Pre/Post Operative Care
Preparing for Surgery
Once it has been decided that a surgical procedure is needed, your procedure will be scheduled. Depending upon your condition, you will be given a choice of dates, times, and locations for surgery. The surgical center will call a few days prior to surgery to confirm your arrival time. You may be required to have lab work, X-Rays and/or preoperative cardiac clearance
Prior to surgery, make sure you do the following:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery. You may take your prescribed medications approved by Dr. Turnquest with a sip of water on the morning of surgery.
- You should stop all blood thinners (Coumdin, Warfarin, Plavix, Aspirin, etc) at least 5 days prior to your surgery date.
- Do not bring valuables with you to the center, as the hospital may not be responsible for any loss.
- Do wear comfortable clothing and only essential or no make up.
- Do bring things to help you relax such as family and/or friends.
- If you are to be discharged home after surgery, you will need to bring a driver. We recommend that you remain in the company of others at least 24 hours after surgery.
Following Your Surgery: General Surgery
Depending on your surgery, you might need to follow specific guidelines after surgery.
 Post Op Appendectomy
Post Op Bowel
Post Op Breast Biopsy
Post Op Gastrectomy
Post Op Hernia Repair
Post Op Incisional Hernia
Post Op Nissen Fundoplication
Post Op Open Hernia
Post Op Thyroid
Post Surgery Drain Care
Following Your Surgery:
Weight Loss Surgery
New Eating Regimen:
After your weight loss surgery, your life will be completely different, starting with what type of foods you will be able to eat. At first, you will be on a liquid only diet. After a few days of this, you will be able to have “mushy” foods (i.e. mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, etc.) and eventually work your way up to solid foods within a few weeks. In between meals, do not eat snacks. While eating, you will have to wait 15-30 minutes before being able to drink liquids. Set aside between 30-45 minutes to eat.
One of the most important things to remember is to chew your food very finely and take small bites. It will almost be liquid in your mouth before swallowed. You will have to stop eating once you are full. If not, it might cause vomiting. A long term consequence of overeating is stretching the stomach.
You will have to avoid simple sugars such as candy, sodas, and juices. Do not drink anything carbonated, like beer or sodas. Do not drink anything high in calories such as milkshakes and alcohol.
While eating, you will not be able to drink liquids. During the day, you will have to constantly drink water. Sip the water slowly and do not take large gulps.
Follow-up Visits:
You will have to have follow-up visits with Dr. Turnquest after surgery. The first week after surgery, you will have your first follow-up visit. The next follow-up visit will be 3-4 weeks later. After that, it will be up to Dr. Turnquest to decide on your next appointment.
It is very important you continue to have follow-up visits with Dr. Turnquest so you can utilize your new tool.
Support Groups:
Dr. Turnquest highly recommends support groups because weight loss surgery is such a life changing procedure. Well Beginnings at Houston Northwest Medical Center and Memorial Hermann the Woodlands offer support groups once a month that you will be able to attend. The dates and times are as follows:
Houston Northwest Medical Center-Well Beginnings
November 18, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Note: There will not be a support group meeting in December due to the holidays.
Memorial Hermann the Woodlands
November 18, 2010 at 6:30 pm
December 16, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Please see the calendar found on the Free Seminar page for more detailed information. |
