Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Helping You Prepare for Lifelong Weight Loss Success

UPMC's six-month bariatric presurgical lifestyle program helps you build lifestyle skills you can use before and after bariatric surgery.

How to prepare for weight loss surgery:

Begin and maintain a workout routine to reach and keep your weight loss goals.
Lower your daily calories to a range between 1200-1500 calories (or in a range discussed with your doctor).
Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages approximately one month prior to surgery.

What You'll Get From the Bariatric Surgery Presurgical Lifestyle Program

Six, monthly bariatric presurgical lifestyle classes to fulfill insurance requirements (class structure and fees vary among each UPMC hospital's bariatric surgery program)
Personalized lifestyle preparationand diet to prepare for bariatric surgery and long-term maintenance
Solutions to problematic eating behaviors and nutritional issues
Help identifying and managing eating sabotages
A realistic exercise program for life
Private bariatric nutrition consultations
Monthly support groups
Support from the program's multidisciplinary team of:

Bariatric surgeons
Clinical nursing staff
Nutritionists
Psychologists
Behaviorists
Exercise specialists

Preoperative Appointment: Preparing for Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Surgery

Soon after engaging in your bariatric presurgical lifestyle program, you will meet with your bariatric surgeon to:

Review your weight loss procedure
Discuss expectations about surgery
Learn about preparing for bariatric surgery – gastric bypass or lap band surgery
Learn about postoperative follow-up care

Talk to your doctor about how to prepare for your bariatric weight loss surgery. You may have restrictions on eating, drinking, and taking medications before your procedure.

What if I can't attend monthly lifestyle classes?

As part of preparing for bariatric surgery, insurance companies require patients to participate in a comprehensive, six-month bariatric presurgical lifestyle program.

If you can't attend our program, you can make special arrangements with your primary care physician (PCP) to fulfill the insurance requirements. We will provide materials to help your PCP guide you and document your progress through the six-month program.