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

1. 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!

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

These foods help decrease inflammation and promote healing.

3. Always include protein with snacks and meals.

4. Have a fruit or vegetable with every snack and meal.

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

5. 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.

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.