Why Do I Weigh 8 Pounds Heavier One Week Post Op?

Immediately after a tummy tuck your body weight may be higher due to the IV fluids you received during the surgery as well as the infiltrate that was administered during the liposuction. Your body will eliminate the majority of  this fluid (and weight) as time goes on. Don't be too concerned with your weight as much as your contour; your weight will come down eventually.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

All of this weight is meaningless.  You will lose it again.   It is a combination of things, but is mostly due to swelling.  Be patient.

Thank you for your questions regarding why you weigh more now than you did before your abdominoplasty and liposuction. This is normal. During your surgery, you are given fluids through an IV. After the surgery, you are also encouraged to drink fluids.  Due to the surgery, your body's reaction is to hold onto as much fluid as possible to assist in healing.  Once the "coast is clear," your body releases this fluid, and you excrete this extra fluid through your kidneys. This is called post-operative edema or swelling. Compression garments help to minimize the post-operative swelling. You are still encouraged to drink fluid because that is what your body needs. Since you are concerned, I would suggest you follow up with your plastic surgeon just to make sure that this is normal post-operative swelling. However, in most cases, it is almost always just swelling. If you had a history of having to take diuretics or fluid pills in the past, you might need to take a fluid pill to assist in mobilizing some of this fluid. Thank you for the questions regarding weighing more after a tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding post-operative weight gain after a tummy tuck, please call my office.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

At this time, please don’t weigh yourself, because you’ll be disappointed that you may be heavier than you were pre-surgery. This is all related to swelling that’s common after surgery. Fluid retention contributes to a heavier weight, but as you heal, you’ll find that the swelling decreases, along with your weight.

Be nice to yourself, stop stressing and hide the scale! it is normal for there to be swelling and fluid retention after surgery. Continue to wear your compression garment, follow your doctors instructions about getting up and moving around. This is all a part of the healing process. Be patient, relax, and be confident that you will be looking fantastic in a few weeks time.

Swelling is common after surgery and you'll find that it adds the pounds as well. Allow yourself a couple of months for the majority of swelling to subside, as this is generally how long it takes. You'll find that your weight will gradually reduce as the swelling subsides.Tips to help swelling:drink fresh water and go to the washroom regularlycut down on saltleisurely walk around to keep your circulation goingwear your compression garment as advisedPlease talk to your surgeon if swelling is of particular concern, as they may be able to help you with advice specific to your situation. Best of luck!