Hi, have to have a radical hysterectomy with lymph node and ovary removal too - stage 1b1. My surgeon said as I am over weight and type 2 diabetic he can’t decide between open or laparoscopic. I’m 39 and BMI was 37 at the time. I’m on a huge health kick (protein high and lots of fresh salad and vegetables) so hoping by the time my surgery comes (the 2nd week in September) I will have lost a bit. Has anyone had this done whilst being over weight. I’m still quite active have 4 children, an active job and walk everywhere getting 10000 steps in almost always. Just looking for some real life similar situations and experiences. Thank you
Hi Tracy3210
I don’t have the same experience as my cancer was too advanced at diagnosis for surgery, but I did have major surgery including a hysterectomy when my cancer recurred.
I was a bit overweight at the time of my surgery, but not by too much and surgery in my case had to be done, so my weight wasn’t a priority at the time. I’ve just recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, so have done the same as you-changed my diet to include a lot of protein and salad etc.
You are clearly very active, so that will really help you, and you should lose weight as part of your new eating plan. Being overweight can cause more issues with surgery, and the general anaesthetic, but being fit and healthy is the most important thing to help with the operation and recovery.
The type of surgery I had could only be done as open abdominal surgery, and sometimes with the radical hysterectomy it just can’t be done laparoscopically. The recovery time would be longer with open surgery compared to laparoscopic, but if the surgeon feels that would be best then that’s the way it should be done. Healing may take longer being diabetic, but you will be well supported.
It’s not long till your op so I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you’ll let us know how it goes.
Sarah xx
