When preparing for any surgery, maintaining a healthy weight can make a significant difference. It’s not unusual for orthopedic surgeons to ask overweight patients to slim down beforehand or for bariatric surgery candidates to meet with a dietitian to shed some pounds before their procedure. Why? Because excess body fat—especially around the abdomen and liver—raises the risk of complications and makes surgery more challenging.The same logic applies to men facing prostate cancer surgery. The prostate gland sits deep within the pelvis, making it a complex area to access during surgery. For men who carry extra weight—particularly in the abdominal area—the procedure can be more time-consuming and complex, even when advanced robotic-assisted techniques are used. This may affect critical outcomes like urinary control and sexual function after surgery.A 2023 study in the journal Surgery found that patients with obesity face worse surgical outcomes. On the other hand, patients who followed a low-calorie diet and exercised before surgery experienced improvements in body composition and blood pressure—both of which can enhance surgical safety and recovery.
3 Key Reasons to Lose Weight Before Prostate Cancer Surgery
There are several compelling reasons for men to consider weight loss before undergoing surgery. Here are the top three:
1. Reduced Risk of Poor Wound Healing
Excess body fat can hinder wound healing by decreasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the surgical site. This not only slows recovery but also increases the risk of infection. For men with diabetes, the danger is even greater. Post-surgical infections may require hospitalization or even additional surgeries.
2. Fewer Complications with Anesthesia
Administering anesthesia to overweight or obese patients comes with added challenges:
It’s more challenging to locate veins for IV access.
Calculating safe and effective medication doses becomes more complex.
Inserting a breathing tube may be more difficult.
Obese patients often have reduced airflow and oxygen levels, especially if they have sleep apnea.
Recovery time from anesthesia is typically longer.
These factors can complicate both the surgery and the recovery process.
3. Less Strain on the Heart
Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on the heart—especially during surgery. This increases the risk of heart-related events such as heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and blood clots. Blood clots are especially dangerous, as they can develop in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), both of which can be life-threatening.
How to Prepare Your Body for Surgery
Getting in shape before surgery doesn’t mean you need to be in peak athletic condition. But even modest weight loss can go a long way in reducing risks and improving recovery. Here’s how to get started:
Consult a registered dietitian to create a tailored eating plan.
Set weekly, achievable goals to stay on track.
Weigh yourself daily—preferably in the morning, wearing minimal clothing and on a hard, flat surface—to monitor progress.
Track your food intake if it helps you stay accountable.
Incorporate regular exercise, including aerobic workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises, most days of the week.
Losing weight isn’t easy, but the benefits—especially when preparing for a major surgery like a robotic prostatectomy—are undeniable. With support from your healthcare team and a focused approach, you can improve your odds of a smoother surgery and a faster recovery.Dr. David Samadiis the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guice to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
