Preparing for Surgery
Our Commitment to You
At Weight Loss Institute of Arizona, our highly trained surgeons and staff are dedicated to your health. With us, you have a partner on your weight loss journey. We are here for you around the clock, offering support for 3 full years following your procedure. We share your goal of a healthier, more fulfilling life, and your success is our top priority.
Preparation for your weight loss surgery in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area begins long before your procedure. You may have been preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for this procedure for months or even years. Still, when the time actually comes for your surgery, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all of the details. The caring professionals at Weight Loss Institute of Arizona are here to help, and to make sure that you are physically and mentally prepared for your life-changing procedure.
If you would like to learn more about any aspect of weight loss surgery, request your complimentary consultation online, or register for a free seminar.
Getting Ready
At your first office visit, our dedicated surgeons will answer all of your questions and address your concerns. Our knowledgeable office staff will also go over your insurance coverage and financial information, and travel information if you need it.
Once you have made the decision to get healthy and improve the quality of your life through bariatric surgery, we will guide you through all of the paperwork and planning that is necessary prior to your procedure. We will also provide you with detailed instructions on ways that you can begin preparing yourself for surgery.
Real patients discuss their weight loss journeys, and how they regained their health and their lives with the help of Weight Loss Institute of Arizona.
Calculate Your BMI
Preoperative Appointment
Two weeks before your scheduled surgery date, you will have a pre-operative visit in the office. This visit will include attending to final financial details, looking at test results and clearances from other doctors, and meeting with your surgeon one last time prior to your surgery. You will meet with the dietician as well, to learn the details of the pre-operative protein diet.
Preoperative Care
Our coordinator will call you to finalize the details of your procedure 1 to 3 days prior to your surgery. We will also review preoperative instructions with you at this time. If there has been any change in your health, such as a cold or fever, you should let our office know.
The night before the surgery, you may not eat or drink anything after midnight, including coffee or water. Any medications – including supplements, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications – must be approved by your surgeon and may be taken with a small sip of water.
Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, we ask that you arrive 1 hour prior to your procedure, having showered and removed all makeup, lotions and perfumes. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing as well as comfortable shoes. It is your responsibility to arrange for a responsible adult to bring you to the surgery center on the day of surgery and to drive you home and care for you when you are discharged.
Please bring a list of all medications – both prescription and non-prescription – as well as vitamins and supplements. You will also need your insurance card(s) and driver's license. Please do NOT bring cash, jewelry or other valuables as we cannot be responsible for lost items.
A nurse will help to prepare you for your surgery by giving you a gown, slippers, and a bag for your clothing and personal items. We will monitor your vital signs prior to surgery. An IV will be started to administer anesthesia and other necessary medications during your procedure. If you have any questions, you will have an opportunity to discuss them with your surgeon or the anesthesiologist prior to surgery.
For information regarding what happens after surgery, visit our recovery and aftercare page.
Let us help you find YOUR ideal weight loss solution. Request your complimentary consultation online or RSVP to one of our weight loss seminars today.