Are You Ready Weight-Wise For Surgery?

​I’ve discussed at length the importance of emotional and physical health when it comes to cosmetic surgery. The following is a little test that will help you determine if you are ready for your desired surgery, or if there are other priorities to work out first. Make sure you can answer YES to all these questions before you proceed:

1. Is my BMI in the normal or slightly overweight range (under thirty)?
2. Has my weight been fairly stable for the last six months (I’m not in a phase where I’m losing or gaining a lot of weight)?
3. If my BMI is over thirty, have I lost as much weight as I can, either on my own or with the aid of weight-loss surgery?
4. Have I seen before and after pictures that look like me to start with, and do I like the “afters”
   
5. Am I prepared to see a gain of a few pounds immediately after my procedure due to swelling
   
6. Do I have a plan to start a good exercise and diet routine after surgery (when my doctor says it is okay) so that I can continue my weight loss?
   
7. Have I started a diet and exercise plan now, before surgery, that I feel comfortable with?
   
8. Did I speak with my primary care physician regarding my weight, and has he/she tested me for other causes of weight gain (thyroid imbalance, hormone disturbances, etc.)?
   
9. Do I have a psychological reason for my weight being too high (food addiction, depression, etc.)?
   
10. Have I consulted books and websites on nutrition and healthy lifestyle so I know where to go if I have any questions, after surgery, about weight maintenance?

The healthier and more prepared you are, the greater your results and satisfaction. Learn more about if cosmetic surgery is the right choice for you and your body in my book, “Making the Cut” available for purchase on Amazon.

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