Is a large water weight gain common right after a tummy tuck and lipo?

Question

Had a tummy tuck yesterday. I drank a ton of Gatorade all day yesterday because I was so thirsty and stepped on the scales this afternoon and weigh 9 pounds more than yesterday. Is it normal to retain so much fluid? Will it go away if I switch to water? I weighed 136 yesterday and 145 today. I'm 5'7", not overweight to begin with. Is this much edema normal the day after. I expected some swelling, but not this much.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to gain weight immediately post op, especially after lipo.  This extra weight wil go away as your body gets rid of the exta fluid.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes it is very common to gain weight after Tummy Tuck surgery and to hold onto excess water.It is very common for patients to be surprised that they gain weight after Tummy Tuck.  However you are given large amounts of intravenous fluid during surgery, and inflammation from surgery of the abdomen causes the tissues to hold onto this excess fluid.In time the excess water will be eliminated.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

A 9 pound weight gain is not too surprising.  Switching to water will not make much of a difference.Patients often are concerned with increased weight, especially right after surgery.  Fluid retention is a normal response to trauma and surgery is a "traumatic" event.  A majority of the extra weight and fluid will go away in the first few weeks, but it can take a month or more for you to see normal numbers on the scale.If your weight continues to increase over the next week, then further evaluation is required.  Best of luck with your recovery.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Congrats on having a Tummy Tuck yesterday!  Most likely you are retaining water due to the IV fluids and anesthesia.  If this continues, discuss options with your Plastic Surgeon to resolve this.  Follow your post operative instructions for a complete recovery!

Is a large water weight gain common right after a tummy tuck and lipo?

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Answer: Tummy Tuck And Water Weight

Answer: Tummy Tuck And Water Weight

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Is a large water weight gain common right after a tummy tuck and lipo?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck And Water Weight

Answer: Tummy Tuck And Water Weight

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.