Losing weight before cosmetic surgery is a way for patients to lower the risks associated with their procedure. Over 10 million cosmetic procedures are performed every year. (1) In many cases, surgeons will advise their patients to shed some excess weight before their treatment date.
If you have a less-than-perfect diet and do not partake in regular activities like running or weight training, it may affect more than just your weight. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle may make you feel bloated, sluggish, and fatigued. As well as being a healthier overall goal, losing weight safely under a doctor’s supervision can help you to not only look great, but feel better too.
Achieving a healthier weight before cosmetic surgery is worth it – in more ways than one! Dr. Mustafa Ahmed performs bariatric and cosmetic procedures at two Las Vegas locations, Southern Nevada Bariatrics, and Las Vegas Body Sculpting. As a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, he provides exclusive offers to patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32-35 looking to undergo surgery. He also welcomes bariatric patients between 35-50 BMI to contact him for a personal consultation. For bariatric surgery inquiries, call (702) 626-0499, and for cosmetic procedures, call (702) 447-1257.
Contents
Understanding the Risks
With a prevalence of 42%, (1) obesity is an ongoing problem in the United States. It is associated with many comorbid medical conditions including the following. (2)
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Sleep Apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
Unfortunately, these lifestyle choices and predispositions do not lend themselves to the complexities of any major surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise. Research consistently shows us that men and women with obesity have worse surgical outcomes and pay higher healthcare costs than non-obese patients. (2)
Surgical complications can include the following. (1)
- Infection
- Scarring
- Blood Pooling (Hematoma)
- Fluid Accumulation (Seroma)
- Nerve Damage
- Blood Loss
Benefits
There are obvious benefits to leading a healthier lifestyle and getting to a healthier weight. However, when a person chooses to undergo a surgery such as a tummy tuck, facelift, or breast augmentation, a doctor will make it clear just how important that weight loss is. In close cooperation with a licensed nutritionist, you and your surgeon can set out a weight-loss plan long before your surgery takes place.
Diet & Exercise
A healthy diet and regular exercise tailored to your specific weight and body type can help you simplify your medical procedure and its recovery. Better nutrition, a focus on staying active in the run-up to your cosmetic surgery will set the standard for your health goals postoperatively, allowing you to continue your healthier lifestyle long after your treatment. Additionally, developing healthy habits now can help you maintain your ideal weight for years to come.
Nutritional Supplements
As well as diet and exercise, there are also nutritional supplements that can help you reach your goals. The right supplement can give you the boost you need to reach your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Ahmed can recommend the best nutritional supplements for your needs, and guide you on how to use them safely and effectively.
Key Nutrients
Research identifies a number of nutrients that aid healing and promote healthier tissues following aesthetic surgery. These include. (3)
- Proteins (e.g. lean beef, tofu)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (e.g. salmon, walnuts)
- Vitamin A (e.g. leafy greens, fish oils)
- Vitamin D (e.g. oily fish, mushrooms)
- Vitamin C (e.g. citrus, tomatoes)
- Vitamin E (e.g. avocado, peanuts)
- Zinc (e.g. pork, garbanzo beans)
- Iron (e.g. whole grains, broccoli)
Body Mass Index (BMI) – Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is used to help determine if a patient is overweight or obese.
Bariatric Surgery
Long-term preparation for cosmetic surgery can be challenging. Weight-loss surgery is an option when diet and exercise alone have been unsuccessful. It is an effective way to lose weight, but it should always be done under the care of a qualified bariatric surgeon like Dr. Ahmed. He will thoroughly assess each individual patient to determine if they are a suitable candidate for weight-loss surgery, and he also offers comprehensive follow-up care to ensure long-term success.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is a weight-loss procedure that has been proven to be highly effective in helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals. This procedure is designed to help patients lose excess weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Gastric bypass surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach, allowing food to bypass part of the small intestine, and limiting the amount of calories the body absorbs.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery that involves the removal of up to 80% of the stomach. It has been proven to be an effective solution for those suffering from obesity, and it’s a great alternative for those who don’t have the time or money for more intensive surgeries such as gastric bypass. The goal of this procedure is to reduce the size of the stomach so a patient can feel fuller faster and consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss. At Southern Nevada Bariatric, we specialize in providing safe and effective sleeve gastrectomy procedures.
Laparoscopic Band
Laparoscopic banding is a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery in which a silicone tube is inserted around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, thus giving the patient a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food. The band also slows digestion, allowing for longer periods between meals and snacks.
The lap band is not intended to be a quick fix; it requires effort from the patient to maintain healthy eating habits and regular exercise in order to achieve long-term results.
Weight-Loss Before Bariatric Surgery
At Southern Nevada Bariatric, we offer comprehensive weight loss services to help you reach your goals. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop a customized plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. We also provide support and education along the way so that you can make informed decisions about your health and wellness.
Candidates for bariatric surgery can find Insurance Information on our website.
Signature Offers at Southern Nevada Bariatrics
Why choose Dr. Ahmed? The answers are simple!
- Uniqueness: Dr. Ahmed is the only surgeon in the Southern Nevada region that will operate on patients of certain BMIs.
- Cash Offers: He provides a special deal with cash payment of $9900 with insurance
- Help for Overweight Individuals: Patients with BMIs between 32-35 can schedule their surgery within one month
- Hope for a Fresh Start: Patients with BMIs between 35-50 need only wait for insurance approval (up to 6 months)
Contact us today to find out how we can help you reach your goal weight and qualify for cosmetic procedures. We understand the importance of looking and feeling your best, and our team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us to book your appointment today.
Costs
The cost of your treatment will depend on your individual goals and will be assessed after a thorough consultation at our Las Vegas office. At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, Dr. Ahmed and his team are committed to helping you achieve your weight goals and look your best. Call us today at (702) 626-0499 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the options available for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Find out more about weight-loss and bariatric surgery by reading Dr. Ahmed’s blog.
FAQ
Should I lose weight before my cosmetic surgery?
Whether you lose weight or not before your cosmetic surgery will depend on your weight when you begin your treatment. After consultations with a nutritionist and with your bariatric surgeon, you can determine how much, if any, weight you should lose to get the best results.
Is liposuction for losing weight?
No, liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It is only intended to be an aesthetic fat removal surgery. Bariatric procedures such as the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass help patients to lose weight safely and efficiently when conducted by a board-certified bariatric surgeon.
What bariatric surgery is the best for me?
The only way to be sure about your weight-loss surgery choice is to speak to a professional. A bariatric surgeon will discuss your goals and current health at a personal consultation to determine which bariatric surgery is right for your particular circumstances.
What are the best foods to eat before cosmetic surgery?
In the weeks that precede an aesthetic surgery, doctors commonly advise patients to eat a diet high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
References
- CDC. Adult Obesity Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published February 11, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
- Fruh SM. Obesity: Risk factors, complications, and strategies for sustainable long-term weight management. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 2017;29(1):S3-S14. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12510
- Vitagliano T, Garieri P, Lascala L, et al. Preparing Patients for Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Procedures: Ensuring an Optimal Nutritional Status for Successful Results. Nutrients. 2023;15(2):352. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020352