This process is important for two reasons. First, it will help determine if bariatric surgery is the right option for you. Second, it will help identify potential health problems and reduce the risk of complications.
Pre-Op Procedures
The final stage of preparation begins one week before surgery. This is when you'll see your surgeon for your pre-op exam, and when you'll come to the hospital for a number of standard procedures, including:
- Pre-admission paperwork
- Lab work
- Other tests such as EKG and chest X-rays, if necessary
Also at this time, your surgeon will review the results of any additional recent tests and determine if further corrective measures are necessary.
What You Can Do To Maximize the Safety of Surgery
In addition to undergoing the pre-admission testing, there are a number of steps you can take that will maximize the likelihood of a successful surgery:
- Start sipping. You need 64 oz. of non-carbonated, decaffeinated, sugar-free liquids daily.
- Avoid pain-relief and blood-thinning drugs. Aspirin, ibuprofen and the blood thinners Coumadin and Plavix can cause increased bleeding during surgery. Give your surgeon a complete list of all medications you are taking and only continue taking those medications your surgeon approves.
- Stop smoking. If you smoke, you should stop at least one month – preferably two – before surgery. Smoking increases the potential for lung problems after surgery, delays the healing process, promotes infection, decreases your capacity for oxygen, interferes with blood flow to tissues that are healing, and increases your risk for ulcers.
- Exercise. Begin walking a minimum of 30 minutes daily. You can break this up into smaller increments if necessary, but walking is key to avoiding a pulmonary embolus.
- Listen to your doctors. They will provide expert advice on a full range of topics – from dieting to exercise programs – that's in your best physical, mental and surgical interests.
What To Bring
When coming to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital for bariatric surgery, be sure to bring all your insurance and medical information.
There are also a variety of personal items you can bring from home that will make your stay more comfortable, including:
- Comb or brush
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Shampoo
- Body lotion or hand cream
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Loose-fitting clothes
- Books and magazines
- Makeup
- Lip balm
- Hair dryer
- Deodorant
Do not bring valuables such as jewelry, cash or similar personal items.
The Day Of Your Surgery
Typically, you'll arrive at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital two hours prior to surgery.
At that time, you will change into a hospital gown, an IV will be started, blood will be drawn and sent to the lab, and you will receive any medications that might be required before surgery. Additionally, you will have a consultation with your anesthesiologist and your surgeon.
After that, you'll be taken to the operating room for surgery. Depending upon the type of procedure and whether your surgeon uses an open or laparoscopic approach, the operation can take between one-half hour and two hours. Our average surgical time for gastric bypass Roux-en-Y is 45 minutes.
When the surgery is over, you will be moved to the recovery room until you wake up, and you'll be monitored in recovery for about an hour.
From there, you'll be moved to your private room. Your pain will be managed so that you are comfortable and you'll be expected to walk every two hours during the waking hours to avoid pulmonary embolus.
The morning after surgery, X-rays will be taken to assess the gastric pouch and to check for any leaks.
Depending upon the procedure and technique, you can expect to be hospitalized one to three days.
Insurance
If you're a qualified bariatric patient, insurance will often pay the costs of the surgery and hospitalization. Although coverage generally ranges from 50 to 100 percent of the total, the amount – and whether you are covered – depends on your specific policy.
Given that insurance plans can vary, it is important to familiarize yourself with your:
- Insurer's medical review process
- Levels of coverage
- Deductibles
- Co-payments
It is also important to note that getting approval from insurers for bariatric procedures can take some time and that companies may try to exclude you based on a lack of medical necessity.
Because of this, you must work closely with your doctor from the start to get the documents, evaluations and letters necessary to secure insurance approval.
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