The importance of the pre-operative phase of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is, at present, the most successful definitive and long-term treatment for obesity. Its advantages include:

• Improvement and/or resolution of co-morbidities
• Better quality of life
• Greater life expectancy
• Improvement in mobility and physical activity
• Improvement in self-esteem 

However, bariatric surgery is not able to provide these important benefits alone. For patients to achieve a real transformation that helps them recover their physical and emotional health, weight loss surgery must be part of a comprehensive plan that includes a previous (or preparation) phase and a follow-up phase.

The preparation period is not only about following a low calorie and then a liquid diet for a few days, it must constitute a complete phase that takes into account all obesity related issues.  

Psychological and emotional preparation

The bariatric patients that will obtain the best results are those who educate themselves about their surgery, follow their program closely and are proactive during all phases of treatment.  

Patients’ lives change dramatically after weight loss surgery, so it is essential that they go through adequate psychological and emotional preparation that considers all the aspects of their particular case. To overlook or minimize the importance of this phase will significantly decrease a patient’s chances of success. 

Nutritional preparation

Prior to undergoing bariatric surgery, the patient must follow a pre-operative diet in order to reduce liver size and intra-abdominal fat, which will make the surgery technically easier and will reduce the risk of short-term complications. It also reduces stress on the digestive system and allows for a better and faster recovery.

Going from a normal diet to a liquid diet involves major changes and a drastic transition on both a physical and mental level and the patient must be not only motivated but prepared.

The attending medical team should also make sure that the patient is aware of the side effects that a pre-operative diet may cause, to prevent them from feeling fearful of or discouraged by these effects. 

The goal of the pre-operative meal plan is not only to make surgery easier, but also to start to change the patient’s lifestyle for the better; which is the ultimate goal of the complete bariatric program.

Constant support

At LIMARP, patients can rest assured that our bariatric program has a solid pre-operative phase that prepares them for their change of life in a comprehensive way. 

Pre-surgery consultations, evaluations and tests are conducted by a qualified medical team that leaves no loose ends and is always available to address any questions or concerns the patient may have.

Bariatric surgery, combined with comprehensive pre-surgical and follow-up plans, is the perfect formula for obese patients to achieve the quality of life they long for and deserve.