Is keto ok to try to lose weight before tummy tuck ?

Question

Hello :) I'm planning on having a tummy tuck in late May early June I just started doing the Keto diet to help me get as close as possiable to my ideal weight , I'm down 6 lbs so far it's a high fat moderate protein low carb diet I'm just wondering is this safe to do before surgery ? I have no health issues ? Thank you

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for using RealSelf.com.I personally have been on a low carb, ketogenic diet for over three years.  It is exactly what you are doing.  High fat, moderate protein, lots of vegetables and avoidance of sugar and grains (as much as possible).  It is the healthiest diet and most effective at losing weight.  It is absolutely safe.  Our bodies and brains do not need sugar or products from wheat (also no processed food).  I have shed some pounds and feel better than I ever had in the past.So, keep on doing this.  You will have so many benefits including better and quicker healing.  I would also recommend drinking bone broth before and after your operation as well.  So many benefits from that as well.Dr Spies

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not the best way to lose weight under any circumstances.Key factors in the healing of any wound are nutrition and vitamin supplements.  There are specially formulated vitamins that are designed to optimize your healing that we use from Vitamedica.  In addition, we use Arnica and Bromelain to reduce the swelling and bruising.  Before and after surgery, nutrition is a key component that is overlooked by almost every patient and surgeon.  After the operation, your calorie and protein requirements are increased.  We design a nutritional regimen for each patient which is provided to them during the preoperative teaching.  In order to meet the calorie and protein requirements after surgery, the patients typically supplement using protein shakes.  Calorie and protein intake are recorded on a log that we provide and review at the postoperative visits.  The combination of homeopathic medicines, vitamins supplementation, and adequate calorie and protein intake are critical to the wound healing process.  Prior to surgery, we ask the patients to stop all of their own supplements as some can cause problems with bleeding during and after surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As long as the diet is balanced, this can be used to aid in weight loss.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Wesley G. Wilson, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decisions to loose weight and have a tummy tuck.  They work well together.  Keto diets can be very effective in weight loss and the improved discipline will help you to maintain.  The results for tummy tuck are best when patients are at their stable weight.  Everyone would like to be a little thinner but there is a point where we are where we are.  Find that healthy balance, then is the perfect time to have the surgery.  The results can be maintained because the is no "bounce back" from just coming off the diet.  There is no doubt that you will love the results you will get from the combination.  
Again, kudos to you for your efforts. 
Dr Wilson

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  It is safe and frankly a good idea to try and reach goal weight prior to elective surgery.  The one caveat to that is that you want to be healthy overall as well. Some extreme diets probably are not good but any moderation type diet will be fine. Good luck.

Is keto ok to try to lose weight before tummy tuck ?

Answers (6)

Answer: Diet, Weight Loss, Surgery

Answer: Diet, Weight Loss, Surgery

Answer: Is it safe to loose weight prior to surgery?

Answer: Is it safe to loose weight prior to surgery?

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Is keto ok to try to lose weight before tummy tuck ?

Answers (6)

Answer: Diet, Weight Loss, Surgery

Answer: Diet, Weight Loss, Surgery

Answer: Is it safe to loose weight prior to surgery?

Answer: Is it safe to loose weight prior to surgery?

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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.