A low carbohydrate diet during the perioperative period for cholecystectomy: Improvement in the body weight and glycemic control for patients with gallstones

Abstract

A 39-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to an attack of gallbladder stones. He complained of poorly controlled diabetes and obesity. Elective cholecystectomy was planned, and a low carbohydrate diet during the perioperative period was recommended. His hemoglobin Ale (HbAlc) was improved from 8.5% (JDS) to 5.6% and his bodyweight was decreased from 97 kg to 88 kg during the 2.5-month interval. We were able to safely perform cholecystectomy. A low carbohydrate diet seems to be safe and effective for improving the condition of patients prior to surgery. Physicians should advise obese patients with diabetes to follow a low carbohydrate diet during the perioperative period, because it can have dramatic effects on the body weight and glycemic control.