Safe Way to Reduce Belly Fat After Hernia Repair

Hernia repair is a very common surgical procedure in the United States. In fact, according to SurgeryChannel.com, over 500,000 of these surgeries are performed each year. There are several types of hernias that can occur in both men and women. In women, this is often due to the abdominal muscles tearing open during pregnancy. After abdominal hernia repair, belly fat can still remain. A few options, including exercise and surgery, are available to help you safely reduce that unsightly bulge.

Core Strengthening

• Before considering a surgical method to remove your belly fat, try exercise and core-strengthening moves. However, be sure to get your doctor's approval before beginning any abdominal exercise routines. Usually, your doctor will want you to wait a few months before beginning to tone. Enroll in a Pilates or yoga class, as these two practices offer optimum core strengthening. When you begin your class, speak privately with the instructor and tell him or her you have just been cleared from hernia repair. This way, the instructor will watch you closely to make sure you are performing all exercises safely. If you do decide to proceed with surgery later on, exercising will only enhance your results.

Diet

• In addition to exercise, following a nutritious diet plan and reducing your caloric intake can help you shed unwanted belly fat. A great way to track your food consumption is by keeping a journal of everything you eat and drink. This is a great way to make you more conscious of your dietary habits. However, you still need to eat to maintain energy and burn fat. Choose proteins such as lean meat, beans, tofu, or eggs to stay full for longer, and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Be sure to consult with your doctor or nutritionist to determine how many calories your body needs to lose weight safely.

Surgery

• Surgery is usually not recommended until several months after your hernia repair. If you have been following a nutritious diet and core strengthening routine but still have a "pooch" or belly fat that just will not go away, an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with liposuction is another option. In an abdominoplasty, the plastic surgeon will tighten your pulled-apart abdominal muscles, remove excess fat through liposuction, and excise extra skin. If you do decide on surgery, be sure to thoroughly research board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. Meet with the doctor for several consultations, and tell her about your hernia surgery. In many cases, abdominoplasty, combined with exercise and diet, is the safest and most effective way to reduce belly fat and flatten your midsection.