Preparing for Bariatric Surgery: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Bariatric surgery is a powerful, life-changing treatment — and good preparation is key to a smooth operation and a great long-term result. Here's how to get ready.
Step 1: Confirming you're a candidate
Your surgeon assesses your BMI, your obesity-related health conditions (such as diabetes or sleep apnoea) and your overall fitness for surgery. For the Asian-Indian population, surgery is generally considered at a BMI of 37.5, or 32.5 with conditions like diabetes.
Step 2: The pre-operative work-up
Before surgery you'll have blood tests, an endoscopy, and reviews with a dietitian and an anaesthetist. Any conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnoea are optimised so that your operation is as safe as possible.
Step 3: The pre-op diet
In the weeks before surgery you'll follow a specific diet that reduces the size of the liver and the fat around the abdomen. This makes the keyhole operation safer and technically easier — and it's an important first step in your new relationship with food.
Step 4: Preparing for life after surgery
Success after bariatric surgery comes from the habits you build around it. Begin planning smaller, protein-focused meals, regular activity and the vitamin supplements you'll take for life. The structured follow-up programme supports you every step of the way.
Learn more about Bariatric Surgery with Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma, or book a consultation.
This article is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice. Please consult Dr Verma for guidance specific to your condition.