Fasting after tummy tuck surgery?

Question

Hello, I will have a tummy tuck and I need to know if fasting is ok after the surgery ( the second day after surgery) . I fast for Ramadan month from sunrise to sunset and there are 5 days left of Ramadan. Please advise me

Sumer Daiza, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I do not recommend fasting two days after a tummy tuck because this is a time where you should be optimizing your nutrition for optimal healing.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Fasting on the second day after a tummy tuck is usually not a good idea unless your surgeon has specifically cleared it. The first few days are when your body needs steady fluids, protein, calories, and regular medication timing. Dehydration can increase dizziness, constipation, nausea, poor wound healing, and possibly clot risk, especially while you are less mobile.

Tell your surgeon before surgery that Ramadan is still ongoing. They can advise whether it would be safer to delay surgery until after Ramadan or give clear instructions for hydration, meals, pain medicine, antibiotics, blood thinners if prescribed, and walking. From a surgical recovery standpoint, I would generally prioritize hydration and nutrition during the first postoperative days and resume fasting only once you are drinking and eating normally, moving well, and your surgeon says it is safe.

Contact your surgeon urgently, or seek emergency care, if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint, have calf pain or swelling, shortness of breath, fever, worsening abdominal pain, or concerning drainage.

Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. When fasting after a tummy tuck surgery, it is important to consider how to nourish your body for proper recovery. If you plan to fast during Ramadan, consume a well-balanced meal rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables during non-fasting hours to help with your recovery. Staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration is also important, especially when taking medication. However, opinions may vary on whether fasting after surgery is advisable, so it is recommended that you speak with your surgeon for personalized guidance. Your surgeon will know your medical history and can provide the best advice for your specific situation.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello CNA 88. Thank you for your question regarding fasting after your tummy tuck surgery. I would suggest you do not fast during your recovery after your tummy tuck. Instead, I would recommend rescheduling your tummy tuck surgery until after Ramadan. During the recovery period after a tummy tuck, it is extremely important that you consume about 100 grams of protein a day. In addition, you need to remain well hydrated, which means drinking about 1 gallon of water a day.

Since you cannot eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, you would be depriving your body of essential nutrients and hydration necessary for healing, potentially damaging the results of your tummy tuck surgery. Fasting is difficult, and fasting after surgery is even more challenging and not recommended.

Therefore, most plastic surgeons would advise delaying your tummy tuck until after Ramadan. Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding fasting after tummy tuck surgery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Zina88,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Fasting after tummy tuck surgery is typically recommended as part of the pre-operative and post-operative care plan to help ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Here's a general overview of fasting recommendations before and after tummy tuck surgery:

Pre-operative Fasting: Before undergoing tummy tuck surgery, your plastic surgeon will likely provide specific instructions regarding fasting. This typically involves refraining from eating or drinking anything, including water, for a certain period before the scheduled surgery. Following these fasting guidelines is important to reduce the risk of complications related to anesthesia and ensure your safety during the procedure.

Post-operative Fasting: After tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon may recommend continuing to fast or limit your intake of food and fluids for a certain period immediately following the procedure. This is typically done to allow your body time to recover from the effects of anesthesia and surgery, as well as to minimize the risk of nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues during the early stages of recovery.

Gradual Resumption of Eating: As you progress through the initial stages of recovery, your surgeon will provide guidance on when it's safe to resume eating and drinking normally. This may involve starting with clear liquids and gradually transitioning to solid foods as tolerated. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions closely and listen to your body's cues to avoid overeating or consuming foods that may be difficult to digest during the early stages of recovery.

Hydration: While fasting is typically recommended immediately after tummy tuck surgery, it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids as directed by your surgeon. Hydration is essential for promoting healing, preventing dehydration, and supporting overall recovery. Your surgeon may recommend specific types of fluids or electrolyte solutions to help maintain hydration during the recovery process.

Nutrition and Diet: Following tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon may also provide recommendations regarding your diet and nutrition to support optimal healing and recovery. This may include eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, protein, and vitamins, as well as avoiding certain foods and beverages that may interfere with healing or increase the risk of complications.

It's important to follow your surgeon's pre-operative and post-operative fasting guidelines closely to ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of complications. If you have any questions or concerns about fasting or dietary considerations before or after tummy tuck surgery, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the recovery process successfully.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You are in a special circumstance where calories and protein are in dire need. I advise putting off religious duties until later. Please eat and eat a lot of protein to heal well and quickly.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may fast during the designated time, but when you do eat, eat plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables so you will heal properly.  Don't waste calories on junk food.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as opinions may vary.  During recovery from surgery it is important that your body have adequate nutrients in order to heal properly.  Your surgeon will advise what is best in your situation.

R. Morgan Davoudi, MD · Answer

First of all I admire your dedication to your faith specially during this time of recovery. In my opinion and coming from someone that does fast occasionally, as long as you are receiving ample amount of protein in calories and vitamins necessary for the healing process you should be OK. However, in the absence of fluid intake, My only concern would be possible dehydration during the fasting and therefore interference with proper wound healing and recovery specially if you're still using medication. Ramadan Mubarak!

Fasting after tummy tuck surgery?

Answers (12)

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