What to expect before surgery
Everyone may have a different path - each patient is unique and insurances have different requirements. However, there are a few things that everyone can expect.
Activities that everyone will do
The goal of all these activities is to make sure you are ready and have a great outcome-to do that you will. Meet with a dietician or nutritionist to make sure you know what to expect after surgery. Meet with a behavioral health specialist to make sure you are ready for surgery and post-surgical requirements. Meet with your primary care physician to get clearance. Usually have blood work done to understand any vitamin deficiencies going in to surgery. Meet with your surgeon to confirm the surgery plan.
Additional requirements depending on medical history
Sleep apnea testing. Cardiology clearance, which may involve additional testing like anechocardiogram or stress test. Colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. Upper GI series if there are concerns on acid reflux, hiatal hernia, or esophageal dysmotility. Abdominal ultrasound if there are any concerns on gallstones. Clearance from any other specialists you see, such as endocrinologist, hematologist, etc.
Potential additional insurance requirements
Some insurance companies may require regular pre-op visits, either with a doctor or nutritionists. Others may require a specific program to be completed
Pre-Op Diet
Some surgeons will ask patients to do a 2 week pre-op diet to shrink the liver and make surgery easier. This is a high-protein, low sugar diet where you replace most of your meals with protein shakes. Goal is to replace meals with 4-8 oz of a protein shake, which should have at least 15g of protein and less than 5g of sugar. You should also be getting in plenty of water, ideally 8-100oz (10-12 cups), which you can also get through sugar free popsicles, jello, and low-fat broth. Different practices will also allow you to have some snacks, such as sources of low-fat protein (eggs, greek yogurt) or non-starch vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, etc.). Do not drink any alcohol during this period