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5 Smart Ways to Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery

5 Smart Ways to Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery

When you're finally ready to take the next step and undergo weight loss surgery, there's much to think about. Your recovery is one of the crucial aspects of the procedure, but so is the preparation.

Preparing for weight loss surgery is the best way to ensure long-term success.

When you're ready to lose excess weight, Dr. Robert Snow and the team at Snow Bariatric Center are prepared to help. Dr. Snow is with every step of your transformation, from the initial preparation to the recovery after your procedure.

The facts on weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is a way to help you lose weight quickly and safely when you're severely obese. When diet and exercise alone haven't helped, and you're at risk for life-altering illnesses, Dr. Snow recommends weight loss procedures such as:

Dr. Snow performs each weight loss procedure differently to alter your digestive tract and minimize the calories it takes to fill you up. After these procedures, your hunger is satisfied with much smaller amounts of food.

A significant cut in your calories leads to the scale changing very quickly. Following your portions after surgery, you'll notice the pounds falling off faster than you ever imagined.

However, not everyone is a candidate for weight loss surgery. You must meet specific criteria for weight loss surgery. For instance, you should be at least 100 pounds over your ideal weight or have a BMI of 35 or more for Dr. Snow to consider you for bariatric surgery.

Dr. Snow also recommends weight loss surgery when you have significant health issues related to your obesity. Suppose you suffer from diabetes or hypertension, and your BMI is 35 or higher. In that case, you're a great candidate for this type of surgery.

How do you prepare for bariatric surgery?

After you qualify for weight loss surgery, there's still a long road ahead. The first step in the weight loss surgery road is preparation.

Dr. Snow provides you with the tools to prepare your mind and your body for bariatric surgery. Some of the tips he offers you before your procedure include:

1. Avoid caffeine

For a successful outcome of your surgery, you should stop drinking caffeine about a month before your procedure. Caffeine can lead to dehydration and also acts as an appetite stimulant.

When trying to lose weight before your surgery, caffeine doesn't offer much help. Cut it out as soon as possible when preparing for weight loss surgery.

2. Quit smoking

When you smoke, it's hard for your body to heal properly, especially after surgery. If you're considering weight loss surgery, you should plan to quit smoking several months before your procedure for optimal results.

3. Start exercising

Dr. Snow suggests starting an exercise program to help you lose weight before your procedure. When you begin an exercise routine before your surgery, you're more likely to stick with it after surgery.

4. Cut your calories

It's a good idea to cut your calories before undergoing weight loss surgery. Dr. Snow wants to see that you can lose some weight before surgery to ensure the success of your procedure.

You should aim to cut your calories back to about 1200 calories or a range that Dr. Snow has discussed with you. This also prepares your body and your mind for the change in your body's metabolism.

5. Get educated

The wisest step before weight loss surgery is to educate yourself about the procedure. The more you know going into the surgery, the better off you'll be during your recovery.

Educating yourself also prepares you mentally for the changes that are coming. You'll need to learn how to eat smaller portions and different foods to allow the weight to fall off quickly.

If you have any questions along the way, Dr. Snow and the team are readily available to help.

For more information on medical weight loss, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas today. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Snow online.

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