Guest blog post is by Dr. Robert Tornambe. Dr. Tornambe is considered one of the top plastic surgeons in New York. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Learn more about Dr. Tornambe.
Are There Foods I Should Avoid After a Tummy Tuck?
If you have recently lost weight or had a baby, you may have excess saggy skin hanging around your middle. While in some ways this is a badge of honor, speaking to what you and your body have been through together, it can also be a sore spot.
For those wanting to get back to feeling and looking like their true selves, getting a tummy tuck is an appealing option to remove the excess sag and reveal the true form beneath.
But if you are like many considering this operation, you may also be worried about the recovery process and ensuring that you do whatever it takes to heal faster and keep your new look. Many wonder if there are foods that should be avoided (or consumed) to help post-op.
In fact, there are quite a few foods that you should avoid after your tummy tuck operation. Keep reading to see what these foods are, as well as what foods you can add to your diet to help the healing process.
What Is the Typical Tummy Tuck Recovery Time?
After a tummy tuck, individuals should expect at least 1-2 weeks of very strict rest. Afterwards, most physicians agree that a patient may return to their typical work.
Exercise, strenuous activity, and really any activity that would put extra strain on the abdominal muscles should be avoided anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months.
3 Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that may slow the healing process or even cause added discomfort post-op. Since it is only for a short time in the long run, it is worth avoiding the following foods to help your body heal and prevent adding additional post-surgery discomfort:
- Alcohol: Alcohol is well-known for its effects of slowing the body’s healing process as well as for thinning the blood. Especially after a surgery, you need your body’s amazing healing capabilities to help you recover as fast as possible. You don’t want to slow that down!Additionally, alcohol and pain medications are also a dangerous mix, and it is likely that you’ll either be prescribed or recommended some form of over the counter pain medication after the surgery. It is always advised that you not combine the alcohol with pain medications. In the end, it is easier just to avoid alcohol during your recovery time, rather than trying to figure out when is a good time to sneak a drink in.
- Salt: Salty foods, especially when consumed in larger portions, can actually cause your body to bloat. This would put a lot of undo and very uncomfortable pressure on your surgery site and stomach. As such, it is a good idea to avoid salt as much as possible.
- Soda: Sodas, or carbonated beverages, are another substance that can lead to gas and bloating. As we discussed above, this is definitely not a desirable condition right after a tummy tuck, so it is best to avoid these as well.
Essentially, you want to avoid foods that are going to make your body work hard just to process them without doing much to feed your system the nutrients it needs. Avoid foods that may cause gas and bloating or food/drink that will rob your body of what it needs to heal quickly.
What Foods Can Help?
Just as there are foods and substances that hinder healing, there are definitely those that can help your body heal and recover more quickly.
If you want to help your body along and also get a jump start on a new, healthier lifestyle of eating, then make sure you consume plenty of the following:
- Water: On a good day, dehydration can lead to all sorts of health problems. Especially after the physical stress of a tummy tuck surgery, not drinking enough water could cause serious complications including nausea and further hospitalization.Drinking water is a simple task, will help you recover faster, and is a healthy habit to get into.
- Lean Protein: Protein that you can get from beans, eggs, meats, and yogurt will all contribute to your recovery process and will also help you establish healthy eating choices for maintaining your new look.
- Infection Fighting Vitamins: Food truly can be our medicine because of all the vitamins and nutrients they carry. This is particularly true of whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables.Foods that contain lots of Vitamins A and C are fantastic at fueling your body with infection fighting power. You can get Vitamin A in your system by eating dairy, eggs and cod liver oil. You can get Vitamin C by consuming strawberries, tomatoes, citrus fruit, and leafy greens.
- Bruise Reducing Vitamins: Your surgery site is very likely to have bruising. To help your body naturally recover, you can consume foods that contain Bromelain and Arnica, which decrease inflammation and will help reduce bruising around your incision.
Disclaimer: this guest blog post has been compensated.