If you are in good shape and already have a balanced diet, there is no need to do anything special leading up to a tummy tuck. We find sticking to you own familiar routine, including vitamins, will get you through comfortably.
Starting something new right before surgery doesn’t pay. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Diet before Tummy tuck
Usually we have the patient on a clear liquid diet the day before surgery so that the colon is relatively empty and the need to go the day after is reduced.
The muscle tightening should be easier with an empty belly also.
As far as the nutritional status , I assume that it is good unless they have already had a bypass procedure, then we would need some lab test. (Walter D. Gracia, MD, Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon)
Nutritional recommendations for tummy tuck patients
I always recommend a balanced diet and point out that the postop meds can cause constipation so fiber cereal, prunes, etc. are a good way to combat this. I will stress that prep testing is a good way to learn whether a patient is in good shape for surgery, particularly in the postbariatric population which has malabsorption issues. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Nutritional Advice for Tummy Tuck Patients
It is rather unusual to see a TT patient who is nutritionally compromised, so I seldom feel a need to give nutritional advice. The one thing I will suggest is several days of high fiber diet to help treat the constipation that frequently occurs with post-op pain medicines. Thanks for the question, and best wishes. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Diet Advice Before/After Tummy Tuck?
There is no specific “recommended diet” for the pre or post-tummy tuck patient. A well-balanced diet with high fiber and a good protein source would obviously be helpful. Adding a protein shake ( to each meal) if necessary may also be helpful especially if your appetite is curtailed after surgery (which often happens during this period). Frequent hydration is also important. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
What Nutritional Advice Do You Give to Your Tummy Tuck Patients?
As with any surgery, eating a balanced diet so that the patient is not nutritionally compromised will give them the best chance of healing without wound complications. I do not recommend any specific diet or dietary supplements above and beyond this. (Robert M. Grenley, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)