Preparing for Lap-Band Surgery - Emotional Checklist

There are preparations that need to be made before having any surgery. Your doctor may run tests, suggest lifestyle changes and give dietary advice in order to lower your risk for physical complications during and after surgery. But when you’re preparing for Lap-Band surgery, you’ll also need to prepare yourself emotionally as well as physically. This pre-surgery checklist can help make sure you’re ready.

Questions To Ask Before Having Lap-Band Surgery

• Are you committed to making lifestyle changes? Lap-Band surgery will help you lose weight, but you will still be responsible for making significant changes. You’ll need to change the way you eat and get regular exercise after surgery. You should be prepared for these changes before having bariatric surgery.
• Do you have a support system? This will be a period of transition for you, and a strong support system can help you navigate the unfamiliar territory. Make sure you know where you’ll turn when obstacles arise. You may be surprised by changes in your relationships or self perception after surgery, and a support group that specializes in weight loss can be especially useful for these situations.
• Have you examined what emotional issues contributed to your weight gain? Many people who have Lap-Band surgery became obese because of emotional eating, using food to cope with their emotions. Before removing that coping mechanism from your life, it can be helpful to work with a professional to help resolve old issues and create new, healthier coping strategies.