How can I lose weight safely

[crystalwolfspirit]

I have a 4.5 cm aneurysm in my aortic arch and I need to lose weight before they will do the surgery that I need I am scared to death I dont want to die is there a deit and exercises I can do that wont hurt me but help me to lose this weight?
Sincerely,
Crystal

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again!

Well, bicuspid aortic valves are often associated with aortic stenosis (narrowing)/ coarctation of the aorta/ Aortic regurgitation (backflow); thus impairing the normal functioning of the heart, which may require a surgical resolution. Well, as for the weight loss I would suggest continuing the physical activities as you are already doing. It is also important to know that a diet plan is not about cutting down calories; it’s about ‘healthy’ eating. With cutting on diet one may initially lose weight but this may remain static or increase later due to fat accumulation. When one cuts down on calories, the body sends a signal to the brain which in turn turns on the ‘stress hormones’ and the body switches into the ‘starvation mode’ and paradoxically one may notice no change in weight or an increased weight and fat accumulation. One would need adequate amount of calories to support the basic metabolic functions and if you work out vigorously, your required calorie intake rises. Hence it is highly advised to take a healthy balanced diet with physical exercises. With gradual consistent efforts, you should be able to lose weight.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[crystalwolfspirit]

Well thank you for writing back but I don't smoke and never have I have had asthma all my life and I was in abusive relationship and when they found out about the aneurysm they also found out that I have a bi cuspid valve instead of a tri cuspid valve....I do walk 5 miles every day and swim everyother day I am not one to just sit around and plus I do eat a very low carbohydrate low sodium diet....I was told by to heart surgeons that I would need the surgery to fix that and the valveand if I don't have it that if it goes I only have 10 minutes to make it to surgery and that I cant lift anything over 10 pounds and I can't get stressed out

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

A 4.5cm aneurysm would not generally require a surgical repair unless associated with other significant risk factors such as increased expansion, hypertension etc. Also weight is not a criterion for undergoing surgery. Smoking cessation and other lifestyle changes may be helpful in controlling the morbidity in such cases. Nonetheless if you aim to lose weight, it is best achieved through diet modification (balanced diet with slightly low carbohydrates and fat, and slightly increased amount of protein) and prolonged low grade exercises like walking, swimming etc. Strenuous exercises are better avoided.
Hope this helps.

Take care!