Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS

My Weigh Before Tummy Tuck Procedure Was 3 Pounds Less Than After 9 Weeks After the Procedure, How is this Possible?

Dr. Cooper
 

My Weigh Before Tummy Tuck Procedure Was 3 Pounds Less Than After 9 Weeks After the Procedure, How is this Possible?

-It is very common to notice that you actually weigh more after a tummy tuck than you did before, but this is not permanent!  We note this to be more common in patients who have lost a lot of weight prior to their tummy tuck.  (I'm not sure if you fall into this category or not.)

-There are a couple reasons that this may occur.  After a tummy tuck (and additionally, after liposuction) your body simply swells in reaction to the procedure.  This swelling is just the body's response to the huge operation that you underwent.  Additionally, some of the lymphatic channels of your abdomen have been disrupted, and it takes time for your body to redirect the fluid that the lymphatics used to take care of. 

-This process of your body getting rid of excess fluid can take MONTHS, occasionally as long as a year, so even at 9 weeks you still may weigh more than you did before your procedure.  It is not uncommon in fact to hear patients (especially those who have lost a lot of weight prior to their tummy tuck) say that they can't fit into the clothes they were wearing pre-operatively for months after their operation.

-It's difficult, but try to remain patient as your body adjusts to the major operation you underwent.  It can take months to see the final results!

 

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