Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Yes, they can. Weekly weight-loss injections slow how fast the stomach empties, so the anaesthetist must know about them before a planned repair.
- Do not stop or skip a dose on your own. The team will tell you whether to hold a dose before surgery, and when.
- Tell the team the name of the injection, the day you take it and when you started. Bring the pen or box with you.
Weekly injections for weight loss or blood sugar are now common. Many people who need a hernia repair are taking one.
These injections are useful. But they change how the stomach works, and that matters for anaesthesia. This page explains why.
How these injections affect the stomach
The injections make you feel full for longer. One way they do this is by slowing how fast the stomach empties.
So food can stay in the stomach for longer than usual, even after the normal fasting time before an operation.
Why this matters for anaesthesia
Under general anaesthesia, the body's normal reflexes are switched off. If the stomach is not empty, food can come up and enter the lungs. This is rare, but serious.
That is why the anaesthetist must know. They may ask you to hold a dose, follow a liquid diet for a day, or fast for longer.
Weight-loss injections around a hernia repair
Weight-loss injections around a hernia repair
| Question | Usual answer | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Tell the team? | Yes, at the first visit | You |
| Hold a dose before surgery? | Sometimes; only as advised | Anaesthetist |
| Fasting the same as usual? | May be longer or need a liquid diet | Anaesthetist |
| Taken for diabetes? | Sugar plan may change around surgery | Physician |
| When to restart? | Once eating normally, as advised | Surgeon and physician |
Taking a weekly weight-loss or sugar injection and planning a hernia repair? Bring the name and day of your dose.
Do not change the dose yourself
Do not stop, skip or double a dose without advice. If you take the injection for diabetes, stopping it can push your sugar up.
Tell the team the name of the injection, the dose and the day of the week you take it. They will give you a clear plan for the days before surgery.
Weight loss and a belly hernia
For a large belly or scar hernia, losing weight before a planned repair can help. The operation may be easier and the wound may heal better.
Your surgeon will tell you if waiting to lose weight is safe for your hernia. A stuck or painful hernia is never left to wait.
After the operation, the team will tell you when to restart your injection. This is usually once you are eating and drinking normally again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery while on weight-loss injections?
Yes, in most cases. Tell the team at the first visit. They will plan the fasting and the last dose with you.
Why do these injections matter for anaesthesia?
They slow how fast the stomach empties. Food can stay in the stomach longer, even after normal fasting.
Should I stop my injection before surgery?
Do not stop or skip it on your own. The team will tell you if a dose should be held and when.
What if I take them for diabetes?
Tell the team. Your sugar plan around surgery may need to change, and your physician may be involved.
Can losing weight help my hernia repair?
For a large belly hernia, losing weight before a planned repair can make the operation and recovery easier.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.