HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY

It is very imperative to start preparing for the weight loss surgery. This will help you cope and feel secure with the start of a new life. Moreover, it will be a head start to get ready physically and mentally for a new lifestyle.

The most important cornerstones of preparing:

Mental preparation:

  • Start with realistic expectations – You won’t wake up thin after bariatric surgery. Weight loss varies from one individual to another. So expect an rapid initial weight loss varying between (4-12 kg). Eventually, weight loss would be around 1 kg per week. Some weeks you lose more while others you lose less. Expect to hit a plateau at some point, but this usually followed by successful weight loss. Know that your weight loss will be a journey that will take some time and effort. Having a clear idea of the process ahead can help you stay on track and not give up.
  • Analyze your daily habits and reason of obesity – e.g., overeating, binge eating, plenty of sweetened sodas, candy or chocolates, stress, and lack of physical exercise. Recognize any food addiction and plan to take back control. Fight back!
  • Information – Dr Tamer and his team will help answer any question you might have. On the other hand, do your research, buy some cooking books, join our support groups. Start educating yourself about nutrition and how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Dr Tamer always refer to the first year as a “training camp” where you acquire new skills and knowledge that will help you maintain weight loss for the rest of your life.
  • Get support – You are never alone. Develop a support network from positive, caring family and friends. Join our support group and get advice from thousands of patients that had surgery with Dr Tamer. You are not in this alone and many patients has just went through what you are about to embark on, and they will be more than happy to help guide you through the whole journey. Dr Tamer organize yearly get together for all of his patients from around the world. (see video – London meeting) You will meet new people and make a lot of new friends.
  • Mood changes and depression – Weight loss surgery is an emotional roller coaster. It is important that your emotional energy is working to support you on your journey. After surgery, your body is recovering, and eating is physically restricted. This can have an impact on your mood especially if you have a food addiction. work with us to provide you with the support that will help you maintain a positive attitude about the process.

Physical preparation:

  • Pre-operation diet. Dr Tamer recommends starting a high protein and low sugar, low fat and low carbohydrates pre-surgery diet at least 10 to 14 days prior to your surgery. This diet has numerous benefits: (Diet plan will be emailed to you)
    1. Reducing body fat and shrinking the liver. This in turn increase the safety of the procedure and might shorten operative length.
    2. Preserving and protecting muscle tissue.
    3. Preparing the body for surgery and recovery.
    4. Getting ready for the post-surgery diet which is very similar to this diet plan.
  • Aim to stop smoking. Smoking is associate with gastritis and ulcers as well as increased risk of blood clots during and after the surgery.
  • Begin an exercise routine. Moving at least 20-30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of early complications and will help you get used to physical activities.
  • Plan your post-operation meals. Have a meal plan for after coming back home.

Packing suggestion list
(Prepared by our international patients)

  • Passports and tickets (either on phone or printed) However its best to have a printed copy for the return flight home
  • Insurance if you take it medical travel shield is the only one from the UK
  • Credit card (check you have the update pin, and maybe try it before coming over, no harm in notifying your bank you will use it abroad)
  • Get Visa (at least £25) at the bank in airport in Egypt before you go through customs – No Scottish notes (they accept dollars, english sterling, euros) same bank can get you Egyptian pounds
  • Recent test results that the doctor might find useful
  • Compression stocking to wear during flights (help protect against blood clot
  • Adaptor plug (get a universal adapter)
  • Tag and lock for suitcase
  • Loose pyjamas
  • Decaf tea and coffee
  • Sweeteners
  • Under wear
  • Comfy slippers
  • Comfy shoes
  • Comfy clothes
  • Hot water bottle (for comfort)
  • Little robinsins diluting juices or b and m equivalent etc
  • Magazines, Books
  • Dry mouth spray, Lip balm
  • I-pad or tablet with movies on
  • Google translate download
  • Pin to open phone to put Egyptian sim (make sure your phone or ipad are unlocked to accept Egyptian sim card)
  • Toiletries
  • Notepad and pen if you want to take notes
  • Charger
  • Phone
  • Sanitary stuff
  • Socks. Plus, warm ones if you get cold
  • Dressing gown/ house coat
  • For ladies: hair clips, scrunchies, Bras
  • Hairbrush
  • Sun cream if during summer months
  • Head up or Paracetamol in case u get headache
  • Thermal cup for keeping tea coffee warm when u sip sip
  • Fruit tea bags
  • Water bottle
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lavender
  • Wipes for body that are disposable
  • Cleaning wipes
  • Waterproof dressings plasters
  • Peppermint tea
  • Ear plugs
  • Eye mask for sleeping
  • Your own pillow if u struggle with others