At the same time our staff works with you to schedule a date for surgery, they will arrange for your pre-operative testing and pre-operative surgeon visit. This usually takes place about one week before surgery.
In the morning you have tests done at the hospital where your surgery will take place. Usually the tests include a blood draw, a urine sample, and an ekg.
Later (usually on the same day) you will meet with your surgeon. Soon after arrival, the staff should check your weight to see if you have met your weight target to be ready for surgery. Staff will collect any money that may be part of your estimated responsibility (expense) for the surgery.
Your surgeon will visit with you to find out if any major medical events have occurred since he or she met you. Your surgeon will go over your labs and discuss any problem areas. Your surgeon will get an update on your medications and discuss any changes needed for your medications around surgery. Please make a summary list, or bring your medications with you to help make this medication list accurate.
Last, your surgeon will go over the location and timing of events for the day of surgery.
None of the New Dimensions surgeons routinely requires a "bowel cleanout" prior to surgery.
You can learn more about getting ready for surgery on the page called Final preparation for surgery.
You will need to arrive at the surgical facility about 3 hours prior to your estimated surgical "start" time. You should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight on the night prior to your surgery, though it IS OK to take medication and sips of water as outlined by your surgeon.
Your surgeon will meet with you and your family in the surgical holding area, prior to surgery.
Your surgeon will talk to your family members just after your surgery is complete.
Patients who undergo Adjustable Gastric Band usually go home on the day of surgery and sleep in their own bed at night.
Most Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve patients are in the hospital for 2-3 nights after surgery, with the occasional patient going home after one night. The emphasis in the hospital is on walking a lot, and on drinking plenty of liquids.
Think of your hospital stay as being sort of like a short stay in a hotel, except that you won’t do any fun touring. Pack light, but do bring things that will keep you occupied and keep you comfortable. Here’s a partial list:
You can find information about what happens when you leave the hospital under one of these pages:
Next: Results of Surgery →
