Question:
does it hurt less if you lose weight first?

if i lose some weight, will i expereince less pain?    — Mike H. (posted on May 9, 2002)

May 9, 2002
Mike, I don't think the surgery will hurt YOU less, I think some weight loss pre-op will make it easier on your surgeon to reach all the places he needs to reach. But don't do what I did and GAIN about 20 after you find out your surgery date. Cause those are 20 more lbs. I'm still gonna have to lose to get to goal. The "last meals" weren't worth it. Enjoy your journey.
   — blank first name B.

May 9, 2002
No. Weighing less has a postive effect (or can) in other areas, but pain is pain - regardless of weight. I've had major surgery 9 times now (#10 is next week! My abdominoplasty!!) My weight has been all the way from 180 lbs to 340 lbs during those surgeries. No difference in pain experience.
   — Cathy J.

May 10, 2002
I wouldn't say the surgery itself hurt worse, but I think the recovery is more painful the more overweight you are. After surgery, it is suggested that you walk around when possible, and I've noticed that my big stomach pulls the surgery sight down when I walk, and that's when things get a little painful. Plus, everything you try to do puts more stress on the surgery if there is weight dragging it down. It's not unbearable pain, but it is uncomfortable and I feel it wouldn't be as bad if my stomach wasn't so big. That's just my opinion.
   — Kelly M.