Tummy Tuck After Losing Weight Tummy Tuck | April 30, 2018 Being overweight is one of the leading causes of various heart diseases and other health problems. This is why many are now seeking ways to shed off weight through traditional exercise and diet, as well as bariatric operations such as gastric sleeve surgery. Aside from losing excess weight, others also seek to improve their post-weight loss body through cosmetic procedures such as tummy tuck. The Aftermath of Losing Massive Weight Losing weight has benefits to your health, self-esteem, and even sleeping habits. Since your overall body fat is lowered, you will gain improved body functions and reduces your risk from metabolic problems. While there is a long list of positive improvements in your body, it still comes with physical changes that your body may not be used to. The reduction of the fat-related hormone known as leptin causes hormonal changes, which makes it difficult to keep the weight off. It causes an increased possibility of weight fluctuations since the body attempts to restore its pre-weight loss level of leptin. On the one hand, lifestyle-induced weight loss also results in significant changes in body composition such as losing muscle mass and low bone density. While this may be good, especially for older adults, this affects the formation of the body. One notable physical change is the excess skin. It is found in areas of the body where the most number of fats were burned. These areas are vulnerable to the loose and hanging skin, along with visible stretch marks. Improving Your Weight Loss Results Through Tummy Tuck Despite its effectiveness in shedding off the extra weight, no amount of exercise and diet could reduce the excess skin. This is why tummy tuck surgery is one of the options for many people who want to improve the contours of their bodies. On the side note, a procedure called gastric sleeve surgery is another way to lose weight, especially if your body is bordering obesity. This procedure irreversibly reduces the size of the stomach, a good option for patients who are having a difficult time losing weight through diet and exercise. If you just had this surgery, I often recommend waiting for at least a year before undergoing a tummy tuck surgery to improve the outcome of weight loss. This way, you can avoid complications and achieve better results. What Can You Do After Getting Tummy Tuck Surgery? It is a common misconception that when your body has healed after a tummy tuck, you can go back to your normal routine and take things easy. This can be true, BUT you have to maintain the results. This begins with a balance of a healthy meal plan and regular exercise. On the week after surgery, you won’t have much of an appetite, and you will also have little energy. Allow yourself some time to heal. Over the course of the next two weeks, you can slowly return to your normal activities – including work. Any meal you begin to consume during this period must be a balance of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. With exercise, it is essential to take things slow, especially at the beginning. As you recover, you can begin taking short walks, gradually progressing to regular movements until your body stabilizes. Make sure that you also follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon to prevent complications and to attain the best results. Closing Remarks Wanting to lose weight is not just a simple lifestyle goal. It’s also a choice that one makes to prevent severe health problems like heart and metabolic illnesses. Although it requires going through great lengths, weight loss becomes worth it because of its numerous benefits. Procedures like a tummy tuck can make this practice more life-changing. Before choosing to undergo enhancement procedures, you must consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is essential to know what it does, what it requires, and what to expect. Their proper guidance along with your realistic expectations and the right attitude will help translate all your hard work on losing weight into a body that is not only healthy but also aesthetically well-proportioned.