FIVE TIPS FOR STAYING FIT AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
Five Tips for Staying Fit after Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin around the stomach and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It’s the go-to surgical option for those who want a smoother and firmer stomach when an appropriate diet and exercise regimen hasn’t produced ideal results.
Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, gaining significant weight after the surgery can have a negative impact on long-term outcomes. That’s why it’s so important for patients to maintain a healthy weight and stay in shape after their tummy tuck.
As experts in abdominoplasty, we wanted to give you these five tips for staying fit after your tummy tuck:
- Rest and Recover
You shouldn’t be concerned about getting exercise or being active immediately after surgery. You want to make sure you’ve given yourself ample time to rest and recover. We generally recommend that patients allow themselves a two-week, mostly sedentary recovery period.
- Know Your Limits
Exercise is a part of staying fit after a tummy tuck, but you don’t want to jump right into a new exercise program right away. After two weeks of mostly sedentary rest, you can start getting back in shape by simply standing with your back up against a wall. Do this several times a day to help strengthen your leg and abdominal muscles. Once you are feeling up to it, you can start walking short distances, gradually increasing the amount of time you walk every few days. You should avoid any exercise that is more strenuous than that for at least six weeks or until your doctor tells you it’s okay.
- Get Back to Your Daily Routine
Whether it’s work, school, parenting, or any combination of the three, returning to your typical daily routine (with your doctor’s approval, of course) is a good way to start bringing light physical activity, like walking, climbing stairs, food shopping, and gardening, back into your life. A daily routine also helps regulate meal times, which can be a factor in preventing weight gain.
- Look for Low-Intensity
You don’t have to hit the gym immediately to stay fit after a tummy tuck. When you do feel ready to start with a more formal exercise regimen, start with low-intensity exercises such as water aerobics, yoga, incline walking, and moderate cycling. After approximately six months, you can return to high-intensity activities, such as strength training, kickboxing, and boot-camp style classes, if desired.
- Monitor Your Diet
Of course, even the best exercise routine won’t undo the effects of a poor diet. After your tummy tuck, make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods can help you maintain a healthy weight and provide the nutrients you need to help your body heal.
For the most part, you should avoid fried, greasy foods, along with foods and beverages that have a lot of sugar and sodium. A tummy tuck might seem like a permanent fix, but eating the wrong foods (especially during the sedentary part of your recovery) can hamper your results.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about a sagging or protruding belly, then a tummy tuck is a great way to regain a flat, toned stomach and improve your self-confidence. To maximize the results of your procedure, follow our five tips for staying fit after a tummy tuck. But remember, these tips are just a guide. Never push yourself to do anything that feels painful or uncomfortable and always follow your doctor’s advice.
Northeastern Plastic Surgery understands your desire for a beautiful, youthful looking body and facial appearance. We use the latest plastic surgery techniques to perform a variety of surgical procedures. Dr. Fodero and the staff are very friendly, helpful, and available to answer any questions you may have about the procedures we offer. We strive to ensure that your experience with us is positive. Please contact ustoday to learn more about the services we offer.