There are no specific restrictions immediately after a tummy tuck. However, you may want to keep your diet light for the next several days. Start with clear liquids, such as water, then move on to a soft diet of raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain cereals, yogurt, soft cheeses, soups, and pudding.
Vegetables and fruits. As with any diet, fruits and vegetables are recommended, especially dark leafy greens. Other good foods include red onions, broccoli, pineapples and apples, and capers to decrease swelling faster. These provide your body with essential vitamins to help you heal and fight infection.
You should also not drink alcohol after your Tummy Tuck Surgery because alcohol does not mix well with the painkillers and it also decreases the effects of other medication you will be taking after the surgery. Most importantly, alcohol is a blood thinner which is the last thing you would want in the phase of recovery.
Post-Tummy Tuck Diet: Food to Avoid
These high-carb foods are less helpful to your body. Fatty and greasy foods such as potato chips, ice cream, and pizza all have at least 10-20 grams of fat per ounce. These foods contain a lot of calories which – if not burned – can bring back the lost fat on your stomach.
There are some foods that can slow down your recovery or increase your risk of complications after surgery. These include alcohol, processed foods, caffeine, and foods that are high in sugar.
Yes, you can drink coffee after the tummy tuck surgery but try to limit the intake to one or two cups only as caffeinated beverages can dehydrate your body. Drink more water to help flush out the toxins and assist healing.
Swelling and bruising are common after surgery. Pineapple and papaya are known to reduce swelling and inflammation because they contain protease enzymes that the body uses to digest proteins. Consuming pineapple and papaya after surgery will help offset the swelling that may occur after surgery.
We recommend maintaining a 'hunched at the hips' standing position for at least 2 weeks, with most patients returning to their regular straightened posture within 2-3 weeks.
The worst days after your tummy tuck will be the first one to three days. You may experience some discomfort, bloating, pressure, and swelling, but these symptoms are normal and will resolve themselves.
Bed rest is recommended for the first 2 days after your tummy tuck procedure. On day 3, activity is encouraged but should be limited.
Swelling is a normal part of tummy tuck recovery, and while most of it resolves within the first 2 months, some residual swelling can last for 6 months to a year.
Because your stomach may feel sensitive and swollen, start with small meals and choose foods that are easy to digest. Broth-based soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are a few excellent choices. Stay away from foods that cause discomfort when they move through the digestive system, such as spicy or fiber-rich meals.
After the second day, your only exercise should involve getting out of bed every two hours and walking with assistance for 10 to 15 minutes. By the end of the week, you should be able to engage in light activity or household chores and walk without assistance.
Whether you're contemplating a Mommy Makeover package or just want to undergo a tummy tuck, you'll be relieved to know that any pain from this cosmetic procedure is far less than that experienced after a C-section.
You should still avoid any particularly strenuous workouts, as well as exercises targeting the abdominal area, such as sits ups or weight lifting. Walking or stationary cycling can be a good place to start, with more vigorous exercise not recommended until the 6-week mark.
So what are anti-inflammatory foods? They include lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins (like beans and nuts), fatty fish, and fresh herbs and spices. Fruits and veggies: Research shows that vitamin K-rich leafy greens like spinach and kale reduce inflammation, as do broccoli and cabbage.
There are no specific restrictions immediately after a tummy tuck. However, you may want to keep your diet light for the next several days. Start with clear liquids, such as water, then move on to a soft diet of raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain cereals, yogurt, soft cheeses, soups, and pudding.
Healthy Fats. Especially after completing surgery, healthy fat can help absorb vitamins and is essential for strengthening your immune system and your chance for an infection. Healthy fats to consider: Avocados.
Zemmel generally advises patients to avoid alcohol for at least one to two weeks after surgery—and only after you have finished taking your pain medications. This is because mixing alcohol with painkillers can be a dangerous combination, putting you at risk of damaging your wounds and over-exerting yourself.
The reason why you can't sleep on your side after a tummy tuck is that it creates too much tension in the surgical area and can be painful. Sleeping on your side after 3 or 5 weeks after the tummy tuck is even better. In addition to sleeping in the right position, it is also important to ensure a comfortable recovery.