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

Question

"Protein shakes are especially good for optimal incision healing." this is a DIRECT Quote from a doc here on RS. So can you tell us how much protein is optimal after a TT? I am fairly health concious. Make 99.9 % of our meals at home.VERY little "white" foods. We eat things like pinto,kidney,and black beans(dried not canned)and a cup of brown rice. Bass (we caught). or tuna & spinich. Almond butter, dried apricots and almonds for snacks.Bananas& blueberries on cherrios for BF. yogurt for desert

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

While some surgeons believe in the value of a protein shake, most including myself would recommend sensible and balanced eating habits.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is NO.

	An aver age person needs the following amount of protein:

	Adult men need about 56 grams a day.
	Adult women need about 46 grams a day.

	For serious athletes, this works out to be between 1.2 and 1.7 g/kg (0.5 - 0.8 grams per pound) of protein per a day. For average people, the intake is less.

	Unless you have a digestive/malabsorbtion problem, eat a low protein or non-meat diet, or had bariatric surgery, it is very unlikely that you need any protein supplementation. In fact, there no studies that show a benefit in normal health patients.

	Best recommendation is to save your money and discuss with a Board Certified plastic surgeon who does not sell these products.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Optimal Incision Healing

Answer: Optimal Incision Healing

Answer: Do I Need a Protein Shake after a Tummy Tuck

Answer: Do I Need a Protein Shake after a Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Optimal Incision Healing

Answer: Optimal Incision Healing

Answer: Do I Need a Protein Shake after a Tummy Tuck

Answer: Do I Need a Protein Shake after a Tummy Tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.