Hello, I had lipo of my abdomen and thighs. The doctor said he took off approximately 5 liters of fat and that I should expect approximately a 10 lb weight loss. I am 3 weeks post op but only down 4 lbs. I have been eating well, started back at the gym, my swelling is down considerably. When should I see the scale move down? Have I already gained back this weight?
August 26, 2016
Answer: Which pounds you lose Liposuction isn't so much about how many pounds you lose, it's about WHICH pounds you lose. If you lost 10 lb through diet and exercise, it wouldn't have all come off your abdomen and thighs - a lot of it would have your breasts and other areas you weren't so interested in losing. When all of the swelling is gone, you'll probably look like you lost a lot more than just 10lb, because it all came off your trouble areas. After liposuction, it takes a long time (up to 6 months) for the swelling to fully resolve. The improvement in your proportions (as seen in your pants size) is usually noticeable within a few weeks, but it takes much longer for it to show up on the scale. You probably already know that water is heavier than fat. During the first few weeks, it is not unusual to actually weigh more than you did before surgery due to the water weight from the swelling. Continue eating well and exercising so you don't gain fat while recovering, but don't get too worried about the numbers on the scale this early after surgery.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 26, 2016
Answer: Which pounds you lose Liposuction isn't so much about how many pounds you lose, it's about WHICH pounds you lose. If you lost 10 lb through diet and exercise, it wouldn't have all come off your abdomen and thighs - a lot of it would have your breasts and other areas you weren't so interested in losing. When all of the swelling is gone, you'll probably look like you lost a lot more than just 10lb, because it all came off your trouble areas. After liposuction, it takes a long time (up to 6 months) for the swelling to fully resolve. The improvement in your proportions (as seen in your pants size) is usually noticeable within a few weeks, but it takes much longer for it to show up on the scale. You probably already know that water is heavier than fat. During the first few weeks, it is not unusual to actually weigh more than you did before surgery due to the water weight from the swelling. Continue eating well and exercising so you don't gain fat while recovering, but don't get too worried about the numbers on the scale this early after surgery.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful