10 Essential Steps to Prepare for Stomach Surgery for Weight Loss

Crash diets and juice cleanses can never be the answer to healthy, sustainable weight loss. Especially in cases of obesity where the BMI is higher than 35-40, weight loss surgery, along with lifestyle changes, helps improve the outcomes for a prolonged time.

You may have heard of bariatric surgery which has proven results in such cases - along with proper adherence to the lifestyle recommendations. This procedure bypasses parts of the intestine or may reduce the size of the patient’s stomach, thereby altering the digestive system.

It is recommended in cases when traditional weight loss methods are ineffective. The procedure can sound intimidating, but it’s a safe and effective procedure.

The following list shows the 10 essential steps to prepare for this surgery.

10 Helpful Steps to Prepare for Stomach Surgery for Weight Loss!

Knowing how to prepare for your surgery in Turkey reduces anxiety and improves your medical journey. So, here we are with a simplified list of all the things you can do to prepare for the surgery - both, mentally and physically.

Take a look:

Step 1 - Know The Procedure 

Research the procedure after you consult with the doctor and understand the different types of weight loss surgeries. From sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey to gastric bypass - you can consult and pick a procedure that suits best.

In case your chosen location for the surgery is Turkey, exploring clinics and surgeons will help you zero in on an option that’s perfect for you.

Step 2 - Consult a Specialist

Consulting a specialist who can understand your needs and align the medical treatment to your preferences is the best way forward. You can connect with a bariatric surgeon and together discuss your eligibility and the best procedure that fits your needs.

Our network of reputed doctors in Turkey can offer prioritized consultations and appointments to international patients like you!

Step 3 - Understand Packages and Costs 

You must explore packages and costs before deciding on the first one you get. With us, you get to make the selection as we bring you the top choices that align with your needs. This surgery in Turkey is more affordable than in other countries.

Just pick one of our all-inclusive packages, and you will have a complete plan with accommodation for post-operative care!

Step 4 - Make Lifestyle Changes

Your doctor will recommend specific changes to your lifestyle that can help sustain the prolonged effects of the surgery.

Even before the procedure, a few lifestyle changes will help prepare you for the surgery and improve your recovery.

Step 5 - Medical Evaluation 

Undergo pre-operative tests such as ECG, blood tests, and imaging that ensure you’re fit for the surgery. The clinics in Turkey usually include such pre-operative tests.

Step 6 - Mental Preparation 

Yes, most surgeries like these require being mentally ready - this means you need to overcome the fear of things going wrong. Be assured that this won’t happen as you’ll be in the care of surgeons and clinics with high success rates and necessary accreditations.

These two factors ensure that you are in safe hands.

Join support groups or speak to a counselor to emotionally prepare for the surgery.

Step 7 - Plan Your Recovery

If you’re a working professional, discuss the time off work with your employer and build a strong support system at home. This can be your friends, family, or anyone else you believe can be great for your recovery.

This also helps you through the medical journey and post-operation process.

In addition, if you plan your time off for at least 7-10 days, you can go through the initial recovery smoothly and be ready for the following days.

Step 8 - Adhere to the Pre-Op Instructions

Your surgeon and their team ensure you are clear on the procedure such as instructions on the pre-op procedure. These instructions are important to ensure you are ready for the surgery through lifestyle changes.

For example, your doctor can recommend a liquid diet before sleeve gastrectomy.

Step 9 - Pack Essentials

When traveling to an international destination for a procedure, you must pack the essentials first.

For example, when traveling to Turkey for this surgery, you should pack medical documents, comfortable clothing, and any prescribed medication necessary.

Step 10 - Follow Post-Op Care Routine

Lastly, you must follow your surgeon’s advice on diet, follow-up appointments, and exercise. Clinics in Turkey provide long-term support, dietary consultation, and other support.

Keeping these 10 essential steps for weight loss surgery in Turkey can ensure your medical journey is smooth and successful.

FAQs

Have a look at this section if you have further questions about this surgery -

Does Medicaid Cover Weight Loss Surgery

Medicaid usually covers weight loss surgery but it varies significantly between states, type of plan and medical necessity. The general coverage rules state commonly covered procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and lap-band surgery.

Some criteria that you need to know when looking for Medicaid coverage:

• BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with obesity-related conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

• Documented proof of failed weight-loss attempts for example, supervised diets.

• Psychological evaluation to assess the readiness.

• Surgeon/hospital must be Medicaid-approved

Some US states that provide full coverage include New York, Illinois, California and Pennsylvania. States with zero-coverage include Mississippi and Alabama.
Check your state - Medicaid.gov tool

Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Surgery

Yes, most insurance plans cover weight loss surgery provided you meet strict criteria but the coverage varies by plan, insurer and procedure type.

Full insurance coverage:

Private insurance usually covers the plan in places like US (ACA), UK (NHS), Canada (OHIP) and Australia (Medicare).

There are delays in the above countries with waitlist exceeding 5 years.

Partial or no coverage:

This is usually provided by Germany, Spain, India and Turkey where most pay out of pocket.

A few of the emerging countries that are becoming popular spots for getting weight loss surgery due to the low costs. Brazil, Mexico and UAE (due to flexible insurers, but only for nationals).

If you are considering getting skin removal surgery after weight loss, you can check in with your doctor and understand the requirements.

If you are looking for options that are reasonably priced that delivers high-quality results- get in touch now for a personalized list of hospitals and doctors from around the world.