If you have just had a tummy tuck surgery (also called abdominoplasty), you probably can’t wait to start feeling normal again. While the recovery process can take some time, one important aspect you’ll need to focus on is your diet and nutrition in the weeks and months following your surgery.
Proper nutrition is crucial for healing, maintaining energy levels, and supporting your overall health as you move through different stages of the tummy tuck recovery process. In this guide, we’ll cover the critical dietary considerations and provide practical tips to help you nourish your body effectively after your tummy tuck.
Immediately After Surgery
In the initial days following your tummy tuck, your digestive system may be slow and sluggish as it adjusts to the surgical recovery. Your plastic surgeon in Sydney will likely recommend a liquid or soft diet this time to give your body a chance to recover. Irion supplements and multivitamins help supply the vital building blocks for healing.
Sip fluids regularly to stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to use a straw if you find it easier to drink that way.
As you progress through the first week or two, you can slowly reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. Pay close attention to how your body reacts, and reduce your solid food intake if you experience bloating, constipation, nausea, or other unpleasant digestive problems.
The Transition to Solid Foods
Once your tummy tuck surgeon gives you the green light, you can reintroduce more substantial, nutrient-dense whole foods into your diet. Focus on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Good protein sources include:
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- Chicken or turkey breast
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Greek yoghurt
- Legumes
- Opt for complex carbs like:
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- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat bread or pasta
- Sweet potatoes
- Be sure to include plenty of high-fibre fruits and veggies as well, such as:
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- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Carrots
Healthy fats from foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can also aid in the healing process and help you feel more satisfied.
Taking smaller, more frequent meals during this time is more important than large, heavy ones. This will help minimise any digestive discomfort as your body adjusts. Listen to your hunger cues and stop eating when you feel comfortably full.
Abdominoplasty Surgery Before and After Images
Considerations for the Long-Term
As you continue through your recovery and reach the 4-6 week mark, you can typically resume a more normal, balanced diet. However, there are a few long-term dietary considerations to keep in mind:
- Increased Protein Needs: Your body will require more protein to support tissue repair, and muscle regeneration occurs after a tummy tuck. Aim for around 1.5 – 2 grams of protein per kilo of body weight per day. yoiur protein requirements increase in the recovery period, so consider having protein shakes once or twice a day on top of your regular diet to supply the protein required for optimal healing.
- Fibre Intake: Although a high-fibre diet is generally advised for good health, you may need to gradually increase your fibre intake after surgery to avoid digestive discomfort. Start slowly and closely monitor how your body responds.
- Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration is essential for the healing process. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, and increase your intake if you are physically active or live in a warm climate.
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation: Your doctor may recommend taking a daily multivitamin or specific supplements like vitamin C, zinc, or omega-3s to support healing.
Foods To Avoid
- High-Sugar Foods: Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Instead, choose whole, natural sources of sweetness, like fruits.
- Greasy and fatty foods: Fried foods can lead to discomfort and are typically high in calories. Choose healthy cooking techniques such as baking, grilling, and steaming.
- Fizzy drinks: They may lead to bloating and uneasiness by introducing air pockets into your stomach. Only consume plain water and herbal teas.
- Hard foods: They can be challenging to digest and may lead to discomfort. Slowly start including them again as you become more able to tolerate them.
Consult with The Surgeon
Each person’s recovery process after surgery is different. Communicating with Dr. Kohout, your body surgeon in Sydney, is crucial. He and his team can provide personalised guidance while keeping track of your development to ensure everything goes according to plan.
Further Reading about Abdominoplasty Surgery with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Kohout
- Read more about Dr. Mark Kohout’s Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Read more about Dr. Mark Kohout’s Body Surgery Pricing Page
- Read more about Dr. Mark Kohout’s Different Types of Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck Surgeries Blog
- Read more about Dr. Mark Kohout’s Compression Therapy After Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck Surgery Blog
- Read more about Dr. Mark Kohout’s Diet After Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck: What to Eat when Blog
