Lose the Weight or Lose the Leg

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: November 11, 2025

Call for a Consultation

Overweight person sitting on the ground, clutching a knee with highlighted pain.

How to Preserve Muscle During Weight Loss with Protein

Jul 1, 2026

When most people try to lose weight, they watch one number: the scale. But not all weight loss is...

Please Don’t Drink Your Calories if You’re Focused on Weight Loss

Apr 28, 2026

Liquid calories are fluids consumed as part of your daily diet that often go unnoticed and...

Rock Climbing: Lose Weight on the Wall

Apr 28, 2026

If your weight loss efforts have hit a wall, why not climb it? Rock climbing is becoming an...

Weight Watchers vs. Medical Weight Loss Programs in Scottsdale: Comparing the Results

Apr 28, 2026

Many residents in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Glendale struggle with weight loss plateaus despite...

Arizona Medical Weight Loss Programs vs Online Programs: Which One Provides the Best Results?

Mar 25, 2026

The weight loss landscape has shifted significantly with the rise of digital health platforms....

Is Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?

Feb 27, 2026

Is brown rice better than white rice? Intuitively, one would think that brown rice is much...

« Older Entries

Return To Blog

“Lose the weight or lose the leg.”

It has been over 20 years since I heard these blunt words from my orthopedic trauma surgeon. They still make me feel a little nauseated.

At the time I was in a wheelchair—just two months out from a near-fatal car accident—and engaged in intensive physical therapy to learn how to walk again on a partially amputated lower leg.

In that instant, my lifelong struggle to manage my obesity took on a whole new sense of urgency.

Funny how life can change in an instant. One moment you are driving back to law school singing along to Tom Petty. The next you are in the intensive care unit fighting for your life.

Many patients who come through our doors at Scottsdale Weight Loss Center have a similar sense of weight loss urgency, too. They know they have a deadline, but they need an effective plan. Here’s how you can get there.

Why is weight loss sometimes recommended before surgery?

Many surgeons recommend that patients with obesity achieve a certain pre-operative (pre-op) weight loss percentage or body mass index (BMI) before they will perform a procedure.

This isn’t meant to be mean (although sometimes it feels that way). Surgeons are trying to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

While the use of BMI markers as a primary surgical threshold has come under scrutiny recently, the surgical risks for patients with obesity are well established.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the greater a patient’s weight, the greater the risk to surgical outcomes. These risks include things like failed airways, poor wound healing, infections and blood clots, amongst other complications (Carreira et al. 2022).

Surgical risks aren’t confined to just bone and joint procedures, however. Obesity impacts cardiovascular, abdominal, aesthetics and plastic surgery procedures as well.

Pre-op patients who come to Scottsdale Weight Loss Center are usually highly motivated, but don’t know where to begin. That’s where trusted clinicians, proven science and real results come in.

What is the fastest (and safest) way to lose pre-op weight?

The fastest and safest way to lose weight before surgery includes the following:

Go to an experienced obesity specialist (preferably also trained in internal medicine and/or metabolic health).
Use medical meal replacements (such as soups, bars and shakes) that provide all essential nutrients and are specifically matched to a patient’s needs.
Coordinate pre-op studies, such as EKGs and lab studies, within surgical timeframes to save time and money.
Get a weekly body composition analysis for accountability and to make sure you lose the right kind of weight (fat not muscle).
Receive emotional support on the journey from a multidisciplinary team.

Can I use medications such as GLP’s like Wegovy™, Ozempic™ or Mounjaro™ to help?

Many times, yes—although when these medications need to be held before surgery depends on several factors, such as medication dosing strategy, what other medications you may be taking, and other medical conditions you may have.

Ultimately, this decision is made in conjunction with your surgeon, but new multi-society clinical guidelines released last year provide excellent direction for their use (Kindel et al. 2024).

A surgically mandated deadline for a weight loss journey adds unique stressors to an already daunting task. This is not an easy journey, but with the right plan and the right healthcare team, you will succeed.

Until next time, be safe and be well.

References

Carreira, D. et al. (2022). “Obesity Treatment in Orthopaedic Surgery.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 30(24), e1563-e1570. doi.org 10.5435/JAAOS-D-21-01083.

Kindel, T. et al. (2024). “Multi-society clinical practice guidance for the safe use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the perioperative period.” Surgery for Obesity and Related Disease, 20(12), 1183-1186. doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.08.033.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 415 reviews 
    
  
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 3 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 9 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 11 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 27 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 37 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 44 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 62 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
   Theresa G 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
   Mary K 
 68 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more