Your Complete Preparation Guide for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Your Pre-Op Checklist

Before surgery, you will complete a series of steps to ensure you are medically optimized and fully prepared. Your checklist includes labs, metabolic testing, imaging when needed, nutrition counseling, psychological evaluation when required, medical clearances, and insurance or financial review.

Required Pre-Op Testing

Pre-operative testing ensures your safety and helps us understand your metabolic and medical profile. Testing may include blood work, metabolic labs, EKG, chest X-ray, sleep apnea evaluation, and imaging if indicated.

Nutrition Preparation

Nutrition plays a critical role in preparing your body for surgery. You will meet with our nutrition team to review hydration goals, protein intake, vitamin requirements, and early post-op diet progression.

Medication Instructions

Certain medications must be stopped or adjusted before surgery. Blood thinners, diabetes medications, GLP-1 medications, and supplements may require specific timing changes.

Two-Week Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

For the final two weeks before surgery, you will follow a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). This diet shrinks the liver, reduces surgical risk, and improves visibility during surgery.

What to Expect the Day Before Surgery

The day before surgery, you will follow clear-liquid guidelines, stop eating at the instructed time, and prepare your medications and personal items.

What to Bring on Surgery Day

Bring your ID, insurance card, medication list, CPAP machine if you use one, and comfortable clothing.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

It is normal to feel excited, nervous, or overwhelmed before surgery. Reviewing your education materials and asking questions can reduce anxiety.

Your Support System

Having a support person during the first 24–48 hours after surgery is strongly recommended.

Section Title: Final Pre-Op Reminders

Stay hydrated, follow the VLCD, complete all testing, bring required documents, and follow medication instructions exactly.