If my dr is recommending 30g of carbs after Tummy tuck, what is a healthy amount of fat and protein intake?

Question

I recently had an abdominal surgery to correct a severe case of diastasis recti, as well as repair an abdominal hernia, all a result of pregnancy. My dr recommended that I eat no more than 30g of carbs a day, to aid with the muscle healing, as well as flush out extra fat and fluids. But he didn't give me any information regarding what my protein & fat intake should be. Any recommendations of what my target should be?

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for using RealSelf.com.I absolutely love this question because I am convinced that a low carb diet is the only way to lose weight, stay healthy and strengthen your immune system.  I have read many books about this subject and recommend you read one such as 'Wheat Belly' by William Davis MD or 'The Primal Blueprint' by Mark Sisson.  These and other books discuss the many problems and illnesses caused by eating wheat products, sugar and processed foods. Your question about how much protein and fat to eat is important because limiting carbohydrates means you need to eat fat or protein to ingest enough calories for good health.  30 grams of carbs per day is difficult.  I believe that if you eat around 45 grams per day (15grams per meal) you will burn fat more efficiently and lose weight.  Those carbs need to be vegetables and some low-sugar fruits, not wheat products or sugary foods.Protein intake should be 1.0 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of weight, the rest healthy fats.  This includes eggs, avacados, nuts including almonds or walnuts, almond butter, cheese if you are not lactose intolerant as well as cooking with healthy oils (olive oil, coconut oil or even avocado oil).  Protein should include fish (wild not farmed) and organic or grass-fed meat if possible.What helped me initially to know how many carbs are in foods I eat was one of many apps that break down the carb numbers of every food (remember that any fiber in carbs can be subtracted from total carbs).  I used one called 'Fat Secret' which is really informative and free to download.Good luck to you.Dr Spies

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

It sounds as if your surgeon has a very specific post op protocol for you so my best advice would be to call his office and ask for their recommendation. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

If my dr is recommending 30g of carbs after Tummy tuck, what is a healthy amount of fat and protein intake?

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If my dr is recommending 30g of carbs after Tummy tuck, what is a healthy amount of fat and protein intake?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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