We operate a weight loss clinic with our Nurse, Jue who specialises in weight loss for those experiencing prostate issues.
Why do people need to lose weight before surgery?
A patient’s weight can create risks for the patient as well as risks that compromise the success of the surgical method. Too much fat can make surgery difficult and losing weight improves access to the pelvis and reduces the stress of anaesthetic on your body. Those who are overweight or obese may require more time on the operating table and face a higher risk of excess blood loss. There can also be complications from airway pressure due to a surgical position that elevates the feet.
After surgery, being overweight or obese can contribute to poorer urinary and erectile function, higher chances of infection and a greater likelihood that the cancer cells extend to the edge of the excised tissue (positive surgical margins).
Having less weight also makes it easier to regain urinary and sexual function post op.
Evidence has found a possible association between obesity and an increased likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer and prostate cancer-related death, rising PSA levels, less time before emergence of castrate resistance and incidence of other conditions such as cardio-vascular disease. Toxic abdominal fat is a special kind of fat linked to cancer, diabetes and heart disease so many men who develop prostate cancer will also develop these conditions.
What weight loss treatments are available?
Weight loss treatment plans under medical supervision typically involve the monitoring of fat, lean mass and other measures of overall health and fitness. We operate a Medical Rapid Weight Loss Clinic at the Prostate Clinic where our diet and exercise programs are clinically proven to result in a 7.3kg loss in 3 weeks.