Preparing For Surgery

Patients scheduled for surgery should plan to arrive one day prior to their scheduled surgery date, with an aim to arrive before 12 noon if possible.

Arrival Before Surgery

Upon your arrival at either the San Diego Airport or Border Parking, you will be promptly escorted to Dr. Kuri’s office for check-in. The process includes admission for surgery, necessary laboratory tests, and preoperative physical examinations.

Preoperative Testing: These preoperative tests encompass laboratory work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and an examination by our Internal Medicine Doctor. Any specific concerns or additional issues raised by the patient can also be addressed during this time. It’s crucial that you abstain from consuming any food or beverages for at least seven hours before undergoing preoperative testing. You may take your regular morning medications with water.

Day of Surgery

Following admission, patients will have the opportunity to settle into their patient suites, spend time with their companions, and enjoy a meal before participating in an orientation conducted by Dr. Kuri and his team. During this orientation, Dr. Kuri will explain the details of the weight loss surgery procedure and ensure that patients fully comprehend their responsibilities, which involve adopting and maintaining new eating habits and lifestyle changes. After the orientation session, patients are expected to return to their suites for rest and relaxation. It’s important to note that no food or beverages, including water, are allowed after 10:00 pm on this day.

On the morning of your surgery, a staff nurse will accompany you and prepare you for the procedure. While both the Gastric Sleeve and Lap-Band surgeries are relatively brief, there is an additional period required for post-surgery recovery. After the surgery, patients can unwind and rest in their respective suites. Lap-Band patients typically receive discharge the morning following their surgery. However, for those undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery, you will spend the night at the hospital prior to the surgery and for two nights afterward. Your discharge will occur on the third morning, but you will need to remain at Rio Suites for an extra day before returning home on the fifth day.