Mini-Gastric Bypass - Pre-Operative Instructions

We want you to be in the best possible health prior to surgery. It will make your surgery safer and improve your chances for a better surgical outcome, and a better overall experience for you. Here is the information that you will need to be aware of in preparing for surgery:

Warning: Do Not Come Alone! It is critical that you have someone with you for the seven days following your surgery. If you come alone we will have to cancel you operation.

Two Weeks before Surgery


Stop taking any Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil or other Arthritis or Pain Medicines
Make certain you do not take any aspirin or medicines containing aspirin for two weeks before surgery because this can increase your risk of bleeding. Aspirin and the other salicylates belong to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs for short).  You should avoid anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin products as well as excessive quantities of Vitamin E (the small amount contained in most multi-vitamin preparations is not harmful) for two weeks before surgery, as these inhibit the clotting mechanism and increase your chances of unnecessary operative bleeding. This includes "BC" and Goody powders.

We recommend that you avoid these over-the-counter pain relievers following surgery.  We recommend that you not take aspirin, motrin, ibuprofen, naproxen and Advil because of their known risk of stomach irritation and ulcer formation.  We recommend avoiding Tylenol because of the potential damage to the liver after rapid weight loss.  If you need pain relief, you will need a prescription medicine that reduces the chance of damaging your liver or other vital organs.

Discuss other medications
If you currently are taking any medication, please discuss with our surgical staff regarding discontinuation before and after surgery.

Stop all intake of caffeine products
Caffeine withdrawal can be a very unpleasant experience following surgery. It is recommended that you restrict or at least reduce your intake of caffeine several weeks prior to surgery. Soda is not allowed during post-op at all, and you won’t want to deal with caffeine withdrawal during the initial liquids- only phase. It is easier to cut down gradually than to go cold turkey! 



Several days before surgery

Eat lightly for two to three days prior to surgery.  Soups, salads, yogurt and other easily digested foods are your best choice during this time.  Your intestines change in length and diameter constantly, and our experience has shown that your surgery will be maximized if your intestines are not stretched following a large meal. 

No beards or mustaches, shave!
If you have a beard, mustache or other facial hair, you must shave it prior to surgery. We need to place a mask on your face as part of the pre- and post-anesthesia management. A beard or other facial hair interferes with the mask fit and seal on your face. If you have a beard or mustache you must shave if you want to proceed with operation. 

Plan ahead for childcare and transportation home.
You should plan for transportation home or to your hotel following surgery.  You cannot drive yourself home from the hospital after surgery.  If all goes well you should plan on going home on the morning or afternoon of the day after surgery (i.e., 24 hours after surgery.) Plan ahead for childcare arrangements, transportation, etc.  You will need someone to be with you for seven days following your surgery.  You should not drive for at least a week. You may feel like napping over the next few days.  This is a common following anesthesia, as the drugs work their way out of your system.

You must stay in the area!
If you do not live within a one-hour drive of our facility, you must agree to stay in a hotel or other nearby accommodations for seven days following your release from the hospital.  This is to assure your safety and to allow you to come back at any time if necessary.  We can assist you in locating accommodations and have negotiated with hotels in the area for better rates and amenities.  Please call our office if you need assistance in this area.

Arrange for payment.
We accept all major credit cards (Note: there is a three percent transaction fee per credit card, which must be paid with cash or check) or cashiers check or money orders.  Personal checks are accepted but must be prepaid at least two weeks prior to surgery so the check can clear. 



The day/night before surgery

Pre-Op Medications:
Milk of Magnesia (Magnesia; Magnesium Hydroxide)
When: The Morning of the day before surgery.

Chlorhexidine, (Hibiclens®)
When: The night before surgery and the morning of surgery.

Prilosec OTC (omeprazole) Non Prescription
When: The night before surgery.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin):
When: The night before surgery.

Do not smoke or chew gum after midnight.

Do not eat or drink after midnight (a few small sips of water is OK).

Leave all valuables at home.

Do not wear any makeup, nail polish, or jewelry. If you have artificial nails, we can use your toenails to check for oxygen levels.

If you have any rings that you cannot remove, please go to a jeweler to have them removed prior to surgery.



The day of surgery

Morning of surgery
Metaclopromide (Reglan):
When: The morning of surgery.

Plan on a place to stay nearby if you are from out of state.
If you are more than 1 hour away from High Point Regional Hospital, you are required to stay in the area until you have recovered, usually five to seven days after surgery.

You must have someone to stay with you.
You must have someone stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

What to bring to the hospital.
Pack lightly.  The hospital provides you with minimal toiletries and you will be wearing a hospital gown.  You really shouldn’t use your own gowns or robes because of the IV.  You will want to wear loose clothing home from the hospital with nothing tight around the waist that will irritate the bandages covering the port sites in your abdominal area.  You may want to bring lollipops, mints or hard candies to suck on, as your mouth will be dry, and you will not be able to drink large amounts at first.



Pre-op things “To-Do” list

Shower with Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine) twice, both the evening before and the morning of surgery. You can purchase this at your local drug store.

Do not smoke or chew gum after midnight.

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery (A few sips of water are OK).

Leave all of your valuables at home.

Do not wear any makeup, nail polish, or jewelry.
If you have rings that are difficult to remove, it is suggested you see a jeweler before admission to help remove them.

What happens in the hospital?
An IV will be started by anesthesia before your transfer to the Operating Room.

You will be transferred to the Operating Room by the anesthesiologist/anesthetist and met by a surgical nurse who will be with you for the duration of the procedure.

When you awake, you will be in the Recovery Room. A nurse will be with you for the duration of your stay there (approximately one to two hours).

When you are returned to your room you will be followed as you recover by the nurses and your surgeon.

When you are ready to be discharged, usually the next day, a staff nurse will talk to you about your home care. They will then call for your prearranged transportation.

If you have any questions about these instructions or at any time please remember that you should always feel free to call your patient representative or your surgeon.

Please leave your home or hotel phone number or where you can be reached. Your surgeon or the hospital's nursing staff may contact you to check on your condition.