3 weeks before Mommy Makeover. Should I keep losing weight until then?

Thanks so much for your question!  It is always a very good idea to keep on track with your healthy habits before surgery.  It will help you maintain healthy habits after surgery and you will have optimal results.  The closer you get to your goal weight the better the post operative results.  Remember you will not be able to exercise for six to eight weeks post operatively, so even if you lose more then you planned,  you will have some down time that may cause you to pick up some weight.  If you get to your goal weight, then you will be so happy with your body after your surgery.  Good Luck and keep working hard.Dr. Lane F. Smith

Most Board Certified Plastic Surgeons would like their patients to be about their goal weight before surgery. One would rather not operate on someone, have them lose 100 lbs., and then have to do that operation again.  There is a significant increase in complications in heavier patients.  This includes a very high increase in the wounds, (that will be on tension in a Mommy Makeover), falling apart.  Each Plastic Surgeon has their own "window" where they feel comfortable enough operating.  Talk to your Plastic Surgeon.  Together you will make a safe plan.

It is best to undergo #MommyMakeover procedures when your weight has been stable for at least one year. But it's great to be caring for yourself up until the surgery with exercise, healthy eating habits and additional healthy choices as the #MMO is not a substitute to weight loss.

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to bring a woman’s body back to the way she looked prior to pregnancy. Most commonly some variation of a #TummyTuck and #BreastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, or #breastreduction. 

In addition to a one-on-one consultations with a board certified Plastic Surgeon, patients always need to be seen by their primary care doctor prior to such procedures.  We screen every patient and their medical records for risks of blood clots (DVT) and then take appropriate measures.  MWL (massive weight loss patients of  75 lbs or more) tend to have poor skin elasticity and will frequently need additional tightening even afte 6 -12 months regardless of who or how their surgery is performed. This is simply the nature of such body tissues and the ability to heal with the lack or limited elasticity. 

Losing weight is a bit hard on the body so it's a good idea to stabilize your weight before undergoing a procedure that is as physiologically significant as a mommy makeover.

Your weight loss is a good idea.  I would continue dieting and exercising until your surgery day.  Losing weight will improve your results and is great for your health.  Both will benefit you after surgery.  Best wishes for your procedure!

Losing weight before surgery is a good thing, so there is no reason to stop.  Equally important is to maintain your weight after surgery.  After your surgery you will actually gain weight which is due to water retention so don't let the discourage you in maintaining your results.  It can take a good month or more to lose that extra water weight.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen is important prior to and following body contouring procedures. It is particularly important to continue this regimen following your recovery from the surgery to enable you to maintain the results and have a good long term outcome. Hopefully, the results you achieve will give you even more motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle.

Congratulations on your weight loss and exercise regime prior to your mommy makeover.  There is no reason you cannot continue to lose weight up until your surgery.  The main objective is to be at a weight that you are comfortable with and will be able to maintain.  Those who are fairly close to their ideal weight, and do not have major fluctuations in their weight tend to have the best results. Good luck to you. 

I would just stick with your healthy routine and proceed with the procedure as scheduled. If you push the date then you might find yourself getting into a situation where you never reach that "goal" weight and then wishing you had just proceeded with the procedure as planned. Think about what your realistic long term weight is and shoot for that, but do it in a healthy way so that your in the best nutritional state at the time of your diet. 

You have done great so far; it is always wonderful to have a patient who takes part in their body improvement, and weight loss will make a huge difference in your result.Two things:First, don't rush into surgery if you aren't ready. It sounds like you have prepared well, but don't think of this as a three week crash diet before a mommy makeover. It is important to be nutritionally balanced and healthy before your surgery--your healing and recovery depend on it. Stay steady. Let your surgeon evaluate you, and she or he will tell you if you are in the right place for your procedure.Second: maintaining your healthy regimen after surgery is important...and challenging! It is great that you are working out six days a week, and hopefully lifetime, healthful activity will remain an easy habit for you. That said, be prepared for your first several months after surgery. Your initial weeks after the Mommy Makeover will be challenging. You will have to balance careful recovery with gradual return to an active lifestyle. Keep up the good work, and congratulations.