How Much Weight Do I Need to Lose to Be Eligible for a Mommy Makeover? (photo)

It sounds like you have been working very hard with your rigorous exercise and diet programs.  Congratulations on all your hard work!  I think that it is very common for moms to "hit a wall" at this point when you are already working so hard with your diet and exercise.  I do not have any "specific" weight loss requirements in order to be "eligible" for a mommy makeover.  In viewing your photo that you provided and based on your weight now, I would say you are ready now and do not "have" to lose any further weight.  Some traditional plastic surgeons still "require" a certain amount of weight loss prior to surgery; however, I have found that it does not enhance the results.  I have found the contrary actually, in that patients that are working hard need something to help them get over "the hump".  A mommy makeover is something I specialize in and it helps rejuvenate the breast and tummy in particular which are the areas of the body that change the most with pregnancy.  I have found that by "doing it now" with the mommy makeover, the motivation that patients experience after seeing the surgical changes only further drives them to "build" on their results with further diet and exercise.

Congratulations on your healthy lifestyle;  I would suggest that you continue to do what you are doing until you have achieved a long-term stable weight. The specific weight you achieve is not of utmost importance;  most important is that you do not fluctuate significantly after surgery.

 As you know, achieving your long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with body contouring surgery will help minimize risks associated with the surgery and help diminish chances that additional surgery will be necessary down the line.

 When you have achieved long-term stable weight, regardless of the specific number, seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.

Since you are contemplating major surgery, I have included some advice I typically provide to patients undergoing these procedures:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.

5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

 Keep up the good work!