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
|
| 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
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Sports Dietitian
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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.
