I'm a vegetarian and I plan on getting a tummy tuck, will that effect my healing process and cause me to heal slower?

This is a great question. Protein levels in your body are the building blocks for healing. As long as you are getting enough protein through other sources such as whey, soy, nuts, etc. you should not have any greater chance of wound healing problems compared to someone who eats meat. 

As long as you’re healthy and get enough protein in your diet, then you shouldn’t experience any delay in healing. Some great sources include beans, quinoa, nuts, hemp and sprouted grains (but you probably already knew that!).  

As long as you're healthy, having a vegetarian diet should have no effect on healing.  However it is very important to make sure you get plenty of protein before and after surgery, as your body's protein stores need to be fully optimized to heal efficiently.  Protein shake supplements work well for this purpose.In order to get a qualified, ethical, and expert opinion on your surgical options and expectations, always schedule an in-person office consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
I'm happy to see you for a free consultation in my New York office.
Best of luck,
Keith M. Blechman, MD
New York, NY