With the holidays quickly approaching, you may feel a little overwhelmed if you’re planning on weight loss surgery. After all, it’s a big decision that requires dedication and sacrifice. To ensure success, knowing what steps to take when preparing for weight loss surgery during the holiday season is important. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re ready for your weight loss surgery this holiday season.
1. Talk to Your Bariatric Surgeon
Because the holidays are a special time of year, you may need to take some extra steps in your preparation – especially regarding your diet. For this reason, it’s important to talk with your bariatric surgeon about how to prepare. Dr. Balsama will give you detailed instructions ahead of your surgery to help it go smoothly. If you haven’t selected a bariatric surgeon yet, take some time to research the right doctor for you; ensuring they are board certified, experienced with the type of weight-loss surgery you’re considering, have worthy reviews from past patients, and treat you with patience and care.
Ask for referrals from family and friends to narrow your options and bring peace of mind when selecting a provider. For those who feel overwhelmed by choosing a surgeon, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to rush into anything; instead, take your time asking questions and researching your options until you find someone like Dr. Balsama who makes you feel comfortable.
2. Understand the Risks
Understanding the medical risks associated with weight loss surgery, especially during the holidays, is important. Depending on your schedule, your surgery may put a hold on your favorite holiday activities and foods. It’s important to fully understand what to expect before and after your procedure so you and your loved ones can plan accordingly. Dr. Balsama can help you put together a full schedule for your recovery and provide detailed instructions on preparing.
3. Begin Creating Healthier Eating Habits
The final step in preparing for weight loss surgery involves beginning the journey to healthier eating habits. This is often complicated during the holidays when more indulgent food choices tend to be more plentiful. To help with this, try keeping treats to small portions and limiting sugar-filled and high-fat foods. Additionally, it’s important to choose various healthy options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products as part of your daily diet. Preparing smaller meals ahead of time can make it easier to stay on track throughout the holidays. Making small changes each day can add up to big results over time.
Closer to your surgery date, you’ll need to follow a strict diet to ensure your stomach can be safely operated on. This may mean you’ll need to reschedule some of your holiday activities and gatherings. During your consultation with Dr. Balsama, you’ll receive a detailed diet plan and instructions on how to prepare for your surgery date. If you have any questions about the holidays and preparing for surgery, your consultation with Dr. Balsama is the best place to ask.
Conclusion
The holidays are a challenging time for anyone dieting or preparing to have weight loss surgery. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for a successful surgical procedure, so your next step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Louis Balsama, our knowledgeable bariatric surgeon. To get started, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.
