Mommy Makeover Aftercare Diet Tips for a Vegan.

Question

My question is what advice, if any would you give to a vegan that is different to that given to a meat eater? I do not eat meat but I will eat cheese ocassionally. I do not eat alot of processed foods, foods with gmo's etc. I try to eat as clean as possible. Is one protein source better than another? I have upped my protein intake by drinking brown rice protein shakes. Could I be lacking something by my vegan lifestyle? I am an avid exerciser in good health and at normal weight. 5"5 125lbs.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

A Vegan diet should be no problem if it is balanced. By a balanced diet I mean it should include adequate protein (very important during the healing phase), complex carbohydrates and essential fats (but not a lot of omega 3 fats a few weeks before and for a week after to prevent bruising and excessive bleeding with surgery) and essential vitamins and minerals. Soy protein, tofu, soy burgers, beans will take care of the protein requirement fine. I strongly recommend following the pre-surgical vitamin regimen we like our patients to follow. We use the Vita Medica program which is started before surgery and continued afterwards. It emiminates things that can cause excessive bruising (like Vitamin E, Omega 3 FA, etc) and has B`12 (missing in some Vegan diets) along with Arnica Montanum and Bromelain to decrease swelling, pain and bruising. If you cannot locate these products through your surgeon, give my office a call.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Discuss this specifically with your plastic surgeon.

	Make sure you increase protein intake and take a multivitamin supplement.

	You may give consideration to seeing your primary care doctor a nutritional lab profile to make sure your lab work looks good and that you are not undernourished.

	Best of luck.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

We are having more Vegan patients in the office. Keys to healing include enough protein, and the necessary nutrients. Find good sources of protein, (protein drinks, legumes, etc). Also make sure that you are getting enough iron and B12. Best to see you familiy practice doctor and get the proper pre-operative labwork. Make sure you have all the buliding blocks needed for healing.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	While your healthy lifestyle certainly lowers your risks of heart disease and stroke, during times of increased protein demand (like healing after surgery), the relatively low amounts of protein you ingest may significantly increase your risks of healing complications after your Mommy Makeover.

	I recommend you supplement your regular diet with protein shakes (GNC sells lots of varieties- make sure it contains all essential amino acids) and multi-vitamins (again, any comprehensive multi-vitamin will do). 

	This should keep your risks nice and low.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your healthy living likely has kept you in very good shape and you should have little problem with your surgery. Strict vegetarians can be lacking in protein so adding some protein drinks with soy or whey protein can help with that in the post operative stages. There are a wide variety available at health food stores.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

I have had 2 vegan patients who have had delayed wound healing after surgery.  Now, I recommend additional pre and post-op nutrition supplementation with vitamins and protein drinks.  

	You may choose any protein drink you like the flavor of.  "Vitamin Shoppe" has a large selection, and are widely available.  Try to get 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight per day.

	 

	All the best,

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I concur with your desire for protein supplementation.   If you are on a specific diet, I would recommend a review of your blood count (to make sure you are not anemic) and your electrolytes.  In addition, protein supplementation is important to improve your healing potential.     Depending on your overall health status, I may recommend an evaluation by an internal medicine specialist and possible a nutritionist as well.    Just like with any endeavor, including cosmetic surgery, preparation is key.

	Dr. Basu

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  

	Yes, we would want you to increase your protein intake prior to and after surgery to help with the recovery process.  There are many options to choose from.

	Talk to your surgeon to see if he/she has any specific recommendations.

	Best Wishes!

John Squires, MD (retired) · Answer

A vegan diet can make it difficult to take in enough protein for optimal healing. It is also difficult to get enough vitamin B12. I would recommend a diet with plenty of soy and legumes. You should probably also take multivitamin and mineral supplements containing vitamin B12 for at least a month before and after surgery. Long-term B12 supplementation is probably a good idea for the vegan diet as it is very difficult to get enough through diet alone.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

Make sure you are getting enough iron.  I had a vegan patient a few years ago and she looked like the White Witch of Narnia.  I checked her blood count and she was really, reallly anemic.  Her blood count came up with iron supplements and she eventually had surgery. 

	I recommend you have rountine blood work done and take the advice of your primary care doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

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Mommy Makeover Aftercare Diet Tips for a Vegan.

Answers (11)

MOMMY MAKEOVER PROVIDERS NEAR YOU