What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Liposuction

When I got liposuction a few years ago, I made the assumption that within a few days I would be back to normal (minus some weight!) I assumed that my stomach would magically disappear and I would be happy with my decision. I hate to admit it, but I was wrong, as liposuction comes with some side-affects that I did not know of because I had not asked my doctor beforehand. Here are five things that I wish I would have known prior to opting for liposuction.

1. Possibility of Weight Gain

This one is entirely on me. Liposuction can help get rid of unwanted fat, but it’s up to me to ensure that it doesn’t come back. That meant getting my diet down pat before surgery, and continuing on that path post-surgery. Do not make the mistake I made. Get on a diet and stay on it for as long as you can!

2. The Results Are Not Automatic

Somehow in my pre-surgery bliss, I had assumed that the results would be visible in just a few days after the surgery. I was wrong, and it definitely did not help me stay on my diet and exercise program. If you are receiving liposuction, then you should know that results can take up to three months to have their full effects.

3. Liposuction Does Not Replace Diet And Exercise

This should be an obvious observation, but in my liposuction story one thing was clear: I relied solely on the procedure for results. I had assumed that liposuction would allow me to slack a bit on my exercise and diet programs. The truth is that liposuction is best for people who are implementing these regimens now rather than later.

4. Liposuction Is Not Cheating

This was a huge mental hurdle for me when I was making the decision to get liposuction. However, I was rest assured that some body fat clings regardless of diet and exercise programs. I had to switch gears from thinking of liposuction as cheating to accurately seeing it as a “fine tune” that I needed to maintain.

In the end, I had to realize that liposuction is not a cure-all that creates a perfect body.  I had to come-to-terms with that fact that liposuction is well worth pursuing, but requires some effort on my part. I only wish I knew that before I started the procedure!