Preparing well makes surgery safer and recovery easier. Here is what the weeks before weight loss surgery look like at Houston Surgical Weight Loss, from your first visit to the morning of your operation.

Step 1: Your consultation

Your initial consultation with Dr. Wadiwala is free. He reviews your health history, weight loss attempts, medications and goals, explains which operation he recommends and why, and answers your questions. If you have insurance, we check your coverage for free.

Step 2: Medical evaluation and approval

Before surgery, you will complete a few steps so your care team can confirm surgery is safe for you:

Tests: laboratory tests, a chest X-ray and an EKG.
Nutrition: a consultation with our dietitian, who explains how you will eat before and after surgery.
Psychological evaluation: needed for some patients, decided case by case, and often required by insurance plans.
Approval: if you use insurance, we submit your records for prior authorization. If you pay for surgery yourself, it can be scheduled within 1–2 weeks of your initial consultation.

Step 3: Start changing habits now

Stop smoking and vaping. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of complications.
Walk every day, even for a few minutes. Patients who are more active before surgery usually recover faster.
Practice eating slowly, taking small bites and stopping when you feel full.
Cut back on soda, sweets and alcohol.
Try a few low-sugar protein shakes now, so you know which ones you like.

Step 4: The two-week pre-op diet

The pre-op diet begins two weeks before your surgery date. It shrinks your liver, which gives the surgeon more room to operate safely. If the liver is too large, surgery may have to be postponed. The average patient also loses 10–15 pounds during these two weeks. There are no cheat days.

Each day includes two low-sugar protein shakes, one small meal of lean protein and non-starchy vegetables, and plenty of water and other sugar-free liquids. See the full list of allowed foods on our Pre-Op and Post-Op Diet page.

Step 5: Review your medications

Tell us about every medication and supplement you take, including over-the-counter products. Some, including blood thinners and GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy or Zepbound, may need to be paused before surgery, and diabetes medications are often adjusted. Your care team will tell you what to stop, when, and what to keep taking. Do not stop a medication on your own.

Step 6: Get your home and support ready

A driver: someone must drive you home on the day you leave the hospital.
Time off: most patients return to work within about a week. Jobs with heavy lifting may need more time or light duty.
Supplies: stock up on water, sugar-free clear liquids, broth and protein shakes for the first two weeks.
CPAP: if you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, bring it to the hospital.
Comfort: pack loose, comfortable clothes for going home.

Coming from out of town

Many of our patients travel to Houston for surgery. Early visits can be done by video, and you will only need to stay in the area for a few days. See our page for out-of-town patients.

Questions before surgery?

Our team is here to help at every step. Call 281-653-6544 or request a consultation to get started.

Sources

Mechanick JI, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutrition, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Procedures, 2019 Update (AACE/TOS/ASMBS/OMA/ASA). Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2020;16(2):175-247.
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), patient information, asmbs.org.
Houston Surgical Weight Loss Pre-Op and Post-Op Diet, After Surgery and Self-Pay pages.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.

How to Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery