I had a tummy tuck yesterday and everything went incredibly well. Is it normal to be hungrier after surgery?

Question

The nurse told me not to be surprised if I don't have an appetite, but I have the opposite problem. I feel much hungrier. I usually eat 1300 calories a day, but today I consumed closer to 1700! I've been eating things like eggs, protein drinks, brown rice cakes with almond butter and strawberries, bananas and apple sauce, chicken and sweet potatos. Should I slow it down or is this normal?

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

Glad to hear that all went well with your procedure.  More often than not, patients post op tummy tuck feel that they get the sensation of fullness with less intake than preop.  Also it is common that the medications for pain relief can have the side effect of nausea which makes people shy of the fridge.  Your body will need a lot of protein and calories to provide resources for your body to heal.  A higher caloric intake during the first few weeks post op wouldn't concern me.  Sounds like you are very discriminating about your diet which is a plus and unfortunately not common.  Best wishes with your recovery.

I had a tummy tuck yesterday and everything went incredibly well. Is it normal to be hungrier after surgery?

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