Patients before undergoing bariatric surgery have to follow certain instructions and protocols to ensure that they are well prepared for surgery.
Patients undergo a full body assessment before undergoing any bariatric surgery. This includes all blood investigations, chest X ray , ECG and ultrasound of the abdomen and special tests like UGI endoscopy, venous Doppler and CT scan if required. According to the reports , the patients are prescribed the required medicines.
Diabetic snd hypertensive patients are required to take their medications diligently to ensure proper control before surgery. Patients with asthma or COPD may require steam inhalation and nebulisation for a few days. Those with severe sleep apnea require a CPAP machine to minimise the chances of airway related complications after the procedure.
All patients are prescribed a low calorie liquid diet for 5-7 days before undergoing the bariatric surgery. This diet ensures that the liver becomes lighter and more pliable at the time of the procedure. It also cleanses the digestive tract so that the surgery can be performed without complications. Besides, patients are advised to go for regular walks , practise deep breathing exercises and increase their water intake in the weeks before surgery. Patients on blood thinners need to discontinue their medicines at least a week before the procedure.
All these protocols help minimise the complications which can occur at the time of surgery and increase the safety of the procedure.