I'm 2 weeks post op from Liposuction. I lost 17 lbs and within the last couple days I gained 8 back. Is this caused by swelling?

Question

I was looking weight rapidly. 17 lbs and within the last couple days I gained 8 back. Is this caused by swelling? I had to take a few weeks off from work as the pain was severe. I had upper/lower abs, inner/outer thighs, flanks and lower back done. I haven't eaten much and am drinking alot of water. I also have had loose stools for the past week. Activity has been low due to the pain. I'm am 5'9, started at 180 lbs and currently 172 lbs. Surgeon said he removed alot of fat.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Retention of fluid after any surgical procedure is normal. As swelling decreases this fluid will be mobilized eliminated accompanied by weight loss.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is only 2 weeks after surgery and your weight is going to fluctuate.  I would start your exercise and diet routine, and once that is consistent for 3 months you should know what your new ideal weight is going to be.  You are currently very swollen and this takes months to go away.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Heather Rocheford, MD · Answer

Thank  you for the question.  It is not unusual to notice a gain in weight after liposuction due to the inflammation and possible fluid retention.  You should start noticing an improvement over the next several weeks.  It can take at least 8-12 weeks for swelling to subside.  Not to worry, you are early in the recovery process.  If you have concerns I would recommend discussing your concerns with your surgeon.  Best of Luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Because of swelling the water retained may cause weight gain. This should take some time to equilibrate and your weight should go back down to normal.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear bunz1970,

Weight fluctuation following
liposuction is very common.  It is
extremely important you have a close follow-up with your board certified
liposuction physician.  Weight gain can
be caused by stress hormone and the stress of the procedure itself, mainly in
the form of water weight and the diuretic effect post-operatively will usually
dissipate the swelling and tissue trigger called edema in the first week to ten
days.

Significant weight loss, such as
you have experienced in association with diarrhea can be especially concerning
and you should seek the follow-up advice of your board certified liposuction
surgeon.  Following liposuction,
especially with prophylactic antibiotics and even without, serious
gastroenterological derangements, such as Claustridium difficile with diarrhea
weight loss, can be a serious metabolic complication and a follow-up with an
internist and emergency physician or your certified physician is imperative.

In general, most liposuction
patients will experience modest weight gain following the procedure, which is
typically swelling and water retention. 
As long as caloric intake and nutritional status remain consistent post-operatively,
generally most liposuction patients will lose a modest amount of weight. This
is a combination of the weight of the fat that has been removed combined with
any caloric restriction, exercise or diet.

Liposuction should be viewed as a
body contouring procedure where improvement in inches are made rather than any
form of weight loss.  One should think in
shape and contour rather than pounds and kilograms.  Serious weight fluctuations such as you’ve
experienced are generally very unusual and it is extremely important all
liposuction patients who experience this seek the expertise of their
liposuction physician.

Sincerely,

Dr. R. Stephen Mulholland,
Certified Plastic Surgeon, Toronto, Canada

I'm 2 weeks post op from Liposuction. I lost 17 lbs and within the last couple days I gained 8 back. Is this caused by swelling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction and swelling

Answer: Liposuction and swelling

Answer: Post liposuction weight gain

Answer: Post liposuction weight gain

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I'm 2 weeks post op from Liposuction. I lost 17 lbs and within the last couple days I gained 8 back. Is this caused by swelling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Liposuction and swelling

Answer: Liposuction and swelling

Answer: Post liposuction weight gain

Answer: Post liposuction weight gain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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