Steps to Booking Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The initial step in preparing for gastric sleeve surgery at 360 Sleeve is booking a free consultation. This can be achieved virtually, over the phone with our highly trained surgeons, or at our clinic. In this step, the surgeon(s) will determine what course of action should be taken to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while also achieving your weight loss goals.
Following this, once you feel comfortable and confident in the diagnosis from the doctors and you are a viable candidate for the Gastric Sleeve procedure, a surgery date can be secured.
Once your date is secured there are a few things that need to be completed by you. You would need to:
- Review and complete the provided consent forms
- Fill out a patient health questionnaire
- Get bloodwork and an ECG done at your local lab
- Book a pre-op virtual appointment with the anesthesiologist
- Book a virtual appointment with our dietitian
The pre-operative appointment is done with the Anesthesiologist so that they can get a better understanding of your medical history. At 360 Sleeve Clinic, we want to address all and any health concerns that may come up to ensure you receive a comfortable experience.
The pre-op appointment(s) with the dietitian is essential when preparing for gastric sleeve surgery, as it becomes the stepping stone to help with the adjustments which are going to be made in your diet. Figuring out what foods you will be comfortable with and what kind of diet will best help your weight loss journey are vital.
Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
1-2 Weeks Before Surgery
- If you haven’t already done so, you must stop all herbal or natural supplements ASAP.
- Make an appointment with your primary care physician for 1 week after your surgery.
- **Arrange to have a family member or friend stay with you for the first 48 hours after arriving home**
- Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Advil, Ibuprofen) including Aspirin for 10 days prior to surgery.
- Complete your grocery shopping (see handout)
Pre-Op Diet
Leading up to surgery you will first meet with our dietitian who will guide you through your eating journey. Your new diet actually starts two weeks before your surgery date. Most patients with a BMI ≥45 will be placed onto an Optifast (liquid diet) for 1-2 weeks. The main reason you are put on a diet so far in advance is to shrink the size of your liver. Being overweight will also mean your liver is too. Over the years you have acquired fatty liver disease in which fat cells accumulate around and inside your liver. A large liver during gastric sleeve surgery would increase your risk of complications. By following a diet that is recommended by your dietitian will cause your liver to shrink in size, and allow for safer surgery.
Pre-Op Shopping List
The following items are recommended for you to have before surgery.
Post-Op Kitchen Essentials:
- Food Scale
- Measuring Cups
- Blender
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- Blender Bottle
- Food Grater
- Portion Control Plates
Pre-Op Shopping List (Cont.)
Post-Op Care:
- Anti-Nausea Tea or Gravol
- Pill Crusher
- Gauze Pads & Bandage Tape
- Extra Strength Tylenol
- Stool Softener
Post-Op Diet Essential:
- Clear Liquid: Broth, Decaffeinated Tea, Sugar-Free Water Enhancer
- Full- Liquid: Protein Shakes, Low-Fat Soup, Low-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt, Skim Milk
- Vitamins & Supplements
What to Pack for Surgery Day
Essentials:
- Health Card
- Medication
- Glasses
- Socks
- Change of Clothes
- Headphones/ Earphones
- Kobo or Reading Material
- Charger
- Phone
Personal Care:
- Toothbrush &Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Hairbrush & Hair Tie
- Facial Wipes
- Lip Balm
