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​Is it ok to take Phentermine before a Tummy Tuck?

I'm having a Tummy Tuck in February. I'm trying to lose couple of more lbs .I have Phentermine, is this OK to take?


Doctor Answers 8

January 10th, 2014

Safe

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Thank you for the question.

I believe you have to consider having this talk with your PS and Anesthesiologist due to the fact that this or any other drug might have a side effect if combined with other medication applied during your surgical procedure.

Dr. Campos
Jaime Campos Leon, MD
October 5th, 2016

​Is it ok to take Phentermine before a Tummy Tuck

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Thank you for your question.  Phenteremine will interfere with your anesthesia and may cause complications.  You must discontinue weight loss supplements such as phentermine 2-6 weeks before surgery.  Ask your surgeon for his recommendations when to stop.  

Jeff Angobaldo, MD
January 29th, 2014

Is it ok to take Phentermine before a Tummy Tuck?

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I ask my patients to stop taking any diet pills or supplements at least 3-4 weeks prior to surgery.  It would be to your benefit to discuss this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist before taking anything.  ac

Angela Champion, MD
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

January 9th, 2014

Stop all diet pills before surgery

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You should stop Phentermine and any diet pills for at least 10 days before surgery as they can interfere with some forms of anesthesia. Discuss this in detail with your surgeon and/or anesthesiologist prior to having your procedure.

Best wishes,
Dr.Bruno
William Bruno, MD
January 9th, 2014

Phentermine before BA? #breastimplants

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This is not a medication I would suggest that you take before surgery. Nor should you use it without being supervised by a physician. It can cause heart problems if not monitored correctly. So I would not take this medication prior to surgery because in addition it can interact with anesthetic medications.

Richard J. Brown, MD
January 7th, 2014

​Is it ok to take Phentermine before a Tummy Tuck?

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You would definitely want to be off the phentermine before surgery due to the risk of anesthetic complications. Check with your doctor and/or anesthesiologist to find out when they want youj to stop the med.
Ronald V. DeMars, MD
January 7th, 2014

Stop Meds

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The best practice is to stop all weight loss and diet pills (including medications like phenteramine) before surgery.  They can have interactions with anesthesia. I typically recommend to stop these meds 2 weeks before surgery.  Although some physicians may recommend stopping them a few days before surgery.
Arthur M. Cambeiro, MD
January 6th, 2014

Phentermine

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Phentermine may have drug interactions with various anesthetic agents, and best practice would be to stop about a week before surgery. The "half-life" of the medicine is almost a day, so it does take a while to be removed from the body once intake has ceased. 

It will be best to discuss specifics with your surgeon if this doesn't entire answer the question. Thanks, good luck with your upcoming procedure.

All the best. 

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.