Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery isn’t just about booking a date and packing a bag. It’s about getting your body, mind, and lifestyle ready for a major change.
We knew going into this that the surgery itself was only half the story – the real work began beforehand. Looking back now, we can honestly say that the way we prepared before surgery made all the difference in how well we recovered and adapted afterwards.
Here’s how we approached our preparation, both mentally and physically, and what we’d recommend to anyone getting ready for their own gastric sleeve journey.
1. The Mental Preparation
Acknowledge That Surgery Is a Tool, Not a Fix
This is the hardest truth to accept at the start. The gastric sleeve will physically restrict how much you can eat, but it won’t fix emotional eating, food addiction, or old habits by itself. We had to take a long, honest look at how we used food before – as comfort, reward, and sometimes distraction – and start changing that mindset before surgery day.
One thing that helped was reminding ourselves why we were doing this. For both of us, it wasn’t about vanity – it was about survival. James had reached the point of stage 2 liver failure; Kirsten was struggling with pain, fatigue, and fertility issues. Remembering the “why” kept us grounded when the process felt overwhelming.
Be Honest with Yourself About Fear
Even though we were confident in our decision, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t scared. The idea of permanently changing your body is a big deal.
The night before surgery, we barely slept. Between worrying about complications and the reality that life was about to change forever, the nerves hit hard. But that’s normal. Fear means you understand the seriousness of what you’re doing – it means you’re aware and prepared.
Talking through those fears – with each other, our surgeon, and even others in our support group – helped us process them instead of bottling them up.
Build Your Support System Early
We told our families, friends, and workplaces about our plans early on. For us, being open created a stronger support network. People checked in, helped out after surgery, and made the recovery much easier.
We also joined online support groups and WhatsApp chats with others having surgery around the same time. Those real conversations – especially with people who were just a few weeks ahead of us – were invaluable. They told us what to expect, what foods to stock, and even what kind of pain to anticipate.
If you’re going through this alone, seek out those communities online. It really helps to talk to people who get it.
2. The Physical Preparation
The Liver Reduction Diet
Ah, the liver reduction diet – everyone’s least favourite but most necessary step.
We started ours on 11th March 2024, two weeks before surgery, cutting down calories to help shrink the liver. This makes surgery safer and gives your surgeon more room to work laparoscopically.
We won’t sugarcoat it – it’s tough. We both struggled with fatigue, headaches, and serious cravings. It was especially hard knowing that our last meal before surgery was a McDonald’s Big Tasty and a wrap… which, ironically, didn’t even taste good in Riga. We ended up throwing most of it away – so much for our “last meal!”
But the liver diet worked. When we arrived for surgery, our surgeon confirmed both our livers were in good condition, which meant a smoother procedure and faster recovery.
Preparing Your Body
In the months leading up to surgery, we made small, gradual changes to prepare our bodies:
- Cutting back caffeine and alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms post-op
- Increasing protein intake to support healing
- Walking daily to build stamina for recovery
- Getting into a consistent sleep schedule (harder than it sounds, but worth it)
We also began taking basic multivitamins in advance – not to replace post-op supplementation, but to ensure we weren’t starting surgery already deficient.
By the time we were admitted to the hospital, our bodies felt ready.
Packing and Travel Prep
Because we travelled abroad for surgery, we had to plan a bit differently. We packed:
- Two sets of pyjamas (in case of leakage or bleeding)
- Compression socks for the flight home
- A universal plug adapter for phone chargers
- An iPad for distraction and comfort
- And, of course, all our travel documents and medical forms
We also chose to stay overnight in the hospital before surgery. Having that extra day to settle, complete tests, and speak with our surgeon in person really helped calm our nerves.
3. Preparing Your Environment
We set up our home before travelling – stocking the fridge and freezer with liquid-stage foods, organising medications, and making sure everything we needed was within easy reach.
We also made small physical adjustments like:
- Raising our bed slightly to make it easier to sit up post-op
- Having bottled water and electrolyte drinks ready
- Using smaller bowls and spoons to mentally prepare for portion control
It sounds simple, but these little things made recovery at home so much smoother.
4. Preparing as a Couple
Doing the surgery together brought unique challenges and benefits. We went through the same highs and lows – from the pre-op diet grumpiness to the fear before surgery day – but we also held each other accountable.
When one of us struggled, the other stepped up. We reminded each other why we were doing this and that short-term discomfort would lead to long-term change.
If you’re doing this as a couple, communication is everything. You’ll both recover differently – Kirsten’s recovery was faster, while James faced complications and setbacks – but teamwork makes a huge difference.
5. The Day Before Surgery
After final tests, we spent our last evening in Riga trying to relax. We stayed overnight at the hospital in our private room, ready for an early 6 a.m. start.
It’s surreal – knowing that tomorrow your life changes forever. But it’s also liberating. After years of struggling with our health, diets, and self-esteem, we finally felt like we were doing something that could truly last.Final Thoughts
Preparing for gastric sleeve surgery is as much a mental journey as a physical one. The more work you do beforehand – building healthy habits, accepting what’s to come, and setting up your support network – the easier the transition will be.
We won’t say it’s easy, but it’s worth it. Every bit of effort you put in before surgery will pay off tenfold in recovery and long-term success.
If we could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: take it seriously, but don’t be scared. Preparation is power, and you’ll thank yourself later for every step you took in advance.
Disclaimer: This post reflects our personal experience preparing for and recovering from gastric sleeve surgery and should not replace professional medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your surgeon, GP, or bariatric team when preparing for surgery.