The Day of Surgery
For many, the day of surgery is an exciting end to a long wait.
Before the day of your surgery, you will be given a number of specific instructions to follow such as:
- Do not drink or eat anything prior to surgery, beginning midnight before your procedure
- Most medicines can be taken the day of surgery with small sips of water (however, you may get instructions regarding specific medications)
- Arrive early; our hospital requires patients arrive up to two hours before the scheduled start time
When you arrive, there will be a few preoperative steps:
- You will change out of your clothes
- You will see the preoperative and operating room nurses
- 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
- After your preoperative preparation you will be taken to the operating room
In the operating room:
- Medicines will be given to help you relax and drift off to sleep
- A breathing tube will be placed
- Your surgeon will perform the operation
- Gastric bypass procedures usually take about 2 to 3 hours, gastric sleeves take about 1 hour
After surgery:
- Your healthcare team will make sure your vital signs are acceptable and take you to a recovery room
- After recovery, if you have had gastric bypass, you will go to your room; gastric sleeve patients can often go home
What to expect next:
| Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery | Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery | Procedures Offered at UNC | Taking The First Steps | What To Expect | Seminars & Support Groups |
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