What are the calorie requirements during recovery from abdominoplasty and liposuction?

Question

I had abdominoplasty & liposuction 3.5 weeks ago. I am concerned about gaining weight following the surgery but am also concerned about malnutrition & recovery. Since neither procedure is for weight loss, and I am 1.6 lbs less than pre-op, I don't know if I can use the scale to track my needs (also with post-op swelling weight). So how many calories more than what I need to maintain my weight should I be eating, and for how low following the surgery do you recommend this caloric regimen?

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck requires a fair amount of caloric intake to help the healing process. A well balanced diet should be the goal following surgery of approximately 12 times your weight in pounds.  So if you weigh 150 pounds you should be consuming approximately 1800 calories.  I don't recommend dieting for 6 - 12 weeks following surgery, I do recommend a healthy diet.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask a really good question and it is nice to see that you are taking your nutrition and your recovery seriously!  Following all of your surgeon's instructions is very important to get the best cosmetic results after a tummy tuck.Don't overthink things too much.  As long as your weight was stable prior to surgery and you weren't actively losing any weight, you should be in a good place in terms of nutrition during your recovery.  I don't typically assign a specific number as far as calories that my patients must consume after surgery.  A better way of looking at your nutrition right now is to make sure you are eating 3 good meals a day that are full of good protein (chicken, lean meat), healthy fat (such as nuts like almonds), and some carbohydrates.  Don't be afraid to snack a few times each day.  Colorful vegetables are good to make sure you get your vitamins and minerals, and it is OK to take a multivitamin.  Good nutrition = good wound healing and better looking scars.Don't worry about the scale, you are correct that your weight might fluctuate a bit in the months following your surgery.  But I would be concerned if you were consistently LOSING weight after surgery, so it is perfectly fine to check your weight every week or two.  I hope this helps, and congratulations on your surgery!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Since different people have different metabolic rates and requirements, there is no absolute daily caloric requirement, but 1800 to 2200 calories per day is a reasonable starting point for moderately active women.  Be certain to eat a diet high in protein as you will need this to heal.  A multivitamin with iron and folate will also help replenish you red blood cells.   Check you weight daily and adjust appropriately.  Best wishes Dr. Lepore.

What are the calorie requirements during recovery from abdominoplasty and liposuction?

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What are the calorie requirements during recovery from abdominoplasty and liposuction?

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