Is there anything I can do in advance to prepare my body for TT surgery?

Question

I would like to know what foods I should be eating or avoiding before surgery to help me in the recovery phase. Should I be drinking a lot of water and exercising? Is it ok to exercise the night before surgery? Would this help to prevent clotting?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Two weeks before:

1)  Make sure you stop all aspirin (Bayer, Excedrin, Bufferin, 
Ecotrin, etc.), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.), Aleve, extra 
Vitamin E (the amount in a multivitamin is OK), fish oils, and herbal 
remedies. These are blood thinners or can interact unfavorably with 
anesthetic drugs--keep them out of your system. Even one baby aspirin 
can cause bleeding!

2)  Stop all tobacco products and nicotine products, including gum, 
spray, patches, etc. Zyban or Chantix are OK to use. Second-hand smoke 
is the same as you smoking--NOT ALLOWED

3)  Make sure your pre-operative physical is completed. The one you 
had a month or two ago is not sufficient; your surgeon and anesthesia 
provider need to know you are OK for surgery and anesthesia NOW, not 
several months ago! Sure, if you're healthy there won't be any changes, 
but let your own doctor verify this!5 days before:

1)  Stop all alcoholic beverages. It's important to get all the alcohol metabolites out of your system before anesthesia.

2)  Make sure you've arranged for help with the mothering duties you
 took care of before surgery--you SHOULD NOT vacuum, lift heavy laundry 
baskets, shop for groceries, pick up after the kids and your husband, 
etc. after surgery. YOU WILL NEED HELP, especially for the first few days. The rest can wait. REALLY!

3)  Buy groceries, including easy-to digest foods for yourself (for 
the first day or two), easy to prepare foods for the kids and husband, 
and several bags of frozen peas or corn to use as reusable ice bags 
(Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts do not work as well!)

4)  If you own cats, consider getting them out of the house (at 
least your bedroom and main living areas) and clean all areas where the 
cats go with antibacterial wipes, spray, etc. Consider that cats do 
their business in litter boxes, walk through the litter boxes and get 
all kinds of fecal (poop) bacteria on their fur, then spread that 
EVERYWHERE they walk. I'm not anti-cat, but I AM anti-infection! Dogs 
are OK since they go outside, do not walk in it, and (usually) stay on 
the floor. Don't handle any animal and then touch your incisions or 
drains.2 days before:

1)  shower with Hibiclens to reduce skin bacteria (see 4 above, but 
do this even if you don't own cats!). Also, shave your legs for the last
 time before surgery, and shave the upper pubic area (where the drain(s)
 will exit your body).

2)  Consider filling your prescriptions for your post-op meds (that 
way you won't have to stop on the way home after surgery when you really
 want to get out of the moving car!)  While at the drugstore buy stool 
softeners (not laxatives) to start the day after surgery. Get a 
twin-pack of Fleets enemas (Small green-boxed pre-filled easy to use 
enemas). You'll thank me for this later!1 day before:

1)  Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. If you 
have night-time medicines to take, this is OK before bedtime. This is 
critical to minimize the risk of throwing up as you are going asleep and
 getting food, liquid, and stomach acid in your lungs (This is BAD!).

2)  Take a Fleets enema before bedtime. This will help empty your 
lower bowel and reduce painful constipation during your recovery. The Morning of surgery:

1)  Take your second Fleets enema, then shower with Hibiclens. Do 
NOT shave--this increases the risk of infection, which is why you do 
this two days before. You can brush your teeth, but do NOT drink. DON'T 
chew gum--it stimulates stomach acid and is just as bad as eating! 
Mouthwash, rinse, and spit is OK.

2)  Take any morning medicines with you to your surgeon's facility. 
Take them only if your surgeon AND anesthesia provider give the OK, and 
then only with a sip of water. Read about food, liquid, and stomach acid
 in the lungs above. (It's still BAD!)

3)  Make sure you have a nice recliner chair to sleep in, or 
consider putting a sofa cushion under your mattress at the head of the 
bed (to keep your head and chest elevated after surgery to reduce 
swelling, and to keep tension off your tummy tuck--pillows under knees).

4)  Wear comfortable clothing with elastic at the waist and front 
zipper on the top (Running outfit or clean sweats are easy to dress you 
in after surgery, and easy for your husband or caregiver to help you 
with after you get home). Style points are not given after surgery! PS: 
You can skip the cute underwear; you won't be wearing them home anyway!

5)  Be calm and excited! Questions and worries should have been 
dealt with by now. Highly motivated and excited patients have a MUCH 
BETTER recovery than those who are anxious or worried.

Best Wishes! (Luck is not needed). Dr. Tholen

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with tummy tuck surgery; this operation tends to be very patient pleasing for the appropriately selected patient.You will receive a list of things to do (and not to do)  in preparation for your tummy tuck surgery, from your surgeon. Generally, a normal/healthy diet and good hydration  is important prior to and after surgery.  Certainly exercising the day before surgery is fine;  there is no evidence however that this will help prevent clotting. Since you considering undergoing a major operation which again involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike), a few words of advice may be helpful:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

Briefly, diet and exercise are the pillars of improving your results and getting your body in shape for any surgery (but especially a tummy tuck).  You want to stay away from smoking (or those that do around you), stop taking any medicines, herbal remedies or foods that will thin your blood, and get down to your goal weight.  If you are going to be having your muscles repaired, you can start wearing your abdominal binder before surgery to help your body get used to your tighter core.  I know it sounds funny, but it can help.  Best of luck with your surgery- this is a wonderful surgery.  Hope this helps!-JGH

Theodore Nyame, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. For months leading up to your surgery diet and exercise will improve your final welcome. You should continue to eat healthy and follow your surgeons recommendations until the time of surgery. Best wishes Theodore Nyame M.D.

Maida Parkins, MD · Answer

I would make sure you're eating a balanced diet and getting enough protein which is important for healing.  I would follow your normal exercise rountines.  Exercising the night before surgery is not a problem but I don't think it would prevent a blood clot.  If you have a specific reason to be concerned about a blood clot I would talk to your board certified plastic surgeon about whether or not using an anticoagulation medication after surgery is a good idea.  Best wishes!

Is there anything I can do in advance to prepare my body for TT surgery?

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Is there anything I can do in advance to prepare my body for TT surgery?

Answers (5)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Preparation for TT

Answer: Preparation for TT

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.