Tummy Tuck with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, will I regain the weight afterwards?

Question

I've gained 30+ lbs after struggling for years with Hashimoto's, which is now under control. I've tried everything, yoga, walking, weight training, and I eat healthy at approximately 1,200 calories per day and have not lost an ounce. (This has been going on for years.) I just entered menopause as well. If I have a tummy tuck and body contouring will I regain weight? I've read that with autoimmune diseases that one's body wants to automatically be at a certain weight. Thanks!

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

This is a complex medical scenario, so it is impossible to say if you will regain a significant amount of weight.  However, it is unlikely that your entire result would ever be undone.  The process removes a tremendous amount of fat, and to regain fat in that area becomes all the more difficult.  Discuss further with  your plastic surgeon and endocrinologist. Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  This will depend on how well your thyroid levels are controlled and maintained.  If you are able to obtain medical clearance from your physician who treats your Hashimoto's, then you may be able to proceed with surgery.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Control of your thyroid should be your primary concern by making sure with your physician that you are getting the replacement thyroid hormone thyroxin that you need. Your weight can be influenced by your thyroid level. There is an excellent metrabolic physician in Morristown, Dr Michael Rothkopf, he could help stabilize your weight and loss some inches. see a board certified ASAPS plastic surgeon in consultation for your safest long term options. A tummy tuck and liposuction can take away inches of adipose tissue (fat). We just don't want to do it for naught. Good luck....

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You might gain some weight back, but not where the skin and fat is fully removed from your body. As far as your inability to lose weight on such a strict diet, I believe you need to double check with your physician and consider a medically supervised weight control diet and exercise program for best results with plastic surgery.Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If your thyroid levels can be maintained at normal levels you should probably not gain weight on a good diet and exercise program.

Tummy Tuck with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, will I regain the weight afterwards?

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Tummy Tuck with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, will I regain the weight afterwards?

Answers (6)

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Answer: Thyroid disease and tummy tuck...

Answer: Thyroid diseases and tummy tuck

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