Meal Plan for Post-Op Body Lift (Sample Menu #8)

By: Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

6/8/2020

Nutrition is always important, but particular attention needs to be given to your diet post-operatively. Your body needs extra calories and protein in times of stress, and surgery is certainly considered stressful, both physically and emotionally. Proper nutrition will help you to heal more quickly and to prevent infection. There may be limiting factors such as loss of appetite, nausea, and constipation/diarrhea. If these are issues, please consult your registered dietitian or surgeon. Please also refer to my previous blog regarding strategies to help deal with these issues.

The following sample menu provides a daily minimum intake of 1700 calories and 100 grams of protein, which would be adequate for a 150 lb person. The daily energy and protein recommendations post-operatively would be 20-25 calories/kg body weight, and 1.2-1.5 grams of protein/kg body weight. This is NOT the time to restrict your calories or protein unless you have a pre-existing medical condition that requires medical and nutritional consideration. If you do have a pre-existing condition, it is important that you consult your surgeon or registered dietitian prior to your surgery. It is recommended that you consume frequent small meals (about 5-6 /day) to evenly distribute your food intake, avoid overeating, and for increased tolerance if you are having problems with appetite, digestion, or absorption. Again, this sample menu does not take into consideration any specific dietary restraints. Please refer to my earlier blogs for gluten-free or vegetarian/vegan options.

For a more individualized and personal diet and exercise plan, please consult a nutrition expert such as a registered dietitian. Nutrient data was obtained from www.myfooddiary.com.

Breakfast

Meal Calories Protein (g)

½ cup uncooked oatmeal (cook in water)

150 5

1 cup 2% milk

137 10

1 cup fresh blueberries

82 1

Morning Snack

Meal Calories Protein (g)

1 mozzarella string cheese

80 6

6 Triscuit crackers

120 3

Lunch

Meal Calories Protein (g)

1/2 cup canned tuna in oil

140 22

1 Tbsp mayonnaise

90

3 wheat Melba toast

60 2

Celery sticks (2 stalks)

20 1

Afternoon Snack

Meal Calories Protein (g)

¾ cup whole milk Greek yogurt (Chobani)

170 16

½ cup cantaloupe cubes

27

Supper

Meal Calories Protein (g)

3 oz fried center loin pork chop

234 25

½ cup mashed potatoes (whole milk/butter)

120 2

½ cup steamed broccoli

25 3

1 tsp butter

34

Evening Snack

Meal Calories Protein (g)

4 Tbsp guacamole

80 2

9 tortilla chips

140 2

Total

Calories Protein (g)
1709 100

Again, this a general sample menu that does not take into consideration any pre-existing medical conditions that will require dietary restrictions. For a more individualized diet plan, please consult your surgeon and registered dietitian.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.