How to Lose Weight After Tummy Tuck?

Plastic surgery is usally very motivating and patients see the changes afterwards and usually want to keep going with their diet and exercise, but we all lapse and fall into bad habits and sometimes need a bit of help. Diet is really 2/3 of the issue with weight gain. Getting a nutrionist and finding out what you eat, how much, when, etc. is very important. Exercise is also important and getting a trainer is helpful in showing what kind of exercise will burn the calories, etc.
Fixing those issues will drop the 10 lbs right off, especially the diet. I have many patients that "go to the gym" but really don't know what to do at the gym (in terms of which machines, how to target specific muscle groups, etc.) and they lapse into eating burgers and fries all the time and wonder why they are gaining weight.
It is also very important to point one that in a standard routine tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), there is usually not ANYTHING done to the fat in the upper abdomen because of concerns with blood supply that can jeopardize circulation to the skin in the lower abdomen. There are some techniques that are more aggressive involving lipo in the upper abdomen at the same time as the tummy tuck but it is more risky and most of us don't do this. A tummy tuck removes the loose skin from the pubis to the belly button and often there is some liposuction on the flanks and hips, but not much to the upper abdomen for this reason. What results is often a disproportion between the upper and lower abdomen. The lower abdomen is usually flat and straight and the upper abdomen will often be a bit thicker and still have much of the fat it had prior to surgery.
I tell all my tummy tuck patients that at 3 months after the surgery, we often schedule ahead of time a 1 hour completion liposuction procedure that will contour out the rest of the upper abdomen to bring it "back into balance" and complete the procedure. So even with all the exercise and diet in the world, it is very likely you will still have some upper abdominal fullness unless it is addressed with focal lipoplasty by a plastic surgeon.
I hope this helps!

Dear Miss Kitty,

It's understandable to want to maintain the results of your tummy tuck surgery and address any weight gain or concerns about fatty deposits. Here are some recommendations to help you shed those extra pounds and maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Healthy Eating Habits: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive calorie intake. Consider consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized dietary advice tailored to your needs and goals.

Regular Exercise: Incorporate a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

Monitor Portion Sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overeating. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, and aim to eat slowly and mindfully.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support overall health and well-being. Limit intake of sugary beverages and alcohol, which can contribute to weight gain.

Consider Weight Loss Medication: If diet and exercise alone are not effective in shedding the extra weight, you may discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of using weight loss medications. Medications like Mounjaro can be prescribed under medical supervision to aid in weight loss when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient.

Address Fatty Deposits: If you have specific areas of concern, such as fatty deposits at the top of your waist, you may explore targeted exercises or consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss potential treatment options, such as liposuction or non-surgical fat reduction procedures.

Remember that sustainable weight loss takes time and requires a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. It's essential to approach weight loss in a gradual and realistic manner to achieve long-term success.

If you have any concerns or questions about your weight loss journey, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or a qualified weight loss specialist for guidance and support.

Wishing you success on your journey to a healthier, happier you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Obviously, the best option is to achieve long term control and this may best be done by consulting with a nutrionist. Many of my paitents find that weight watchers or jenny craig are excellent alternatives.
Avoid fad diets, tablets, or pills as these are only short term solutions that are doomed to fail once your stop.