Nutrition Post Surgery

by Beth Wolfgram, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD

Immediately post surgery

Eat whatever feels appetizing and appealing to you for the first 1-2 days post surgery. You will most likely feel nauseated and not have a large appetite.
Drink your calories if that is easiest – 100% fruit juice, Muscle Milk shakes, soda, or PowerAde.
Try to eat something small every few hours.
Ask a friend or family member if they can help you when you return home.
Keep in mind you will lose a few pounds immediately post surgery – this is mostly due to hydration status and lower calorie intake.
After the first few days you can begin to focus your efforts on recovery nutrition again.

Protein options: Focus on high quality protein foods to aid in wound healing and keep your immune system strong! Include a small amount of protein at each snack & meal.

Cottage cheese
Yogurt
Chicken noodle soup
Chicken (prepare ahead of time and freeze)
Peanut butter
Microwavable dinner (low fat, low sugar)

Carbohydrate options: bland carbohydrates that are easy to digest won’t aggravate the stomach and are good for when you’re feeling nauseous.

Crackers (plain, unsalted, or lightly-salted) i.e. saltines
Bread
Bananas—helps to replenish electrolytes lost with vomiting or diarrhea
Applesauce cups, jello cups, or pudding cups
Microwave oatmeal
Pasta & marinara sauce
Frozen vegetables
Canned or fresh fruit

High fiber options: Pain medications prescribed after surgery can cause constipation. Including fiber in your diet, along with drinking plenty of water, can alleviate constipation.

Fruit (prunes or prune juice are great!)

Smoothie ingredients: frozen fruit, yogurt, juice, protein powder, etc.
High fiber cereal

* You may want to wait 1-2 days to eat these high fiber foods if you are feeling nauseous.

Drinks: Since you may not have much of an appetite, calorie-containing beverages are essential for providing energy for recovery!

Gatorade or PowerAde (full-calorie version, not Zero)
Ginger Ale, 7up, or Sprite (full-calorie version, not diet)
100% Fruit Juice
Meal replacement drinks (like Ensure or Boost)
Popsicles
Low-fat milk

Day 1 of a normal appetite

Have a snack or meal every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

Your body burns more calories immediately after surgery to promote a healthy immune system and healing. It is important to eat enough during this time!

Include plenty of omega-3’s and other healthy fats.

These foods help decrease inflammation and promote healing.

Always include protein with snacks and meals.

Have a fruit or vegetable with every snack and meal.

These foods are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healing.

Hydration is very important for healing and recovery.

Always carry a water bottle with you and drink several glasses of fluids at meals.

As you return to activity

It’s time to stay healthy! Stick to a healthy nutrition plan to help your body recover and get back your conditioning level.
Consume nutrient-dense snacks and meals with protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables every 2-3 hours throughout the day.
Focus on fueling your body before and after your workouts for optimal recovery.

Good protein sources:

· Lean meats

· Beans

· Eggs

· Quinoa

· Nuts

· Nut butters

· Cheese

· Greek yogurt

· Milk

Fruits & vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, & Zinc:

· Carrots

· Sweet potatoes

· Green leafy vegetables

· Citrus fruit

· Strawberries

· Tomatoes

· Peppers

Foods rich in omega 3’s and healthy fats:

· Fish

· Avocados

· Nuts

· Nut Butters

· Fish oil supplements

· Seeds

· Olive Oil

How to reach us: _________________________________________________________________

For Sports Dietitian’s Use

Athlete: _________________________________

Date: ______________________________

Contact number: __________________________

Date of surgery: ____________________________

Type of surgery: ___________________________

Estimated length of recovery: _________________

How is the athlete getting around: _____________________________________________________________

Challenges:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Support:

____________________________________________________________________

Other information:

____________________________________________________________________

Snack bag

______________________________________________________

Sports Dietitian

__

Beth Wolfgram, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS was the Sports Dietician for the University of Utah. She is currently a Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Main, GSSI Sports Nutrition Consultant, Sports Dietician for the NBA G League Maine Red Claws and a CPSDA Board Member.

Tags: food•nutrition•Post•Surgery•Timing

Nutrition Post Surgery

Nutrition Post Surgery

by Beth Wolfgram, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD

Immediately post surgery

Eat whatever feels appetizing and appealing to you for the first 1-2 days post surgery. You will most likely feel nauseated and not have a large appetite.

Drink your calories if that is easiest – 100% fruit juice, Muscle Milk shakes, soda, or PowerAde.

Try to eat something small every few hours.

Ask a friend or family member if they can help you when you return home.

Keep in mind you will lose a few pounds immediately post surgery – this is mostly due to hydration status and lower calorie intake.

After the first few days you can begin to focus your efforts on recovery nutrition again.

Protein options: Focus on high quality protein foods to aid in wound healing and keep your immune system strong! Include a small amount of protein at each snack & meal.

Cottage cheese

Yogurt

Chicken noodle soup

Chicken (prepare ahead of time and freeze)

Peanut butter

Microwavable dinner (low fat, low sugar)

Carbohydrate options: bland carbohydrates that are easy to digest won’t aggravate the stomach and are good for when you’re feeling nauseous.

Crackers (plain, unsalted, or lightly-salted) i.e. saltines

Bread

Bananas—helps to replenish electrolytes lost with vomiting or diarrhea

Applesauce cups, jello cups, or pudding cups

Microwave oatmeal

Pasta & marinara sauce

Frozen vegetables

Canned or fresh fruit

High fiber options: Pain medications prescribed after surgery can cause constipation. Including fiber in your diet, along with drinking plenty of water, can alleviate constipation.

Fruit (prunes or prune juice are great!)

Smoothie ingredients: frozen fruit, yogurt, juice, protein powder, etc.

High fiber cereal

* You may want to wait 1-2 days to eat these high fiber foods if you are feeling nauseous.

Drinks: Since you may not have much of an appetite, calorie-containing beverages are essential for providing energy for recovery!

Gatorade or PowerAde (full-calorie version, not Zero)

Ginger Ale, 7up, or Sprite (full-calorie version, not diet)

100% Fruit Juice

Meal replacement drinks (like Ensure or Boost)

Popsicles

Low-fat milk

Day 1 of a normal appetite

Have a snack or meal every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

Your body burns more calories immediately after surgery to promote a healthy immune system and healing. It is important to eat enough during this time!

Include plenty of omega-3’s and other healthy fats.

These foods help decrease inflammation and promote healing.

Always include protein with snacks and meals.

Have a fruit or vegetable with every snack and meal.

These foods are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healing.

Hydration is very important for healing and recovery.

Always carry a water bottle with you and drink several glasses of fluids at meals.

As you return to activity

It’s time to stay healthy! Stick to a healthy nutrition plan to help your body recover and get back your conditioning level.

Consume nutrient-dense snacks and meals with protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

Focus on fueling your body before and after your workouts for optimal recovery.

Good protein sources:

· Lean meats

· Beans

· Eggs

· Quinoa

· Nuts

· Nut butters

· Cheese

· Greek yogurt

· Milk

Fruits & vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, & Zinc:

· Carrots

· Sweet potatoes

· Green leafy vegetables

· Citrus fruit

· Strawberries

· Tomatoes

· Peppers

Foods rich in omega 3’s and healthy fats:

· Fish

· Avocados

· Nuts

· Nut Butters

· Fish oil supplements

· Seeds

· Olive Oil

How to reach us: _________________________________________________________________

For Sports Dietitian’s Use

Estimated length of recovery: _________________