Preventing complications?

Hi all, I am beginning the process into gastric bypass surgery. I have thought about all the complications that happen and have been reading all the posts and I have one question. Is there anything at all that a person can do to help prevent any complications from happening or is it all on the surgeon? I have done my best to research for the best surgeon in our state and I think that I have found him. Thanks, Melissa

Hi Melissa, good luck on your journey. You are correct in that some of the complications are controlled if you will by the doc, someone can control and then there are those you can help to prevent. First off you follow all of your doc's rules and request...he/she has a plan that works for their patients. Second: Loss the pre-op weight and change your diet to lowfat. These help to defat your liver so it makes your liver lighter and easier to lift and ultimately makes your surgery easier on you and your doc. Third: If you smoke quit. Smoking can prevent healing and can cause ulcers. Fourth: After surgery get up and walk, don't just lay in bed no matter how bad you feel. Listen to the nurses and do turn, cough and deep breathe every 2 hours. Immobility can lead to pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, both are bad. Last: Always feel comfortable in calling your doc if you think anything is wrong. Better to be safe than sorry. I hope this helps, Robin