What is Good Nutrition for a Mommy Makeover-Pre-Op/Post-OP?

It’s important that Mommy Makeover
patients maintain good nutrition in the pre- and post-operative periods.Although we prefer that patients be within
10% of their ideal body weight, we don’t want patients to be dieting in the
pre-operative period.During this time,
it’s important that they have adequate calories, protein, vitamins and trace
elements.A well
balanced, high protein diet is necessary for several reasons.It’s very clear that poor nutrition can lead
to wound healing problems in the post-operative period.In some cases, it may even cause wound
breakdown and separation.Protein
shakes and other sources of protein are essential for optimal wound
healing.We also recommend that patients
avoid heavy and spicy foods which may lead to indigestion following
surgery.Patients should also minimize
salt intake which can lead to prolonged post-operative swelling.Patients should work hard to maintain good
hydration.This helps decrease the
incidence of constipation in patients already on narcotic pain relievers.It’s
important that these issues be discussed with your plastic surgeon if you have
concerns.Your surgeon should be able to
be more specific about your treatment plan.

I suggest to my patients beginning supplements such as  bromelain or arnica a week or two before their procedure(s). However, its best to consult with your board-certified Plastic Surgeon beforehand. She or he will make suggestions according to your procedure and medical records in addition to discussing your pre-op preparations. Also, such may be provided for you with your pre-op material and prescriptions in time for your recovery period. You will learn more about preparing at your pre-op appointment. 

There are many things you can do to enhance your healing. A good diet with high protein and low carbs is a good start. Multivitamins with extra minerals. Stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol close to surgery. Get some rest. 

The best advise I can give is not to be actively losing weight immediately before or after surgery. Food during this perioperative period should be considered "medicine". A balanced diet that includes adequate protein is very important. Staying away from common OTC medicines and some prescription medicines as well as supplements that can cause bruising is very important. For example, fish or flax seed oil, Vitamin E, aspirin, Advil, etc can cause excessive bruising and bleeding during your surgery delaying your recovery. 

We recommend pre-surgical vitamins/minerals designed for surgery patients as well as Arnica Montanum and Bromelain to minimize swelling and bruising. The Vita-Medica brand surgical vitamins are the brand we use in the office. If your are having problems finding these - contact our office.

Good nutrition is important both before and after a mommy makeover surgery to support your body’s healing and recovery. Your surgeon will have their own set of recommendations to follow, but here are some general guidelines:
Pre-Op Nutrition:
1. Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. This helps build your body’s nutritional reserves.2. Hydration: Stay well-hydrated before surgery. Drink plenty of water, but avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.3. Protein: Protein is essential for tissue repair and recovery. Include sources like lean meats, fish, beans, and dairy.4. Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure you’re getting a variety of vitamins and minerals through your diet or supplements. Vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A are important for wound healing. There are some to avoid as well, so please discuss with your pre-operative team and surgeon.5. Fiber: Include fiber-rich foods to help prevent constipation, which can be a post-surgery issue due to reduced activity.
Post-Op Nutrition:
1. Follow Surgeon’s Recommendations: Adhere to your surgeon’s specific post-operative dietary guidelines. They may recommend certain foods or supplements.2. Protein: Continue to prioritize protein to aid in the healing process and tissue recovery.3. Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can hinder the healing process.4. Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Include foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish, which may help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.5. Avoid Inflammatory Foods: Steer clear of processed foods, excess sugar, and excessive salt, as they can increase inflammation.6. Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals may be easier on your digestive system during recovery.7. Medication Management: Be mindful of how medication, especially painkillers, affects your appetite and digestion. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.
It’s crucial to have open communication with your surgeon to tailor your nutrition plan to your specific needs and surgery. Everyone’s recovery is unique, so individualized guidance is essential.

A Mommy Make Over can be a truly life-changing procedure. Success of this procedure depends on patient selection, surgical planning and execution, and compliance on the part of the patient during the postoperative period. There are many things a patient can do to help ensure an ideal outcome. Preoperatively it is best to be at a stable weight and hopefully within 10 pounds of your ideal weight. You should not smoke or use any type of nicotine products for 6 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after. Smoking can lead to loss of skin and severe wound healing problems. Preoperatively it is important to maintain a healthy diet high in protein to help the postoperative healing process. It is also important to make sure your diet does not promote constipation. Some surgeons will recommend a mild preoperative enema to help empty the bowel before the surgery.

I would do the followings to prepare for your procedure. 1) Keep on healthy diet and take multi-vitamins, 2) Continue with regular exercise to keep your body healthy; however, try not to lose more weight at this time. You want a stable weight, 3) No smoking, 4) No aspirin 7 days prior to your surgery, 5) Check with your plastic surgeon to find out which medications she/he wants you to avoid. Best wishes to you.

Dr Sugene Kim

Mommy Makeover surgical procedures, like all types of Plastic Surgery, require you to be at your healthiest going into surgery. 

"Health" is a complex term, but includes having a well-rounded, nutritious diet, restful sleep, limiting alcohol, salt and sugar, no smoking, doing regular exercise, and having the psychological and emotional support you need to recover from surgery.

The best type of nutritious diet is one that you can prepare at home, with natural foods, and a well-balanced variety of protein, complex carbohydrates and fat. 

Do your best to avoid overly processed foods such as deli meats, boxed items such as crackers and cookies, and consider a multi-vitamin that contains iron (such as a prenatal vitamin) if you feel you are not getting all the vitamins and minerals you require from your regular diet. 

In preparation for surgery, consider making some large batches of healthy meals that you can freeze in smaller portions for your postoperative recovery period, or ask a friend or family member to bring over a home-cooked meal while you are recovering. 

You need to "feed your body" to ensure your wounds heal well after your procedure, just like when you were pregnant and nursing your babies! 

Karen M. Horton, M.D., M.Sc., F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S.C.

For any large surgery such as a mommy-makeover, it is important to maintain a healthy diet without calorie restrictions and a heavy emphasis on protein. The scar tissue that needs to form for healing requires protein, vitamin C, and zinc. A multivitamin daily is a good start. Protein supplementation can also help, particularly in the first few weeks following surgery. Certain laboratory values (albumin level, prealbumin level) can indicate protein deficiencies and may warrant checking for individuals who have undergone massive weight loss surgery or have been on extreme diets prior to surgery. In general, a balanced diet with a multivitamin and protein supplementation is fine for most patients. For specific dietary concerns in your particular case, it is important to have this discussion with your plastic surgeon.

Thank you for the question.

There is no specific “recommended diet” for the pre or post-tummy tuck patient. A well-balanced diet with high fiber and a good protein source would obviously be helpful. Adding a protein shake ( to each meal) if necessary may also be helpful especially if your appetite is curtailed ( which often happens during this period). Frequent hydration is also important.

Some other advice I give to patients prior to major surgery may be helpful to you: 

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 helps.