Some of the surgical complexities of obesity surgery may be overcome with weight reduction prior to surgery. However, it is essential that clinicians and patients realize that the initial weight loss program is seen as the commencement of a lifelong management plan incorporating surgery, behavioral change, dietary modification, and increased exercise and movement. In addition, preoperative weight loss is not undertaken to delay surgery nor it is a substitute for surgery.
The key benefits of pre-surgical weight loss include:
Reduced visceral fat levels and liver size
Weight loss prior to bariatric surgery can effectively reduce visceral fat levels and liver size, leading to greater access for the surgeon into your abdominal cavity, which facilitates the procedure.
Reductions in visceral adipose tissue and hepatomegaly have demonstrated the following
- Improved exposure and view of anatomical markers. When anatomical markers are more visible, damage to nearby vessels and structures is less likely.
- Reduced pre-existing metabolic abnormalities. Weight loss has a strong beneficial effect on related metabolic diseases including, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and sleep apnea.
The positive effects of weight loss before surgery are usually related to the degree of weight loss achieved, although a modest loss of 5%-10% can result in significant health benefits.
Weight loss before surgery also reduces the risk of deep venous thrombosis post-surgery.
Successful pre-operative weight loss may also increase patients’ confidence that they can deal with the postoperative programs.
