Hi my Beauties!
So, what surgery did I have, and how did I recover? What changes did I make to my diet? What supplements helped me heal? I want to take you through my post-surgery journey and share the foods, habits, and lifestyle tweaks that truly made a difference—not just as a physician, but as a patient myself. As always you can get a much deeper dive by watching the full YouTube video here:
My Surgery & Recovery Process
I had abreast implant exchange performed by Dr. Stephen Ip, an incredible plastic surgeon in Orange County. The day after surgery, I had my follow-up, and my doctor shared some valuable insight—patients who maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle tend to have better surgical outcomes. Big weight fluctuations can negatively impact healing, so going into surgery with a balanced fitness routine and diet is key.
Nutrition & Diet for Faster Healing
One of the most important aspects of recovery isnutrition. I prepared in advance by stocking up onanti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods such as:
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Cold-pressed green juices packed withkale, cucumber, celery, and ginger
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Protein-rich meals likelean ground turkey, fish, and Greek yogurt with berries
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Bone broth and homemade soups to support hydration and healing
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Plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters daily) and eating water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers
I also practicedintermittent fasting, which helped me maintain my weight and support my body’s natural healing process through autophagy.
Post-Surgery Supplements That Helped Me Recover
To optimize healing, I incorporated key supplements, including:
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Vitamin C (for wound healing and antioxidant support)
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D3 + K2 (to maintain bone health and immune function)
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Amino acids & collagen peptides (to preserve muscle mass and support skin regeneration)
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Probiotics (to restore gut health after taking antibiotics during surgery)
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Glutathione (a master antioxidant that aids in detoxification post-anesthesia)
Staying Active While Recovering
Even though I couldn’t work out fully, I found ways tomove safely:
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Lightwalking and incline hikes
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Resistance band exercises for my lower body
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Using aPEMF infrared mat to aid circulation and recovery
My biggest challenge? Takingsix weeks off Pilates! But staying mobile in small ways helped me maintain muscle memory and bounce back faster.
Mindset & Lifestyle Adjustments
Recovery is not just physical—it’s also mental. I prioritizedrestful sleep, stress reduction, and self-care, ensuring my body could focus on healing. My holistic chef also helped by deliveringfresh, nutrient-dense meals to take the guesswork out of meal prep.
Final Thoughts: How You Can Benefit from These Tips
Whether you're undergoingcosmetic surgery, medical surgery, or any major procedure, these recovery strategies can help you heal faster, minimize downtime, and feel your best.
For more details, watch my full recovery journey onYouTube! If you think this blog or video could help a friend be sure to share!
As always, love you guys!
—Dr. Stefani Kappel
