Pre op for hysterectomy bmi too high?

[Jasmineleah]

Hi ladies,

I have my pre op for my hysterectomy on Monday and I read the other day that some hospitals will refuse you if you have a bmi that is too high. I’m panicking because I used to have a bmi of around 33, but since I’ve gotten really bad with adenomyosis, I have nerves that are trapped and can’t walk around my own house so I haven’t been able to keep up with the hill waking that I love so much and have gained around 2 stone in the last 6 months. Comfort eating because I’m so miserable trapped in all the time hasn’t helped either. Anyway, I weighed myself yesterday and it puts me at 38 or 39.9 depending on what height they measure me at. I’ve put myself on a crash diet I’m so worried. Has anyone else been allowed to have a hysterectomy despite having a high bmi?

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

Sorry I can’t help with specifics. They do have concerns about BMI, remember they still do emergency ops, no option there for accidents, I’ve known people really overweight have ops.

It’s dependant on who’s doing op, etc. They’ll talk to you about it and go from there, they may just tell you the risks as part of op and make a note that you’ve been told. Try not to worry until you see them.

It’s very much catch 22, try not to be too hard on yourself.

Let us know what happens. 🙂

[Missa9847]

Hi Jasmineleah, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy last March. I was asked to lose a bit of weight in the lead up, I think my BMI was 37. The gynaecologist didn't track what I'd lost, although I think it was about a stone. They really are trying to get you in the healthiest place for surgery. The surgery went fine and there were no complications. I appreciate your surgeon may not have seen you recently to assess if all ok still. If you are concerned email their secretary for advice on whether BMI change will alter the plans. I found the 'hyster sisters' website really helpful as you can keep in touch with others to understand week by week progress and how you'll feel. Be kind to yourself, hysterectomy is a big thing and lots of people put weight on in lockdown. I hope all goes well for you xx

[Missy100]

It is hard to maintain your weight (or lose) when you are chronically sick and have your mobility challenged. Lockdown doesn't improve the situation either.

I was told at one point that I couldn't have a lap due to my BMI and the trust I was being seen by refusing non life threatening surgery to anyone over a specific BMI. However, after a long road am now being seen by a BGSE specialist (through the same trust) and have been advised that although a high BMI runs higher surgery risks it doesn't mean they can't do a lap/hysterectomy (as both were part of the discussion). I was told that if my GP supports having surgery for the reasons it is being suggested (I presume it is because they do your over all health so know any other factors that might make it a poor choice) they can proceed with the surgery.

If for any reason you hit a wall, my advice is to challenge it and, if need be, ask for another opinion. However, the fact that they've put you forward for your presurgery suggests that they have already taken it into consideration and choose to proceed. I've never gotten to the point of a presurgery and had my weight newly challenged. In my experiences the preop is usually done by a nurse who is working through a checklist (which does include height and weight).

What might cause you issues is if your blood pressure is too high, so try to do anything you can to be relaxed for both the preop and the on the day, including letting them know if you have any special needs or concerns or questions that will help you feel more prepared and less worried.