Each year, there are thousands of people waiting for a kidney or liver transplant in the U.S. Some of those transplant candidates are living with diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, which can sometimes complicate transplant surgery.

Dr. Shennen Mao, a Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon, offers advice on preparing patients for the lifesaving operations.

Obesity often plays a significant role in a patient’s transplant journey. Excess body weight can contribute to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which can cause harm to vital organs.

“Obesity can also lead to worsening or progression of kidney failure and worse outcomes after either liver or kidney transplant,” says Dr. Mao.

She says it’s important that healthcare professionals give patients the tools they need to manage obesity before undergoing liver and kidney transplant operations.

Planning for transplant surgery. “This could include medications, dietary counseling and, in some cases, partnership with our bariatric surgical colleagues to perform bariatric surgery either at the time of transplant or in preparation for transplant,” says Dr. Mao.

Injectable diet drugs are an option for some people, while others might opt for surgery.

“We typically recommend a sleeve gastrectomy, which is a restrictive procedure, meaning it limits the amount of food an individual can eat at one time,” she says.

Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly can improve transplant outcomes.

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