To drink or not to drink (water) before a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am having a tummy tuck soon . I have read much on this site and others that it is recommended to drink lots of water after surgery . My doctor is saying not to . To only drink if very thirsty .. Why conflicting ideas about this ?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Key factors in the healing of any wound are nutrition and vitamin supplements.  There are specially formulated vitamins that are designed to optimize your healing that we use from Vitamedica.  In addition, we use Arnica and Bromelian to reduce the swelling and bruising.  Before and after surgery, nutrition is a key component that is overlooked by almost every patient and surgeon.  After the operation, your calorie and protein requirements are increased.  We design a nutritional regimen for each patient which is provided to them during the preoperative teaching.  In order to meet the calorie and protein requirements after surgery, the patients typically supplement using protein shakes.  Calorie and protein intake are recorded on a log that we provide and review at the postoperative visits.  The combination of homeopathic medicines, vitamins supplementation, and adequate calorie and protein intake are critical to the wound healing process.  Prior to surgery, we ask the patients to stop all of their own supplements as some can cause problems with bleeding during and after surgery.

Kenneth Sumida, MD · Answer

You should follow your doctor's orders.   Hydration is important since you have to prepare for the fluid shifts and dehydration you will get from the tummy tuck and more so if liposuction is performed.    The reasoning for hydration is mainly to reduce the chances for a thrombosis or blood clot.    Early ambulation along with hydration is important after your surgery.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

All surgery is in reality a controlled injury performed in s sterile environment. With the skin elevated from the tummy muscles we lose water to evaporation and the injury causes blood vessels to become temporarily porous or Leakey allowing loss of intravadcukar fluid to a "third space" between the cells and blood vessels resulting in swelling. As a result, large cosmetic operations are associated with swelling and tendency to dehydration. But the solution is not over-hydration with water. We lose water AND salts and need to replace the losses not only with water but with more balanced hydration contains salts such as juices or sports drinks. While hydration is important, drinking a huge amount of water which would result in bloating and swelling may not be the best approach. Ambulation, nutrition and proper hydration are all equally important. Dr. Peter A. Aldea

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Drinking enough water to keep you well hydrated is important than over drinking water. Please follow instructions from your PS

To drink or not to drink (water) before a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (4)

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