Weight maintenance after breast reduction and panniculectomy

Question

I am just curious. I have actually had two procedures. I had a breast reduction and a panniculectomy. I have not changed my caloric intake. Though I have tried. I still tend to binge. They took off 9 lbs of breast tissue and a little over 12 lbs of pannus tissue. The breast reduction was in Oct 2021 and the panniculectomy was in Nov of 2022. I am curious as to why I haven't gained any weight back. Especially since I was told I eat too much.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding weight maintenance after breast reduction and panniculectomy.

After significant weight reduction surgery, it's crucial to understand that your body undergoes a sort of "reset". This means that after the removal of skin and fat, your body recalibrates and establishes a new baseline weight. This intricate process involves a synergy between your brain, stomach, and fat cells.

It's essential to note that these surgeries are not a free pass to indulge in unhealthy eating habits. The weight removed during surgery should not be seen as an opportunity to regain it. Instead, your focus should shift towards adopting healthier habits and potentially losing even more weight to enhance your overall health.

If you find yourself struggling with weight loss post-surgery, I strongly recommend seeking guidance from a registered dietitian and a medical doctor specializing in weight management. There are also several FDA-approved medications available, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which may assist in your weight loss journey.

Thank you for your question. I wish you all the best as you navigate this post-surgical period.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There's no easy answer to answer this.  It could be related to something medical (ie thyroid) or increase in activity, sleeping better, etc.  I encourage you to visit with your primary care physician for a physical and to ensure lab values are normal.

Weight maintenance after breast reduction and panniculectomy

Answers (2)

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