How Do I Maintain or Even Lose Weight While in Recovery from a Breast Reduction?

Question

I just had a breast reduction exactly a week ago. I am a dancer and my biggest fear is gaining weight or becoming too out of shape while in recovery. I am eating healthily and love health food. I am however the body type that gains weight easily. I have lost weight from the surgery and medication and I don't want to gain it back. I am 5"4' and currently weigh 138lbs. I want to be 130lbs especially as I'm about to leave for college. Please help.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	It sounds like you are eating well, and that is very important for quick healing after surgery. To be sure, after any trauma, which includes surgery, the body's need for protein (and calories) increases. Normally, you should consume about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, or about 62 gms for you.  However, after surgery, your body should get 25% more in the first month. 

	Being that you are young, and in the normal weight range, using weight to measure your body's status is not recommended. What you should really be interested in is maintaining lean body mass (muscle) and maintaining or loosing body fat.  Given your height and weight, I'd say your percentage of body fat is in a reasonable zone, and does not need much reduction.

	The easiest way to assess your body fat without high tech and expensive machines is the pinch test in the mirror!  Keep an eye on the thickness of your skin pinch at various locations: belly, upper arm, side of your chest, front of your thigh, and waist. This and how your clothes fit will tell you if you are getting leaner or not. Your scale can't differentiate between loss of fat, water, or muscle. 

	Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Breast reduction is often a springboard to further weight loss patients become more athletic with the large breasts out-of-the-way. Short-term be cognizant of your diet and exercise within the restrictions laid forth by your plastic surgeon.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Trying to lose weight while recovering from surgery is not a good idea, your body needs all nutrients while healing. Sounds like you are eating healthy...continue to do so, drink lots of water and take a good multiple vitamin, follow your surgeons instructions on how soon before you can start exercising, I warn my patients that strenuous exercise should be avoided for three to four weeks following surgery as this can still cause swelling to recur. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Allow your self to heal and modify your diet so that you are not overeating. Once you get back to your ability to exercise then you should be fine.

How Do I Maintain or Even Lose Weight While in Recovery from a Breast Reduction?

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