Article: Hysterectomy Planned and Overweight - Any Special Challenges?

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Article: Hysterectomy Planned and Overweight - Any Special Challenges?
Overweight - Any Special Challenges?

I am having a TAH next month and I am about 75 pounds overweight. Are there any particular challenges I can anticipate because of my weight? If so, any advice?

If you have an excess of belly fat, it will increase the time of surgery and may complicate the procedure because the larger-than-usual fat layer will be in the way of the surgeon and will likely require a bigger incision. There will also be a higher-than-usual chance of developing a wound-healing problem (such as infection) and the incision might take longer to close than for smaller patients. However, your surgeon is obviously aware of your weight and would not perform the surgery if it were not reasonably safe for you.

Because overweight people tend to experience sleep apnea more often then others, after surgery your doctor may have you spend your first night in the ICU if you show signs of sleep apnea.

If you are very overweight it is easy to develop rashes or yeast infections in the extra folds on your body, especially in the abdominal area. After bathing or showering, you may want to use a blow dryer to help ensure thorough drying. Any special at-home post-op care instructions should be conveyed to you at the time you are discharged from the hospital.

Overweight patients sometimes experience more difficulty "getting around" (like getting in and out of bed) after surgery.

Overall, however -- it's your general health which determines your fitness for surgery. Weight is only one of those considerations. By all means, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Many overweight women experience a “textbook” surgery and recovery.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.