How To Prepare For Bariatric Surgery

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your weight loss surgery is safe, smooth, and successful. It will help you:
✔️ Feel more confident and less stressed
✔️ Reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery
✔️ Get ready both physically and mentally for long-term lifestyle changes

1. Understand Your Personal Triggers for Obesity

Identifying the causes behind your weight gain is one of the most important steps before surgery.
Are you eating too much or too often? Do sugary drinks, irregular meals, stress eating, or a lack of physical activity play a role?

Take time to reflect on your habits and lifestyle. Finding your own "inner dragons" — the hidden patterns that lead to weight gain — will help you plan how to manage them after surgery.

2. Educate Yourself

Before your operation, your surgeon will explain the procedure and answer your questions.
Still, it’s essential to do your own research. Learn about the different surgery types, their benefits and risks, and what life looks like after the procedure.
The more informed you are, the more confidently you'll start your weight loss journey.

👉 Read more about post-surgery life on our blog!

3. Follow a Pre-Operative Diet

Our bariatric team recommends starting a high-protein, low-sugar, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet at least 2–3 weeks before surgery — or earlier, if advised by your surgeon.

Why this diet is important:

Shrink the liver and reduce abdominal fat, improving surgical safety and shortening the operation and recovery time
Preserve muscle mass during calorie reduction by increasing protein intake
Help your body heal and recover faster after surgery
Mentally and physically prepare for the post-op dietary lifestyle

👉 Read our dietary guidelines here.

4. Stop Smoking (If Applicable)

Smoking increases the risk of blood clots and can delay healing. If you smoke, it's strongly recommended to quit before your surgery.

5. Increase Your Physical Activity

Start moving more — even just 20–30 minutes of walking per day can make a big difference. Regular activity reduces the risk of early complications and helps you build momentum for your new lifestyle.

6. Plan Recovery Time

Allow at least two full weeks off to recover and adjust to your new life:

Days 1–7: Your surgery trip to Latvia
Week 2+: Rest and ease into your new routine at home

7. Plan Your First Post-Op Meals

Make sure your kitchen is stocked with everything you’ll need for your early post-op diet — including protein shakes, soft foods, and supplements.