Is water fasting, to increase autophagy, after tummy tuck advisable?

Thank you for your questions. I am sorry to disagree with you on this one, but I cannot think of a much worse thing to do after surgery (maybe smoking) than to deplete yourself of nutrients. I do not practice fasting but from a scientific standpoint, I have an opinion. The reason it works for weight loss is because you are practicing calorie deprivation....essentially burning calories by doing normal activities but taking in no calories, so you lose weight. After surgery, there is a significant inflammatory response that NEEDS to take place to promote healing. The term "inflammation" seems to have a bad rap these days, but it is important to remember that term means that your body is mounting a response to something that needs responded to. In the case of wound healing after surgery, that process delivers much needed nutrients and cellular components to the site of injury to start the repair process. Without the nutrients to start wound healing, the body is going to have problems healing which will lead to infection, wound separation, and a whole host of other problems.Just as an example to prove the point.....in massive weight loss patients who have had gastric bypass, we often test labs on them prior to surgery to measure their protein stores and overall nutritional status (albumin, pre-albumin, etc.). When those levels are low, that is a good indication of increased peri-operative complications. In some very large studies, numbers like a decreased albumin have been highly predictive of morbidity and mortality. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Surgery puts a ton of physical and mental stress on your body. You do not want run an increased risk of extended recovery time with water fasting  A well balanced diet with complete proteins, independent of origin, will allow for appropriate healing. I recommend that my patients take 100 grams of protein each day during the healing phase for the first six weeks following surgery. This protein can be in the form of manufactured premier protein shakes or optimum whey protein added to milk or water.  The objective is not weight gain but promotion of healing. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Water fasting would not be advised either prior to surgery or during your recovery period as it will limit your body's ability to heal itself. In addition it can negatively impact your blood pressure, reaction to anesthesia, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.  Your surgeon will be able to supply you with the best recommendations on care to maximize your results and minimize potential complications.  Best wishes.

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  After a tummy tuck the body needs plenty of resources in order to heal itself.  During this time it is advised that your body has consistent healthy, balanced nourishment.  Water fasting could deny your body important nutrients to ensure proper healing. Your surgeon will be the best guide for you as he/she will be most familiar with your surgical plan and how you have been progressing through recovery.  

Great question! Congratulations on your weight loss! As a Holistic Plastic Surgeon and creator of a Wellness Center, I need to respectfully recommend that you consider a consultation with a nutritionist. Short bursts of intermittent fasting could have its benefits, though there are a lot of downsides as well, especially if you are preparing your body for surgery. You want to be in optimal condition from a nutritional perspective in order to heal postop. I would be concerned about your micronutrient deficits at this time due to such large weight loss. In my experience, the best long term results are achieved with sustainable lifestyle changes that unite the body , mind and soul in a healthy balance.
 Good luck! Dr. Tamy