For cystic fibrosis patients, their chronic infections and impaired gastrointestinal absorption also contribute to their malnourished state. Nutritional supplements are usually indicated for these patients and in extreme cases, direct feeds into their GI tract through gastrotomy tubes may be in order. Overweight patients are also at increased risk of complications related to the surgery. Weight reduction can be extremely difficult because dieting should always be accompanied by a regimen of exercise. Exercise, needless to say, can be problematic for patients requiring a lung transplant.
Weight reduction is always best accomplished under the auspices of a registered dietitian.