Nutrition

Nutrition can significantly impact your experience after cosmetic surgery. Eating the right foods can accelerate your healing and help prevent complications, inflammation, and discomfort. Following a healthy diet can also help increase the longevity of your body contouring results and ensure you stay fit and fabulous for the long term.

fit woman smiling in workout clothes eating a salad.

While many medical professionals tend to deemphasize the importance of proper diet, Dr. Kiwanuka has made nutrition one of the cornerstones of Functional Aesthetics, her revolutionary treatment approach combines aesthetic procedures with optimal nutrients and antioxidants, fitness, and wellness.

Whole Foods — Optimizing Your Recovery After Surgery

Whole foods are unaltered by chemical processing. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins are the easiest to digest and eliminate, allowing your body to conserve the energy it needs to focus on healing. Processed foods like chips, candy, desserts, fried chicken, and french fries contain greater amounts of trans fats, sugar, salt, and additives, with less fiber and vitamins. They can cause constipation, fatigue, blood sugar drops, and a host of other uncomfortable symptoms that might inhibit your body’s ability to recover quickly.

If you’re shopping for food after surgery, focus on the outside aisles at the store, which is where they keep the unprocessed foods. Doing the majority of your shopping in these peripheral areas of the supermarket will help you stay healthier — not just after surgery, but in the weeks, months, and years that follow. In this way, undergoing surgery can instigate a positive life change that will have untold benefits as you grow older.

Dealing With Constipation

Top on your list of changes to make in order to support your recovery is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration is common after any procedure and staying hydrated can help ward off fatigue, constipation, and other serious medical issues.

Prescription pain medications, especially opioids, can lead to decreased bowel movements and discomfort. Constipation can actually reduce your appetite, depriving you of the nutrients and energy you need to recover. It can also place stress on your incisions, putting pressure on the sutures.

The foods most likely to cause constipation include red meat, processed foods like chips, candy, sweets, and fast food, and cheese and dairy products. Including enough fiber in your diet is a must after surgery as it can significantly combat constipation. High-fiber choices include whole-grain bread, oatmeal, other whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

woman in work out clothes holding a green drink smiling

Focusing On Lean Proteins

Proteins contain essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for repair and renewal. Too much fat can lead to constipation, nausea, or an upset stomach. Therefore, it is best to choose low-fat lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, seafood, nuts, tofu, and legumes. If it feels difficult to eat, you can try adding protein powders to smoothies or other beverages.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables — The Elixirs of Life

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutrient and fiber-rich, making them ideal choices during your recovery. They help boost the immune system, supplying vital antioxidants that both heal and fight off disease. Fresh foods are always best, but even canned or frozen vegetables can help fight constipation. Fruits and vegetables contain a good deal of water, which your body needs in order to flush out toxins and ensure healthy digestion.

Switching to Low-Fat Dairy Products

While dairy products do contain protein, which your body needs after surgery, many patients find it difficult to digest. Dairy may also compromise optimal breathing for those with allergies. Good options are low-fat items, such as skim milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Go slow eating any dairy products to make sure your stomach can handle them.

Dealing With a Loss of Appetite

It’s normal to lose one’s appetite after surgery. This side effect usually passes within a few days. However, it’s important that you continue to receive nutrients during all phases of your healing. If it’s hard to eat, you can consider drinking your meals instead, consuming soups and smoothies, and enjoying softer foods like avocado and banana that are easy to get down. Focus on eating the highest calories foods on your plate first before you lose your appetite. Eat snacks like protein bars to keep your blood sugar normal.

Conclusion

When it comes to healing, your diet plays a key role and should not be overlooked. Stick with whole foods, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid constipation. If you have trouble eating after surgery, try to ingest liquid meals and add snacks to your day whenever possible.

Above all, work with a doctor such as Dr. Kiwanuka who is knowledgeable about how nutrition impacts your treatment and recovery. Discuss your goals, preferences, and concerns with her before your procedure. She can help to tailor your aftercare plan to your needs and ensure your recuperation runs smoothly.