Rapid weight loss before surgery

[moka]

Hello,

I have surgery scheduled for ten days from now, and I am currently 15 pounds over my ideal weight. Now I have a question that I already asked my surgeon, but I would very much appreciate a second opinion.

Would it be safe for me to diet say 8 days of the remaining ten days so that I can get as close to my ideal weight as possible before surgery?

If you advise against it, would you advise me to postpone the surgery (even though I can't easily get time off)and get rid of the 15 pounds first, or just go ahead with the surgery with my current weight?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Strict dieting prior to surgery is not helpful.  You need your body to be at an optimal nutritional state so that you will heal well.  Any diet should be slow and gradual.

The 10-15 lb difference is not critical.  If you were planning to lose 50 or more pounds, then I agree it would be better to postpone your surgery.  But would not postpone or diet excessively for 10-15 lb weight difference.

Dr Jacobs

[moka]

Thank you Dr. Jacobs.

[Litlriki]

Agree with Dr. Jacobs.  When you're only a short way from your goal weight, post-surgical dieting can actually improve your results.  You shouldn't rush into your diet until you've recovered from the procedure.  Good luck with your surgery.

Rick Silverman

[moka]

Agree with Dr. Jacobs.  When you're only a short way from your goal weight, post-surgical dieting can actually improve your results.  You shouldn't rush into your diet until you've recovered from the procedure.  Good luck with your surgery.

Rick Silverman

That's good to know, I'll do a slow diet post surgery. Thanks.

[DrPensler]

I would guess that a majority of my patients are a bit overweight before surgery.The excess weight tends to mask the gynecomastia. It is not helpful to go on a crash diet prior to surgery,in fact it may be dangerous. A lot of patients increase the exercise and reduce their caloric consumption after surgery.

[moka]

So you are saying that the excess weight is not good but preferable to a crash diet.

[DrPensler]

Correct

[moka]

Correct

Got it.. Thanks