At Iowa Ortho, we want you to feel confident, strong, and prepared before surgery. One important step is achieving a healthier weight, which can significantly improve your recovery.
Why Weight Matters
Even small changes can:
- Reduce pressure on the joints
- Lower surgical complication risks
- Improve mobility and comfort
- Support long-term implant success
How We Support You
We recognize that weight management can be challenging, particularly when joint pain limits physical activity. While Iowa Ortho does not provide nutrition counseling or prescribe weight-management medications, our team helps guide patients toward appropriate resources as part of their surgical preparation. Support may include:
- Personalized pre-habilitation (pre-hab) programs focused on surgical readiness
- Physical therapy designed to promote safe, joint-conscious strengthening
- Referrals to independent providers for nutrition and lifestyle support
- Referrals to medical weight-management specialists, when appropriate
- Care coordination with outside providers who can assess eligibility for weight-management medications, including GLP-1 therapies
Our role is to support your overall surgical readiness by coordinating care and connecting you with the resources best suited to your individual needs.
GLP-1 Medications: What to Know
For some patients, medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists may support safe, effective weight loss. These medications may:
- Help control appetite
- Promote steady weight loss
- Improve metabolic health
A weight-management provider can determine whether this option is right for you.
Your Success Is Our Priority
We’re here to help you feel your best before surgery and set the stage for a smooth recovery.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment with an Iowa Ortho provider to discuss how to prepare for joint replacement and whether referrals to additional resources may be appropriate.
Disclaimer:
Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Iowa Ortho does not provide nutrition counseling or prescribe weight-management medications. Referrals to outside providers do not imply endorsement of specific treatments. Eligibility for any medical or weight-management therapy, including medications, is determined solely by the treating provider based on an individual evaluation.