Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing
Place a hand on your tummy. Breathe in slowly through your nose so your belly rises, hold for 2–3 seconds, then breathe out gently through pursed lips. Repeat 10 times, a few times a day.
Your pre-operative assessment
Before any weight-loss procedure, Dr. Shashank's team carries out a thorough evaluation. This confirms that surgery is right for you, chooses the safest procedure, and picks up anything that should be treated first. You'll usually meet an anaesthetist, a dietician and — where helpful — a counsellor, and may see a physician, cardiologist or lung specialist for clearance.
Investigations you can expect
| Area | Tests |
|---|---|
| Blood work | Complete blood count, blood sugar & HbA1c, liver & kidney function, lipid profile, thyroid, and vitamin/mineral levels (B12, vitamin D, iron) |
| Heart | ECG, and 2D-echo if needed |
| Chest & lungs | Chest X-ray; a sleep study if snoring or sleep apnoea is suspected |
| Abdomen | Ultrasound (liver & gallbladder) and an upper-GI endoscopy to check the stomach |
| Clearances | Anaesthetic review, plus cardiology / pulmonology / endocrinology opinions where indicated |
| Counselling | Dietician plan and psychological readiness |
Getting your body ready
~2 weeks before
The liver-shrinking diet
A high-protein, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie diet for about two weeks shrinks the liver and reduces fat around the stomach — making the operation safer and easier. Your dietician will give you an exact plan; follow it closely.
Start now
Breathing exercises & chest physio
Practising deep breathing before surgery trains your lungs and greatly lowers the chance of a post-operative chest infection. Details and a simple routine are in the next section — begin a week or two ahead and keep going after surgery.
Daily
Keep moving
Gentle daily walking builds stamina and lowers the risk of blood clots. Even short, regular walks help — aim to be as active as you comfortably can.
4+ weeks before
Stop smoking, limit alcohol
Stopping smoking and cutting alcohol improves your lung function, circulation and healing. The earlier you stop, the better — ideally at least a month before surgery.
Bring your list
Review your medicines
Share every medicine and supplement you take. Some — such as blood thinners and certain diabetes medicines — need to be adjusted or paused before surgery. Only stop or change a medicine when the team tells you to.
Deep breathing exercises
These take only a few minutes and make a real difference. Sit upright, relax your shoulders, and repeat each through the day.
Incentive spirometer
If you're given a spirometer, seal your lips around it, breathe in slowly to raise the marker as high as you can, hold 3 seconds, and relax. Do 10 breaths every hour while awake.
Pursed-lip breathing
Breathe in through your nose for 2 counts, then out slowly through pursed lips (as if blowing out a candle) for 4 counts. Calms breathing and keeps the lungs open.
Supported coughing
After surgery, hug a pillow to your tummy and give two gentle coughs to clear the chest. Practising the technique now makes it easier later.
Keep it up after surgery. Starting these breathing exercises now builds the habit — you'll continue them in hospital and at home to keep your lungs clear while you heal.
The days before surgery
- Follow your fasting instructions (usually nothing to eat/drink from midnight)
- Shower as advised; remove nail polish, make-up and jewellery
- Bring your reports, scans and full medicine list
- Pack loose, comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes
- Arrange someone to accompany you and help at home
- Take only the medicines the team has approved
This is general guidance to help you prepare. Your own plan may differ — always follow the specific instructions given by Dr. Shashank and the hospital team.