"Protein Shakes Are Especially Good for Optimal Incision Healing"- Is This Correct? How Much Protein Post-TT?

Thank you for the question.

It sounds like you have a very healthy diet at this point. Protein shakes may be helpful as a supplement to your already healthy diet after tummy tuck surgery. One way to do this may be to add two protein shakes per day to your diet after surgery.

You should be aware however that many patients do just fine without adding protein to an otherwise healthy diet after surgery.

I hope this helps.

As long as you maintain a healthy diet and eat about 0.5 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound body weight per day, you do not need to add a protein shake to your diet. If you eat poorly or are on the go all the time, then a protein supplement can help as a replacement.

Congrats on your healthy food choices.  I often work on patients who have had weight loss surgery, and they may suffer from various forms of nutritional depletion (anemia, Vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency).  They may are at risk for healing issues after large surgeries, and are therefore ideal candidates for protein supplementation.

In healthy patients, addtional protein is unlikely to have a major beneficial effect.  A potential problem is patients who focus on getting that 100g of protein and then fail to get adequte intake of fats and carbs.  These are necessary to fuel the healing process. 

My recommendation is a balanced diet, and if you care to increase your protein leveles (while also preventing constipation after surgery) add a bit more kale or legumes to your diet.