Surgery can be lifesaving, but it carries known risks. While the surgical team will always do their utmost to reduce these risks, there are some things we can do ourselves to improve outcomes, if we have time to prepare. This blog looks at the benefits of losing excess weight before surgery.
How Does Excess Body Weight Affect Surgery?
There are three main areas to consider: anaesthesia, the technical aspects of the operation, and postop recovery.
Anaesthesia
Your anaesthetist will be monitoring your vital signs throughout the operation, as well as ensuring adequate pain control. For many operations, a tube must be inserted to control breathing; excess weight increases fatty tissue in the neck, which can make intubation more difficult. In addition, the greater weight of the chest puts pressure on the lungs, reducing lung capacity and increasing the risk of postoperative chest infections.
Higher doses of anaesthetic and analgesic drugs are needed during surgery in individuals with overweight or obesity; it will therefore take the body longer to eliminate them after the operation, increasing the risk of side effects.
The Technical Aspects of Surgery
Excess adipose tissue can obstruct the view of, or access to, the operating field. This will increase operating time and may mean that incisions need to be larger, both of which increase postop recovery time and the risk of complications.
Postoperative recovery
Postop recovery has several phases. First, the immediate exit from the anaesthetic. Second, the intermediate phase, when more intensive monitoring and pain control are required. Third, the convalescent phase, with a gradual return to normal activity levels and adaptation to the outcome of surgery. And finally, long-term recovery, with a return to full activity. The duration of this phase will vary greatly depending on the operation and any possible complications; in the absence of complications, this period usually has very few symptoms.
Excess weight affects all phases of postoperative recovery, increasing the risk of complications due to the anaesthetic, venous thrombosis, slow wound healing, wound or chest infections, and mobility issues.
Do You Have to Lose Weight Before Weight Loss Surgery?
For patients living with obesity, many healthcare professionals recommend weight loss prior to surgery to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure and to improve postoperative recovery. Patients who achieve a healthy weight before surgery often experience fewer complications, shorter recovery times, and better overall results.
It is not only the reduction in weight that benefits surgical outcomes, but also the associated improvement in metabolic health, which favours wound healing and the prevention of wound infection. Weight-related conditions such as fatty liver and type 2 diabetes can improve rapidly with well-designed, medically supervised diets.
Moreover, weight loss can enhance quality of life after surgery. Patients often report increased mobility, reduced pain, and improved self-esteem following weight loss. These benefits underscore the importance of weight loss as part of the preparatory process for surgery.
An Effective Diet to Lose Weight for Surgery
Choosing an effective diet to lose weight for surgery is essential, as time is often limited. One highly recommended approach is the ketogenic diet, which involves reducing carbohydrate intake, so that the body switches to fat-burning mode. A well-designed keto diet promotes fat burning, reduces hunger, and helps maintain muscle mass.
Professional guidance from a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts, can help patients achieve their weight loss goals safely and effectively before surgery. This collaborative approach ensures that weight loss is achieved through healthy, sustainable methods that meet your nutritional needs, rather than extreme or inappropriate measures that could compromise health.
Incorporating physical activity into your routine will also improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle mass, and enhance overall fitness, all of which contribute to a better surgical experience and a faster recovery.
By combining a healthy diet and regular exercise under professional guidance, you can achieve optimal health before surgery, leading to a safer procedure, a quicker recovery, and more satisfying long-term results.
Take the Next Step Towards a Safer Surgery
Your path to better health and surgical outcomes starts with expert guidance. For a personalised consultation and to learn more about preparing for your procedure, contact Dr. Philip Bazire.
