Preparing for Your Bariatric Surgery at UPMC in Central Pa.

A successful bariatric surgery requires careful preparation. Shopping for the proper food, packing for your hospital stay and changing your pre-operative diet are just a few of the items on your surgery preparation list.

Keep a pre-op preparation checklist to help you organize and prepare for your surgery.

Pre-Op Preparations

• High Protein diet as ordered for higher BMI patients.
• Medications. Consult with your doctor about what medicines you can and cannot take leading up to your surgery.
• Pre-surgery tests. Pre-op testing may include blood work, Electrocardiogram (EKG), and possibly more.
• Stop smoking. If you smoke you will be required to quit before surgery.
• Transportation. Make sure you have someone to drive you home from the hospital. You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery.

What to Pack for Your Hospital Stay

Depending on what type of surgery you have, your hospital stay can range anywhere from 1 to 2 nights. You should talk to your doctor about how long he expects you to stay in the hospital and then pack a bag accordingly. Include one extra days worth of clothing just to be safe. Always include the following items in your packed bag.

• Comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily.
• Loose pants.
• Oversized shirts/tops.
• Toothbrush.

Preparing Your Home Before Surgery

• Clear all walkways in the house - especially between the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen.
• If you have pets, arrange to have someone walk and look after them during and immediately after surgery.

Groceries

Pick up these items before you have your surgery so you have the proper food to eat once you return home from the hospital.

• 2% cottage cheese singles.
• 1% Milk.
• Applesauce - sugar free.
• Crystal Light or Sugar Free Kool-Aid.
• Egg substitute (in a carton) or egg white product.
• Gatorade, reduced calorie G2.
• Low fat soups.
• Plain yogurt.
• Protein drinks.
• Skinless poultry (turkey, ground turkey, chicken)
• Sugar free jello.
• Sugar free popsicles (Edy’s Fruit Bars, No Sugar Added).
• Sugar free pudding.

Medicine & Supplies to Have at Home

Have the following medications and supplies in the house when you get home from your surgery.

• Large bandages.
• Milk of Magnesia.
• Neosporin.
• Peroxide.
• Tums.
• Tylenol.

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