Does A Lower BMI Help Surgery Recovery?
When most people are planning to undergo a medical procedure, a surgeon might provide a list of guidelines to prepare. Common directives include not eating for a set period before surgery, designating a caregiver to take the patient home, or even taking certain medications or supplements in advance. However, for some procedures, losing weight beforehand is highly recommended. Weight loss can have significant benefits during and after undergoing surgery.
Pre-surgical weight loss concerns
Sometimes being overweight or obese can increase a person’s chances of having adverse reactions during surgery. For example, carrying too much weight can lead to negative interactions with anesthesia. Doctors may struggle to find veins for proper application, difficulty inserting necessary breathing tubes, or even increase the oxygen demand required during ventilation. Likewise, carrying excess weight puts a strain on the heart. Combined with anesthesia, overweight or obese people have a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks, angina, stroke, or even high blood pressure during surgery. Getting to a healthier weight can help control these avoidable risks.
Speeding wound healing
Wound healing is a critical part of the recovery process. A key factor that influences this process is getting sufficient circulation. Because carrying more weight puts a strain on cardiovascular function, people who are overweight or obese may find that incisions heal slower than the expected time range. Similarly, excess fat can put more pressure and tension on incision sites, which also slows recovery. Slow healing can also lead to other complications such as bleeding, more pain, and discomfort.
Quicker mobility recovery
While post-surgical complications can’t be completely controlled by weight loss, research shows that shedding pounds can help patients return to regular life a bit faster. In a study that followed 90 total knee arthroplasty patients, segmented into a pre-operative weight-loss group and a control group, researchers found that weight loss didn’t guarantee fewer complications. However, the group that lost weight prior to surgery reported better mobility 3 months after surgery.
A diet to prioritize
A big part of weight management relies on creating a healthy diet plan that patients can follow. Especially when recovering from surgery, people need nutrient-dense foods that nourish the body. Prioritize calcium and protein, which are essential building blocks for repairing injured tissues. Avoid foods high in fats, sugars, and salts, which can slow recovery.
A steady approach
When encouraged to lose weight ahead of surgery, focusing on a steady approach is important. Crash dieting or extreme tactics can lead to nutritional imbalances and reduced energy which can create problems during the healing timeline. People are urged to work with a doctor to come up with a sustainable weight loss plan that safely lowers caloric intake without creating deficiencies.
