Located in Orange County, the Crown Valley Surgical Center offers weight loss surgery in the form of the Lap-Band procedure. There are steps you can take at home prior to your Lap-Band surgery in order to ensure that you are successful, comfortable, and able to recover quickly. Of course, be sure to talk to your Lap-Band surgeon at Orange County’s surgery center for instructions specific to your condition, especially those regarding low-calorie or liquid diets in the days before the procedure.

Get organized by keeping all of your surgeon’s instructions and reading materials visible and within reach. Additionally, set up your home so that the things you’ll need following your surgery are within reach. You’ll want to make everyday tasks as easy as possible, especially if your home has multiple levels.

Stock up on things you’ll need to have handy after your surgery, like broths, protein drinks, or sugar-free popsicles. You might also want to have over-the-counter pain medication and bandages for your incision nearby. Start looking for recipes that will fit into your new diet and lifestyle prior to the surgery so you’re not overwhelmed by the change afterward. Look for recipes that have lean cuts of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

While deciding who to tell about your Lap-Band procedure is a personal decision, you might want to have someone available to come and check on you after your surgery or to help you with tasks like bathing and light cleaning or laundry. If you have friends or family members who have been through the procedure, lean on them for support.

Prepare yourself mentally for the lifestyle change you are about to experience, because you will be working hard in the coming months. Consider starting a journal now, before your surgery, so that you can look back and be reminded of how far you’ve come.