Abstract
Obesity is a relative contraindication for heart and lung transplantation at most transplant centers. Surgical risks are higher for obese patients, and 1 study suggests that obesity is significantly correlated with higher posttransplant death rates in cardiac transplantation. Obesity is a restrictive disease that contributes to exercise intolerance in patients with lung disease. A weight management group was formed at a transplant center to help obese patients with heart and/or lung disease lose weight and maintain their goal weight, with the hope of decreasing their waiting time to be listed for transplantation and their incidence of weight-related complications. Some patients experienced symptomatic improvment, which delayed their need for heart or lung transplantation.
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