Liposuction for Weight Loss

Q: Dr. Eppley, I contacted you last year about liposuction. I’m finally ready to get the right procedure cause I’m not sure what would be best. I’m 5ft 7inchs tall and weight 283 pounds. I would like to lose as much as possible. Can you tell how much I might be able to lose just so I have an idea. I would like to get down to 195 pounds but I don’t know if that is possible or if that is dangerous. Can you please help me pick the safe and best procedure. thank you for your time.

A: I am afraid that you have the wrong idea about liposuction surgery and what it can accomplish. It is not a weight loss method nor would it be appropriate at your current weight of 283 lbs. Liposuction is a body contouring surgery to remove select areas of fat that are diet and exercise resistant.The only way you are going to lose 75 to 100 lbs through surgery is by a bariatric surgery approach with either a lap band or a gastric bypass. Liposuction at 283 lbs is not only dangerous but would be ineffective at making any substantive body shape or weight loss changes.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana