Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Your Pre-Operative Guide
A clear overview of the steps that may help you prepare for your procedure, travel, and recovery at Pompeii Surgical Mexico.
Preparation Begins Before You Travel
Following your personalized instructions is an important part of surgical preparation. Your coordinator and medical team will confirm your required diet, medication plan, testing, arrival details, and fasting instructions. Because every patient is different, always follow the directions provided specifically to you.
Your Pre-Operative Timeline
Use this timeline as a general planning guide. Your exact schedule may be adjusted according to your procedure and medical history.
Approximately 14 Days Before SurgeryBegin Your Prescribed Pre-Operative Diet
Start the nutrition plan provided by the Pompeii team. The purpose of this diet is to help prepare your body and liver for surgery. Follow the portions, approved foods, and liquids listed in your personal instructions.
Approximately 10 Days Before SurgeryReview Medications and Supplements
Confirm with the medical team which prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements should be continued, adjusted, or paused. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical direction.
Approximately 7 Days Before SurgeryComplete Your Final Coordination Review
Review your flight itinerary, transportation plan, required documents, remaining balances, testing requirements, and arrival instructions with your patient coordinator.
Approximately 3 Days Before TravelPack and Prepare for Recovery
Use the checklist below to pack lightly. Arrange a comfortable recovery area at home and make sure you have the supplies recommended for the first days after returning.
Arrival DayTransportation, Check-In, and Testing
Arrive according to the time provided by your coordinator. The transportation team will assist with your scheduled pickup and transfer. Pre-operative testing and final medical review will be completed as directed.
Surgery DayFinal Preparation and Procedure
Your care team will confirm your identity, procedure, fasting status, medications, and test results before surgery. After the procedure, you will be monitored closely and encouraged to begin gentle movement when medically appropriate.
Pre-Operative Nutrition and Hydration
Your individual diet may differ based on your BMI, health conditions, procedure, and surgeon’s recommendation. Use only the plan supplied or approved by the Pompeii nutrition and medical teams.
Protein
Meet Your Assigned Goal
Choose approved protein shakes or other protein sources listed in your plan. Check labels for serving size, sugar, carbohydrates, and protein content.
Avoid
Alcohol and Nicotine
Avoid alcohol and follow the medical team’s instructions regarding smoking, vaping, and nicotine products. Nicotine can interfere with healing and increase surgical risk.
Hydration
Drink Consistently
Use approved water and sugar-free beverages throughout the day unless you have been given a fluid restriction by a healthcare professional.
Caffeine
Reduce Gradually When Directed
Your plan may recommend reducing caffeine before surgery. Gradual reduction may help limit withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.
Approved Options
Follow Your Written Plan
Your instructions may include protein shakes, clear broth, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free electrolyte beverages, or other approved items.
Vitamins
Take Only What Is Approved
Continue or pause vitamins and supplements according to the personalized instructions from your medical and nutrition teams.
Do Not Make Last-Minute Changes on Your Own
Contact your coordinator before adding foods, changing medications, beginning new supplements, or altering your fasting schedule. Honest communication helps the team make safer decisions about your procedure.
Questions About Your Pre-Operative Diet?
The Pompeii team can clarify approved foods, protein choices, hydration goals, vitamin instructions, and fasting requirements. Keep your personalized written plan available for reference.
Prepare for Your Stay
Pack lightly and choose items that are comfortable, practical, and easy to use during recovery.
Loose, comfortable clothing
Choose soft fabrics, relaxed waistbands, and easy-to-remove tops.
Lip balm
This may help with temporary dryness after fasting or anesthesia.
Companion travel documents
Your approved companion should bring all required identification.
Slip-on shoes
Select supportive shoes that do not require bending to fasten.
Current medications
Bring approved medications in their original labeled containers.
Small travel pillow
A pillow may provide additional comfort during the return trip.
Phone and long charging cable
A longer cable may be easier to reach from your recovery bed.
Medication list
Include medication names, doses, allergies, and prescribing physicians.
Limited spending money
Carry only what you reasonably need for optional personal expenses.
Passport and identification
Bring the travel documents required for your border crossing and return trip.
Basic toiletries
Bring fragrance-free personal items unless directed otherwise.
Small entertainment items
Headphones, downloaded shows, or an e-reader can help pass the time.
Prepare for Your Stay
Pack lightly and choose items that are comfortable, practical, and easy to use during recovery.
Follow your assigned fasting time
Do not eat or drink after the specific time provided by the medical team.
Remove makeup and jewelry
Do not wear makeup, perfume, lotions, jewelry, or removable piercings unless approved.
Confirm your arrival time
Verify the location, pickup instructions, and admission time with your coordinator.
Shower as instructed
Use the recommended soap and follow any skin-preparation directions.
Wear easy-to-remove clothing
Choose light, loose clothing for check-in and discharge.
Rest and stay reachable
Keep your phone available in case the medical or transportation team needs to contact you.
Common Pre-Operative Questions
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Contact your coordinator and explain what happened. Do not hide changes or try to compensate with extreme restriction. The medical team will determine whether any adjustment or additional evaluation is needed.
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Follow the beverage list included in your personal diet. Some plans allow limited decaffeinated coffee, while others may require additional restrictions. Your fasting instructions take priority.
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Some patients lose weight during the pre-operative diet, but the amount varies. The main purpose of the plan is surgical preparation—not reaching a guaranteed number on the scale.
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Notify your coordinator immediately if you develop fever, respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, a new infection, or another significant health change. The surgical team will advise whether it is safe to continue as scheduled.
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Do not stop prescription medication unless the prescribing clinician or Pompeii medical team specifically instructs you to do so.
Contact Pompeii Surgical Mexico
Patient Coordination: +1 (858) 439-7931
Patient Coordination: +1 (858) 439-7979
Transportation: +1 (858) 439-7788
Email: contact@pompeii-surgical.com
Av. Diego Rivera 2550
Zona Urbana Río Tijuana
22010 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
* Important Medical Notice
This page provides general educational information and does not replace your personalized surgical instructions or medical advice. Medication changes, fasting times, dietary requirements, testing, and travel schedules vary by patient. Always follow the most recent written directions provided by your surgeon, coordinator, anesthesiology team, and other treating clinicians.