, the time leading up to the surgery offers a valuable window to not only mentally come to terms with this change but also physically condition your body for optimal results. It’s essential to remember that while Gastric Bypass surgery boasts a commendably low risk profile, proactive measures can further minimise potential complications. To aid you in this process and ensure a smooth surgical journey, we’ve curated essential guidelines and advice for our valued patients below.

Pre-Op Information

Losing Weight Prior to your Bypass Surgery

Losing weight prior to surgery is crucial as it reduces fat around the liver and abdomen, lowering the risk of surgical complications. This can enable less invasive laparoscopic surgery, leading to faster recovery and reduced physical strain. Pre-surgery weight loss also helps prepare individuals to adopt new eating habits and dietary restrictions, which are critical for long-term success and weight management.

Gastric Bypass Pre-Op tests

In the weeks leading up to their surgery, patients will undergo essential blood tests ad an endoscopy (minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the digestive tract to evaluate its condition).

In cases of revision surgery, a barium swallow may be required, involving the ingestion of a contrast material to provide X-ray imaging and assess the gastrointestinal anatomy and function before the procedure.

Gastric Bypass Pre Op Diet

Three weeks prior to your bypass surgery, you will meet with our dietitian, Gemma Gilbert. During this consultation Gemma will determine your specific pre-op eating plan and weight loss target. Starting this plan promptly is essential, as failure to achieve sufficient weight loss could lead to surgery delays or cancellations.

2-Week Pre Op Gastric Bypass Diet

The two-week pre-bypass liquid diet is essential to shrink the liver’s size by reducing fat and sugar intake, facilitating safer and less invasive laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, it provides high protein for post-operative healing and ensures compliance with surgical requirements.

During these two weeks patients will consume a fully liquid, high protein diet which is low in sugar, fats and carbohydrates. Some examples of appropriate liquids include:

• Protein shakes or meal replacement shakes
• Clear soup broth
• Vegetables Juices
• Only sugar-free beverages
• No caffeinated or carbonated beverages

There are several other steps that can be taken to minimise risk prior to gastric bypass surgery:

Quit smoking

Smoking increases the risk of complications during surgery and slows down the healing process. Patients should quit smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery.

Eliminate Alcohol Consumption

it’s important to refrain from alcohol consumption or minimize its intake, as alcohol can interfere with the body’s healing process and anaesthesia.

Adjust medications

Patients should adjust any medications they are taking as some medications may need to be discontinued or adjusted before surgery. These can include: warfarin, Steroids, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Celebrex, and any other NSAIDs, Replacement hormones, Birth control.

Incorporating mineral and multivitamin supplements

Gemma (Dietitian) or Siva (Surgeon) will prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to add to your pre-operative routine, as these supplements are necessary to optimise your overall health and support a smoother surgical experience.

Gastric Bypass Surgery – Bulk Billed Consultation

Perth Obesity Solutions is dedicated to fostering an environment of trust, expertise, and personalised care. We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health.

Embarking on a journey towards better health is a commendable decision, and at Perth Obesity Solutions, we are committed to ensuring that you have all the information and support you need. Whether you are considering gastric bypass surgery for the first time or seeking more information about the procedure, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.