If you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck or have already had one, it’s likely because you want a flatter, more toned stomach. A tummy tuck helps remove loose skin and tightens your stomach muscles, making you look more sculpted. It’s especially great for people who have lost a lot of weight or had kids and are struggling with stubborn excess skin.
Research shows that people who get a tummy tuck feel more confident and enjoy benefits like better posture and even relief from lower back pain.
However, even though a tummy tuck can provide incredible results, it isn’t a free pass to let go of your fitness routine. To truly transform your body, you must also maintain a healthy weight, which might require you to shed some extra pounds after the procedure.
Losing weight after a tummy tuck must be done correctly to garner safe and effective results.
At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, David Chao, MD, and our team don’t just perform the procedure and send you on your way; we help you through every step from preparation to post-op recovery and long-term weight management. If your goal is more weight loss, we also offer medical solutions like the Obalon Balloon System to ensure you succeed.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about safely losing weight after a tummy tuck. We cover the best ways to maintain your results and the safest ways to shed extra pounds.
Absolutely! A tummy tuck gets rid of extra skin and some fat, but it isn’t a weight-loss procedure. If you still want to lose weight after surgery, you can, but you have to be careful. Losing weight too fast or gaining and losing weight repeatedly can mess with your results, making your skin sag again. That’s why it’s so important to do it the right way.
If you want to lose additional weight after your tummy tuck, here’s what you need to focus on:
After surgery, your body needs healthy food to heal, so eating well is essential. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and eggs help your muscles recover and keep you feeling full longer.
Eat healthy fats from foods like avocados and nuts, and stick to whole grains instead of processed carbs.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be a big part of your diet, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps control hunger and keeps your body running smoothly.
Exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight after a tummy tuck, but you have to ease into it. You don’t want to overdo it and hurt yourself.
In the first few weeks after surgery, stick to walking to help with circulation and prevent blood clots while keeping you active.
Around four to six weeks after your procedure and with your doctor’s approval, you can start doing gentle movements like stretching and yoga. After six weeks, you can begin incorporating strength training and light cardio, but listen to your body. If something feels uncomfortable, take it slow.
Sometimes, even with healthy eating and exercise, losing weight is challenging. If you’re struggling, OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare offers medical weight-loss options like the Obalon Balloon System. It’s a nonsurgical treatment that involves swallowing small gas-filled balloons that take up space in your stomach, helping you feel fuller with smaller meals.
Losing weight after a tummy tuck is a great way to maximize your results. By eating right, exercising safely, and getting help when necessary, you can keep your body looking fantastic for years. And with a team like OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare by your side, you’ll have all the support you need to make it happen. Schedule your consultation with us today to get started.
