Can Body Weight Influence Surgical Recovery?
For most medical conditions, a person’s weight is considered a contributing factor. For example, diabetes has a high correlation with being overweight or obese. While weight alone isn’t the only controlling issue, people who have a higher body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of developing diabetes and struggle to keep the condition controlled. Similarly, body weight is also tied to recovery timelines after surgery. Along with following general recommendations like undergoing physical therapy, coordinating a caretaker for the initial post-surgical days, and taking any prescribed medications, getting to a healthy body weight matters. Sometimes people are encouraged to lose weight before surgery because of the significant benefits.
1. Get to a healthier weight
Trying to lose weight after surgery can be hard since people are encouraged to rest and avoid excessive activity too soon. The reason is that being too heavy can increase the potential of adverse reactions even during surgery. Being overweight can create complications with anesthesia. Along with difficulty finding veins during the prep stages, other factors can include difficulty inserting breathing tubes or the patient having a higher oxygen demand during ventilation. Excess weight also creates a greater cardiac strain. Along with the anesthesia, being overweight increases the risk of a patient suffering from angina, a heart attack, stroke, or even high blood pressure on the operating table.
2. Follow a healthy diet
Regardless of whether an operation is elective or necessary, major surgery takes a toll on the body. Recovery requires that the body receives proper fuel. Along with supporting weight management, a healthy diet plan prioritizes nutrient-dense foods that replenish essential building blocks to help the body heal. Key nutrients like calcium and protein are critical to support tissue repair. Key options include iron-rich foods, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and getting enough calories. During the recovery period is not the time to try to achieve a caloric deficit.
3. Stay active safely
When recovering from surgery, the urge to be sedentary is understandable but not recommended. In most cases, even with an inpatient operation, patients are usually urged to get up and move around within 24 hours. While people shouldn’t overdo activity, gentle daily movements like walking help to not just preserve mobility, but reduce inflammation, and keep the blood circulating properly. Doing so promotes wound healing and lowers the chances of developing blood clots. For many people, participating in physical therapy is a smart way to stay active and receive guidance on proper form and movements to avoid injury or relapse.
4. Cut back on vices
Tobacco has long been linked with health problems ranging from developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and cancer to even encouraging diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Smoking in particular is also linked to surgical complications and slowing recovery afterward. Just the same, alcohol consumption usually isn’t recommended shortly before surgery and during the recovery period. The substance is linked with suppressing the immune system and increasing the risk of bleeding by reducing the body’s ability to form necessary blood clots.
Healing takes time
Recovering from surgery is a process. Some people might need to lose weight before the operation to reduce the risk of complications. However, the recovery period requires dedication from the patient. Eating right, staying active, and avoiding behaviors that can derail progress are all key components to getting back to regular life and avoiding setbacks. For people undergoing surgery, following the surgeon’s recovery guidelines and participating in any recommended physical therapy are critical to healing.
