Do you have to lose weight if obese to get transplant?

Good Question: This is a controversial area. Several large center and registry studies demonstrate that obese recipients (body mass index over 35 kg/m2) have more problems than the non-obese after transplant and immunosuppression. It is best that a recipient is under this weight class. Some centers adhere to this limitation more than others.

Depends: Most solid organ transplant centers have a weight limit or maximum body mass index (bmi) for recipients. This not only varies from center to center but also varies depending on the organ being transplanted. Our center has a maximum bmi of 30 for pancreas transplant recipients, 35 for kidney as well as lung recipients, but no limit for liver recipients (we have transplanted patients in the 50s).

Pancreas transplant: If obese, you should try to lose weight because of the associated comorbidities. Obesity is not an absolute contraindication to pancreas transplant, but it is a risk factor for complications. Patients must be examined individually by an experienced transplant surgeon in order to determine candidacy. Obesity can also lead to post transplant type 2 dm. Bariatric surgery is also an option prior to tx.