Is it safe to get surgery and general anesthesia after binging and purging in the recent past?

Question

About 4 months ago I lost 90 pounds and my weight is now stable. I have very loose skin on my breasts and am getting a lift / reduction in 20 days. This is my ONLY chance to get this surgery. About 2 months ago I experienced a stressful event in my life and I started binging+purging 2-3 times a week for about 2 months. I have now 100% stopped this habit. I'm 22, female, BMI 20. I eat very healthy food, I stay hydrated, and I exercise. Should I be concerned about the lingering effects of purging?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. My first question would be what was the method of your weight loss? Did you use binging and purging to achieve the weight loss or was it by another method? If so, I would encourage you to seek some professional help prior to proceeding with any sort of cosmetic surgery. With your recent episode and your rapid weight loss, I would make sure you are honest and open with your surgeon. He or she may want to get some nutrition labs pre-op to make sure there are no issues with wound healing. From a strictly scientific standpoint, the purging should not really affect the general anesthesia, but it would also be best to be honest with your anesthesia provider at the time of your procedure.Best of luck!

Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A history of purging should not add any significant risk for surgery as long as the behavior is in the past.  Make sure to tell your surgeon as he/she may want to order additional testing prior to surgery.  Also, be sure to inform your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure.  Good luck.

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight-loss. You mentioned that you started binging and purging two months ago and did so for two months. Does that mean that you just stopped? Recent studies show that wound healing is decreased in massive weight-loss patients (undergoing tummy tuck) and can be  significantly repaired by correcting protein metabolism. This is easiest to measure with a pre-albumin. Total protein and albumin are often tested in common lab panels. Pre-albumin needs to be requested Studies showed that if the pre-albumin was corrected prior surgery then the wound healing was improved. I suggest that you test your protein studies and at the very least, take in adequate amounts of protein prior to your surgery.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your very candid post. I would definitely let your surgeon know on Monday about what's been going on. However, if you are back on a healthy diet w/ plenty of nutrients, and keep that up w/ out any more episodes prior to surgery, I would doubt this would have a major affect on your healing. Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you should let your surgeon know and that allows him/her to refer you to other doctors if he/she feels it is beneficial to your outcome and ability to have this elective procedure.

Is it safe to get surgery and general anesthesia after binging and purging in the recent past?

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Answer: Pre op diet

Answer: Pre op diet

Answer: With a history of eating disorders

Answer: With a history of eating disorders

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Is it safe to get surgery and general anesthesia after binging and purging in the recent past?

Answers (9)

Answer: Pre op diet

Answer: Pre op diet

Answer: With a history of eating disorders

Answer: With a history of eating disorders

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.