For many weight loss surgery patients, the long anticipated day of surgery is an exciting end to a long wait. It’s often referred to by post surgical patients as their “birthday” because of the life-changing transformation of health they’ve achieved.

Preparing for the day of surgery: Our surgeon will have specific instructions for you to follow. A few of the more frequently given instructions include:

• Do not drink or eat anything prior to surgery, beginning the evening before the day of surgery.
  
• Most medicines can be taken the day of surgery, just with small sips of water (however, your doctor will have instructions regarding specific medications).
  
• Bring all of your medications with you.
  
• Bring your CPAP machine, if you have one, for use in the hospital.
  
• Arrive early; some hospitals and surgery centers require patients to be up to 1 ½ hours early.

Again, your surgeon will give you specific instructions, especially regarding your medications, to prepare you for surgery.

When you arrive, you will undergo a few preoperative steps. You will change out of your clothes. You will see your nurses, and often, you will see your surgeon as well as your anesthesiologist. An IV line will be started to keep you hydrated and to administer medications such as antibiotics. The preoperative experience is often a short one, after which you will be taken to the operating room.