If you and your doctor have decided that gastric sleeve surgery is your best option for permanent weight loss, now's the time to prepare for the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with the medical steps you need to take to prepare. However, there are still some steps that you can implement on your own. These steps will help you prepare for the gastric sleeve procedure. However, they'll also help you achieve maximum success from the surgery. Here are four steps to take prior to your surgery. 

Join a Local Support Group

If you're scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery, now's the time to join a support group. You might think that you can wait until after the surgery, but that's not the case. Joining a group before you have your surgery will allow you to have the outside support you need to improve your chances for success. Not only that, but most of the group members will have already undergone the procedure, which means they'll be able to provide you with tips on how to avoid problems after surgery. 

Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

If you drink alcohol on a regular basis, it's a good idea to reduce your intake before you go in for gastric sleeve surgery. There are a couple of reasons to limit your alcohol consumption. First, alcohol is high in calories, which means you'll be undermining your weight loss efforts. Second, alcohol can interfere with the healing process. Finally, because alcohol is absorbed into the liver, you may be more susceptible to the effects after surgery. That's because your liver will be working overtime trying to remove fatty tissue from your body. 

Do Your Grocery Shopping

If you're preparing for gastric sleeve surgery, now's the time to take stock of the food you have in your home. After gastric sleeve surgery, you might not be able to eat most of the food you have on hand. Because of that, it's a good idea to clean out the cabinets before surgery. Once your cabinets are cleaned out, stock your kitchen with food that's on your new list. If you're not sure what food you can eat following surgery, talk to your doctor. They'll provide you with a menu that you can shop from. 

Start an Exercise Routine

Finally, if your doctor has given you the go-ahead for gastric sleeve surgery, take the opportunity to start an exercise routine. You don't need to begin an intensive workout routine, but you do need to get moving. Starting a daily exercise routine will help get your body prepared for exercise once you've had your surgery. It's also a good way to jump-start your weight loss efforts.

Contact a local medical professional to learn more about preparing for gastric sleeve surgery.