Food bloat and a tummy tuck recovery - what's a good plan?

Question

I've noticed recently that wheat and beef cause me to bloat. I have severe distension & the upper stomach is HARD. The obvious assumption is that I have a sensitivity to these foods. If my stomach distended like that after a tummy tuck I'm pretty sure I'd be in significant pain & discomfort. Is there a meal plan of foods that are easy to digest that is recommended during recovery? Or a list of foods to avoid? I feel this may be one of those issues that people never think of until it's too late.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Most people have some food sensitivities. You have identified 2 foods that cause you problems. Because its impossible to identify all foods that cause problems, I suggest that patients stay on a soft diet for 2 weeks following their surgery.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, tomom2015.  It is great that you are thinking, preparing ahead.  People can have different sensitivities for certain food: beef, corn, gluten, dairy products, etc.  You have to see which food make you bloated. Consider testing by an allergist. In general, avoid dairy products, heavy creams, salty food.  Best wishes with your surgery and recovery!

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question. The surgery won't change anything in terms of your digestion. Nothing is being done interabdominally. However, you will feel a corset effect from the surgery. At this point you probably know what's best tolerated for your body's digestion. I would stick with bland foods. After a few weeks you should be able to go back to your normal diet.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

This is a good question, I find including fiber in your diet is beneficial. There are a number of good fiber products available that you can purchase at the pharmacy or health food store. Benefiber is a popular choice with many physicians. Also, adding probiotics to your diet is healthy. Greek yogurt is a good source, or you can purchase it in pill form as well, they are over the counter.  I hope this helps answer your question.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

It's great that you are thinking ahead. The postop pain pills always cause problems due to constipation so that is unavoidable to some extent. We have no specific dietary plans other than the common sense one that patients avoid foods that are know to them to be a source of problems.

Food bloat and a tummy tuck recovery - what's a good plan?

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