No water until 3 weeks post-op: I was told immediately following surgery that I should not drink plain water.

Question

I am 7 DPO from a mommy makeover and was told immediately following surgery that I should not drink plain water as to not dilute my electrolytes. I’ve been drinking Vitamin Water, Gatorade and coconut water but called to confirm if drinking water now 7 days out would be ok and the nurse advised against it until at least 2 to 3 weeks po. I typically only drink water so this is driving me crazy!! I’m thirsty!!!!!!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Congratulations on your procedure. Every surgeon has their own post op protocols. However, it is odd that you have been restricted to drink water. I will suggest contacting your surgeon for more clarification. Good luck with your recovery.

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Each plastic surgeon will have their own protocol as far as recovery goes, but I am not sure why plain water would be restricted. Please contact your plastic surgeon to clarify. Hope this helps,Dr. German NewallHouston Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

I typically tell my patients to drink a variety of fluids which include water, Gatorade, juice etc... but I have never heard of anyone restricting patients from drinking water. I would find it VERY interesting if you could ask them their reasoning and repost to let us know what the thought behind this is?

Jon Paul Trevisani, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello!  This is a very strange question and would ask for clarification.  Adequate hydration is important after surgery and there should be no reason to avoid drinking water.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

In my practice, we recommend postoperatively a variety of fluids including water, juice and Gatorade.  I recommend you ask your plastic surgeon for clarification on the "no plain water" issue.  Perhaps there is some amount of miscommunication??   Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Drinking a variety of fluids and eating a healthy balanced diet is a great idea after surgery.  I'm not sure of the reasoning to eliminate regular water from your intake.  I would speak with your surgeon for further clarification.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Craziest thing I've heard on Real Self so far...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Practices will certainly vary greatly;  in practice (and probably most practices), patients are not restricted from drinking water.  Best to clarify directly with your plastic surgeon the rationale behind the instructions (may be some kind of miscommunication?)… Best wishes.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Unusual question. Frankly, this makes absolutely no sense. It even seems a little odd.It is generally advisable to avoid salt to limit swelling, but unless you are drinking several litres a day and have abnormal kidney function I can see no medical reason for this recommendation.You should ask your doctor for the reasoning behind this.

No water until 3 weeks post-op: I was told immediately following surgery that I should not drink plain water.

Answers (9)

More Mommy Makeover Questions

Why won’t they fill my pain medicine? Told me to use Tylenol after tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift.

Does insurance cover complications days after an elective surgery I paid for?

Will 4 months before my wedding be enough time to heal and not be bloated from a tummy tuck and muscle repair? (Photo)

What is the best scar therapy for tummy tuck and breast lift scars? Silicone strips? Keto-cote? Palmers? (Photo)

I have alpha thalassemia minor. How can I build my hemoglobin quickly for a mommy makeover?

How long is someone restricted following a tummy tuck with a breast lift & aug?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS