Does your body burn more calories recovering from surgery? I am scared of gaining weight as my workout plans have

I appreciate
your question.Surgical stress takes its toll on the body.  I am not aware that your body burns more calories during recovery.  It is best to speak with your surgeon about diet and exercise as he/she should have a detailed post op protocol for you to follow.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way
to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a
board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative
plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Thank you for your question and I can understand your concerns.  At this point I would advise you to follow your surgeon's recommendations on activity levels to avoid any complications from your last surgery, such as an incisional separation which may sideline your activity for even longer than 6-8 weeks. Additionally, LP should not be that painful and it may be advisable to check with your surgeon to ensure you haven't developed a hematoma or similar issue.  Your body will be in a hyperactive state from surgery so do not focus or worry about weight gain or weight loss as your body needs sufficient calories to heal itself appropriately.   Maintain your clean eating and sufficient protein intake.  Hope that this helps.

Do yourself a favor and do not step on the scale early in your recovery. Swelling is common and expected after your planned procedures and may show up as extra pounds on the scale. Do not panic. Your body will return to normal as healing continues. Be sure to eat healthy, balanced meals and return to exercise gradually as approved by your surgeon. I've included a video on some nutrition tips that I hope you find helpful.

When you are recovering from surgery it is very important to eat a healthy diet - your body does indeed need extra calories to heal all of the incisions and areas of surgery - for that reason, this is definitely not a good time to be on a strict calorie restriction diet. You don't need to over-eat either, but maintaining a balanced diet should ensure uneventful healing. If you are able to maintain a healthy diet, your weight will ultimately be stable - try not to get on the scale too much during this time period, as fluid shifts are very common and the water weight will lead to significant ups and downs in terms of what the scale says. Good luck.

No, I am not aware that your body burns more calories when you are recovering from surgery. It is important however to take it easy and follow your doctor's advice about postop restrictions so that you can heal properly.

Your surgery is a long term investment so I would recommend not stressing about working out for 2-4 weeks after surgery. Light activity such as walking is fine in the interim. Diet is probably about 80% of the equation when it comes to losing weight so just be cautious as to what you are eating. Yes, caloric needs go up after surgery so it will balance off the decreased activity to some degree. Best of Luck  Dr Harrell