Prepare for Surgery

You’ll receive your scheduled date of surgery after your insurance company grants you approval or Financing or payment options has been finalised for Self Pay patients.But we’ll be here to assist you throughout the process as well.

You’ll begin preparing for your bariatric surgery well in advance to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, follow the guidelines below.

Pre op Visit and preparation:

You’ll report to the hospital for pre-admission testing as an outpatient. You’ll undergo specific blood and diagnostic tests as needed. 

Create and start a safe exercise regimen.

Take special care to maintain good skin hygiene especially of the intended operative site.

Discuss your medication list with your Primary care physician

1 Week Before Surgery:

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin), Coumadin and Plavix. All of these drugs tend to cause increased bleeding during surgery. If you are taking any of these drugs, please notify Dr.Kumaran Chinnappan.

Follow all instructions regarding calorie free diet as advised during your office visit with our team.

1 Day Before Surgery:

The admitting office will contact you with the scheduled time you should arrive at the hospital. Usually this will be 2-3 hours prior to surgery.

Drink only liquids (no solid food).

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

Take a bath or shower the night before surgery or the morning of your operation.

Packing for Your Hospital Visit:

Depending on the type of surgery you have chosen, you can expect to stay at least one night in the hospital. Please bring comfortable clothing, magazines and a good book for your stay.

The Day of Surgery:

The doctor will meet with you before you are anesthetized.

You will remain under the effects of general anesthesia during the entire procedure.

Your family and friends are welcome to wait in the surgical waiting room of the hospital during the operation. They’ll be able to speak with the surgeon shortly after the operation is completed.

How long does the operation take?

Gastric Band (LAP-BAND) is usually performed in under 1 hour, while Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass is generally performed in 1 to 2 hours. It could take longer based on the complexity of the clinical condition.

Admission to the Hospital:

Most patients spend 1-2 hours in the recovery room before returning to their room on the surgical floor. It is typical for patients to go home the same day after Gastric Band Procedure. After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery all patients will be admitted to the hospital for at least one night.

After you are completely awake from the effect of the anaesthesia, we encourage you to be out of bed and walk in the corridor. Ask for pain medications if needed. You will be taught and encouraged to do breathing exercises and incentive spirometry.

You will start on a diet next day. It is not uncommon to experience nausea and even vomiting initially. It tends to get better slowly through the day. In most instances one can expect to be discharged later in the evening.