Pre-Surgery activities

Pre-instructions
Before undergoing surgery, it is important that patients follow our instructions closely and educate themselves on the risks and potential benefits of the procedure. To mentally prepare yourself for obesity surgery, do the following:

• Read all material we mail or e-mail (as well all what is written on our website)

• Complete all our evaluation forms (Psychological, Nutritional and Fitness evaluations)

• email normal pictures front and side while standing

• Complete the pre-op medical tests

• Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterwards

• You might like to talk to people who have had surgery for obesity

• Start a diary about your experience

• Get your family to support the weight loss surgery
   

All patients must undergo preoperative counseling before undergoing obesity surgery. This counseling will help you better understand that weight loss surgery is only one part of a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss. In no way should this surgery be viewed as just a "quick fix".  Rather, gastric bypass surgery patients will be required to make lifelong changes to their diet and exercise habits to ensure a lasting result after weight loss surgery.

Behavioral Therapy
A psychological evaluation is a crucial part of surgical preparations. Once you have spoken with us about the possibility of weight loss surgery, you will be in contact with our specialists trained in counseling obesity patients. The evaluation will include your social, personal, nutritional, exercise and psychiatric history. We will communicate with you through our teleconference system and/or e-mail our program.
In addition to asking about your reasons for desiring gastric bypass surgery, our specialists will also determine whether you are prepared to alter your diet and exercise plan before and after the weight loss surgery. The patients with the highest rate of long-term success are those with a strong support system of family and friends who are willing to assist patients physically and emotionally.
Certain physical and psychological conditions can reduce the chance of bariatric surgery success. These conditions include:
• Substance or alcohol abuse
• Undiagnosed, untreated depression
• Schizophrenia or other personality disorders
Evaluation by our specialists can uncover these conditions, allowing your doctors to treat them and giving you the best chance of success after weight loss surgery.

Physical Preparation for Obesity Surgery
A careful program of exercise and diet must be followed before gastric bypass surgery to ensure that your body is ready for both surgery and for the changes that your body will undergo in the months following treatment. Our program of exercise also helps you to better prepare your travel to Brazil.

Fitness and Exercise Therapy
Developing an individualized exercise and physical activity plan is one of the most important steps of obesity surgery preparation. This exercise plan should begin before you travel and should  continue after the weight loss surgery. Even a small increase in exercise can improve a patient’s movement and balance and decrease the chance of injury and soreness.

Nutrition and Diet Therapy
Obesity surgery candidates should follow the directions of our dieticians to determine the diet needed both before and after the weight loss surgery. Caloric and nutrient needs should be established based on your medical history, actual weight, food preferences, and meal frequency. Individualized meal plans can then be established for each patient’s eating habits, lifestyle and nutritional needs.

All new fitness and diet plans should begin well before weight loss surgery and will be closely supervised by our team. We will provide you with a set of guidelines, which are likely to include the following provisions:
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day
• Stop smoking for at least eight weeks before obesity surgery
• Cease consumption of caffeinated beverages
• Take a multivitamin each day, unless you are allergic or your doctor advises you not to
• Keep a detailed written food diary
• Eat at least three meals per day and avoid snacking in between - don’t worry about the calories, focus on the routine
• Begin a walking program if possible
• Write down your feelings every day to remind yourself of your commitment to begin a new and healthier lifestyle 
• Follow our instructions regarding any medications you may be taking to control other health conditions