Skip to main content
mayologo1
  • Patient Online Services
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    • COVID-19
    Posted By
    Heidi Bednarchuk, C.N.S.

    Heidi Bednarchuk, C.N.S.

    Bariatric Surgery (Weight-loss Surgery)

    Recent Posts

    • Reading supplement ingredients
      Speaking of Health
      Should I take vitamins and supplements after weight loss surgery?
      April 08, 2022
    • Bowl of oats with fruit and yogurt
      Speaking of Health
      10 tips for getting your weight loss back on track
      April 01, 2022
    • Heidi Bednarchuk, C.N.S.
      Speaking of Health
      Maintaining your weight loss over the holidays
      December 09, 2015
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Friday, April 25, 2014

    Important steps to take before bariatric surgery

    Topics in this Post
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery

    Heidi Bednarchuk C.N.S.After bariatric surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly no matter how they eat or how much physical activity they get. However, after the first 12 to 18 months, you may start regaining the weight you lost if you are not eating right and exercising regularly. The commitment to a healthy lifestyle needs to be life-long.

    Here are some things you can do to help prepare for surgery. Your team at Mayo Clinic Health System will provide the support and education you need to make these changes part of your new lifestyle.

    • Go through your house and get rid of unhealthy, potentially tempting foods. 
    • Start reducing the amount of carbonated beverages and caffeine you drink. You need to give these up before you have surgery.
    • Practice eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly. Eating a normal meal should take 30 minutes.
    • Buy a blender or food processor if you don’t already have one. You will also need measuring cups and a food scale.
    • Talk with your registered dietitian about your post-surgery diet, and start planning now. Have appropriate foods ready when you come home from your surgery.
    • Make sure that you have protein supplements on hand. You will need to eat plenty of protein after surgery. If you are not currently taking a multivitamin and calcium supplement, now is the time to start.

    Exercise as tolerated. If you are not currently active, start with short walks and build your distance. Every step counts!


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery

    Related Posts

    Arms holding up words to spell Support cropped Support increases weight loss success
    Flower bouquet in paper wrap Valentine's Day survival guide
    Hand weights, measuring tape and healthy food Healthy resolutions: Reflect, plan, focus, enjoy

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2023 Mayo Clinic Health System