Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Low Carb Dieting Before and After a Tummy Tuck Recommended?

I am a low carb dieter and I know I don't swell or retain as much water when I am following a low carb diet (Any other time my weight fluctuates alot) Per foods I'm eating sodium intake etc So I think it makes sense and make actually be helpfull to stick with my low carb diet before and after surgery. Could this possibly help keep me from swelling ? or should I switch my eating habits now so my body can get adjusted to a new type of diet?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by butterflies123 in Illinois

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Diet and Surgery

A “low carb” diet is what everyone should be on. Most people eat about 70-90% of their calories as carbohydrates. By changing this to more closely resemble the ideal of only 40% of calories as carbs with protein and fat each making up 30%, you can maintain your weight where it should be. If you are going to modify your diet, you should reduce the sodium if possible by adding no salt and reading labels of anything bought already prepared. Sodium causes water retention and this... more

Low Carb Dieting Before and After a Tummy Tuck

You can maintain your current diet before and after surgery. However, the surgery may still cause swelling as much of the swelling is due to surgical trauma and the injection of fluids during the procedure. see video

Change Diet Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Thank you for the question. I do not think that a “low carb diet” will necessarily keep you from swelling after tummy tuck surgery. Much of the swelling you will experience after the surgery is related to surgical “trauma”, intravenous fluids you will receive, and fluid shifts your body will experience. I would suggest a well-balanced diet with adequate hydration before and after surgery. After surgery, you may find that your appetite is decreased;... more

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Dieting before Tummy Tuck

The best time to have a Tummy Tuck is when you reach a stable state financially, emotionally and physiologically; when you have completed your family, can afford it, and have a stable, non-fluctuating weight for several months. While a high protein / low carb diet is usually healthy, I would not recommend any new diets just before having a Tummy Tuck. "Test drive'" the diet for a few months and make sure you tolerate it well before having your Tummy Tuck. Peter A Aldea,... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

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Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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