The Importance of Dieting Before and After Surgery

Before undergoing any type of body contouring surgery, all patients should stabilize their weight by dieting before and after the surgery.  Most surgeons require this before a patient can qualify for the surgery to minimize the risk of complications. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the optimal patient is a non-smoker who has a BMI of 18.5 to 25 and is committed to maintaining it.  There also should be no medical conditions, such as cardiac and pulmonary problems, that could impair healing or increase surgical risk. Body Contouring surgeries that would require a healthy diet:

• Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck
• Breast Augmentation – Breast Enlargement
• Face Lift
• Liposuction
• Mastopexy – Breast Lift
• Post Gastric Bypass Surgery
• Post Major Weight Loss Surgery

The different surgeries that usually require strict dieting are weight-loss surgeries; which then might require further surgery for the removal of excess skin.  A breast lift, lower body lift, upper arm lift, and a thigh lift are the standard procedures for post-weight-loss surgery patients. The surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery do both post gastric bypass surgery and post major weight loss surgery consultations to take care of the extra skin that may be stretched out. To maintain a healthy, stable diet it takes some work and dedication, but on the bright side, your overall lifestyle will make a dramatic change.  By following some simple rules on eating and drinking properly, you can find yourself having twice the energy throughout the day than before.  Different foods can either give you energy or make you sluggish, it's up to you what you want to feel like after consuming a meal.  Here are a few tips for keeping your body on the healthy track to a long lasting life:

• Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day
• Eat more fruits and vegetables and less pasta, bread, grains, and cereals
• Eat more frequently in smaller portions and calories
• Eat small amounts of low-fat protein at every meal and snack
• Determine the proper amount of protein for your body, and only consume that
• Use the palm of your hand (not including fingers) to eyeball portion control of protein and carbohydrates each meal
• Drink 8 ounces of water thirty minutes before each meal
• Never let more than 5 hours go by without eating a meal or a snack
• Eat 5 times a day- 3 meals and 2 snacks
• Always eat breakfast within one hour of rising
• Always have a small snack before bedtime and 30 minutes before exercising

These simple rules can put your body on the right track to lose weight and maintain a healthy diet.  The surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery want you to get the most out of your body and feel beautiful from the inside out.  Come in today for a consultation with one of our four board-certified plastic surgeons to help you get and maintain the body you’ve always dreamed about.