If you’re one of the estimated one million Americans having total hip or knee replacement surgery this year, some lifestyle changes might improve your chances of a good outcome, an expert says.
Lose weight safely through diet and exercise before surgery, said orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Abdel. The target body mass index (BMI) — an estimate of body fat based on weight and height — is less than 40, but the closer you can get to a BMI of 25 to 30, the better, added Abdel, who specializes in hip and knee replacement at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Even losing 20 pounds before hip or knee replacement surgery improves outcomes, he said. Here are some of his other suggestions:
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