I Just Had Breast Lift and Implants Two Weeks Ago. I Do Not Eat Meat, Should I Take Iron Supplements or a Protein Shake?

After undergoing surgery, it's essential to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs for optimal healing. Since you don't eat meat, it's important to focus on obtaining iron and protein from other sources.
Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and wound healing. While meat is a significant source of iron, you can also find it in plant-based foods such as lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, quinoa, fortified cereals, and pumpkin seeds. However, the iron from plant-based sources is not as readily absorbed by the body as the iron from meat. To enhance absorption, you can consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, or bell peppers alongside your iron-rich meals.
As for protein, it's essential for tissue repair and recovery after surgery. While meat is a high-protein food, you can obtain protein from various plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, edamame, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. You can also consider incorporating a plant-based protein powder into your diet if needed, such as pea protein or soy protein.
If you're concerned about meeting your iron and protein needs through diet alone, you could consider taking supplements under the guidance of your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual nutritional needs and recommend appropriate supplements if necessary. However, it's generally preferable to prioritize obtaining nutrients from whole foods whenever possible.
Remember to stay hydrated and follow any specific dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare team to support your recovery process effectively.

We have these types of patients in our office often.  Protein is good for wound healing.  You don't have to go crazy.  A good protein drink is a nice way to get the protein in.  Nuts are also a good option.  Please make sure you eat veggies as well.   Ask your board certified plastic surgeon if they have any specific recommendations.  

Great question Vivienne.  Your body will consume a great deal of protein, essential vitamins and energy as you heal.  Supplementing your intake of these nutrients in a safe way is always a good idea.  I have had several patients who had wound healing problems after surgery suddely improve after increasing their protein intake, and I always emphasize the importance of nutrition during the postoperative process.  That being said, if you are healing well 3 weeks after your surgery, you probably do not need to alter your diet.