Nutrition Post Surgery
by Beth Wolfgram, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD
Immediately post surgery
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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.
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Drink your calories if that is easiest – 100% fruit juice, Muscle Milk shakes, soda, or PowerAde.
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Try to eat something small every few hours.
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Ask a friend or family member if they can help you when you return home.
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Keep in mind you will lose a few pounds immediately post surgery – this is mostly due to hydration status and lower calorie intake.
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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.
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Cottage cheese
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Yogurt
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Chicken noodle soup
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Chicken (prepare ahead of time and freeze)
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Peanut butter
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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.
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Crackers (plain, unsalted, or lightly-salted) i.e. saltines
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Bread
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Bananas—helps to replenish electrolytes lost with vomiting or diarrhea
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Applesauce cups, jello cups, or pudding cups
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Microwave oatmeal
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Pasta & marinara sauce
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Frozen vegetables
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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.
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Fruit (prunes or prune juice are great!)
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Smoothie ingredients: frozen fruit, yogurt, juice, protein powder, etc.
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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!
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Gatorade or PowerAde (full-calorie version, not Zero)
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Ginger Ale, 7up, or Sprite (full-calorie version, not diet)
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100% Fruit Juice
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Meal replacement drinks (like Ensure or Boost)
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Popsicles
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Low-fat milk
Day 1 of a normal appetite
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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!
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Include plenty of omega-3’s and other healthy fats.
These foods help decrease inflammation and promote healing.
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Always include protein with snacks and meals.
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Have a fruit or vegetable with every snack and meal.
These foods are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healing.
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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
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It’s time to stay healthy! Stick to a healthy nutrition plan to help your body recover and get back your conditioning level.
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Consume nutrient-dense snacks and meals with protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables every 2-3 hours throughout the day.
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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
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Foods rich in omega 3’s and healthy fats:· Fish· Avocados· Nuts· Nut Butters· Fish oil supplements· Seeds· Olive Oil |
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