I'm having a Lower Body Lift, will a low sodium diet speed the drainage process?

Question

I'm flying down to Miami to have a Lower Body Lift and I'm worried that the fluids will not drain fast enough before I have to return home. Is there something specific I can do to speed up the drainage process? Or something I should avoid?

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Yes, I completely agree with you.  Sodium in your diet is going to force your body to hold onto even more water than it typically would postoperatively.  I advise all of my patients, but especially Body Lift patients to limit their salt intake.  That means no Chinese food, limited soy sauce, no McDonalds (you shouldn't have that anyway), etc.  I think you will find it really does make a big difference in your recovery.Good Luck to you!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

After a 360 circumferential lower body lift, it is essential that you eat approximately 100 grams of protein daily. Typically, the best way to achieve this is with protein drinks or protein shakes. Most proteins drinks have minimal sodium.   If you are able to eat on top of this, that's just extra points for you.After massive weight loss, most of my patients are on a low sodium diet anyway.  Therefore, regardless whether you are having a 360 circumferential lower body lift, I would suggest you adhere to a low salt diet.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Body lifts are big surgeries that require many and frequent follow ups in my experience, I would plan on being near your surgeon for many weeks after surgery

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

When you use the term fluids I am not sure if you are referring to the fluid that will come out your drains or the swelling that will collect in the tissues.Either way the best way you can heal the quickest is to follow all your surgeon's instructions especially in regards wearing your garments I have usually seen the posterior drains out in 3-5 days and anterior 7-10 days. The swelling lasts in some form a few weeks, but the worst is gone in the first couple of weeks if you wear your garment as directed. As far as avoiding, I would watch my post op salt intake. I have noticed that patients who go on a heavy potato chip binge have worse swelling, but it does go away eventually. Good luck.

I'm having a Lower Body Lift, will a low sodium diet speed the drainage process?

Answers (4)

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