I just had a Tummy tuck and lipo 2 days ago but noticed I only lost 6 pounds. Any suggestions?

Question

I had large volume lipo and a tummy tuck but I didn't loose too many pounds yet? Do you know why?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You should not weigh yourself, as you are swollen with water, adding much additional weight. A good time to weigh yourself is in 3 to 6 months. Having said that, body weight is not a good measure of body composition, so I tell my patients to throw out or give away their scales. Best of luck!

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

Having had surgery just two days ago, your body is
still in the very early stages of its healing process. Your body is swollen and
retaining fluid, which can actually add weight rather than take it away.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that a tummy tuck and liposuction
aren’t the same as a weight loss procedure, so you won’t necessarily see a
drastic drop in pounds. Instead, the real testament to your results will be how
your clothes fit and how you feel. Try not to get too hung up in a numbers
game.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello, Thank you for your question. It's too early into your recovery to make any final judgements. You may be retaining water and are swollen. Take care.

Jeffrey G. Lind II, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  As others have mentioned, a tummy tuck and lipo is not meant to be a weight loss procedure.  However, they will decrease your weight by a few pounds.  This early in the post-operative period your body is retaining a lot of water and tumescent solution from the liposuction so your true weight will not be known for some time.  Don't worry and just concentrate on healing well.  Best of luck to you.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is still early in your recovery to see true results as you are probably swollen and your body might be retaining water. I would suggest giving it more time. All the best in your recovery,

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Greetings Nicky. I'm surprised you've lost any weight at all at this stage. Usually people gain about 5 to 10 pounds of water retention before you see the weight loss. Ask your PS how much was removed in weight, but remember these plastic surgery operations are not equivelant to weight loss surgery. Best, Dr. Aldo

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Nicky,Scales don't reflect true results however if you have any questions, please contact your plastic surgeon.Dr. Daniel BarrettBeverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. TT and lipo surprisingly do not cause a significant weight loss. Often times right after surgery you may weigh more as you retain the extra fluid added at surgery. When the swelling goes down you will have a better idea of your actual weight. Best, Dr. Kludt

John M. Trupiano, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.I am surprised to hear that you weigh six pounds less only two days after surgery. Your body will be retaining fluid that you received through your IV and the liposuction fluid. The majority of swelling will resolve by six weeks and your body contour may continue to improve for about six months if you maintain your weight.Remember that tummy tuck and liposuction are body contouring procedures and not weight loss procedures. You may lose a few pounds from these combined procedures but not an overwhelming amount of weight.I hope this helps and that you have a speedy recovery.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear Nicky1627,Your body retains water after surgery, and this usually resolves by 1-2 weeks. Your current weight is not a true reflection of your previous weight minus what was removed. It is reasonable for patients to weigh themselves weekly after body contouring as they should see it gradually drop, and then the goal is not to see it creep back up during your convalescence when your activity level is low and comfort foods sound so tempting.

I just had a Tummy tuck and lipo 2 days ago but noticed I only lost 6 pounds. Any suggestions?

Answers (12)

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