What Should I Eat After Surgery

October 13th, 2024

Written By: Oncology Simplified Team 

Disclaimer: This information is general and may not meet individual needs. For a personalized plan tailored to your unique lifestyle and clinical requirements, book a free introductory call at 437-500-5000.

Surgery can be a daunting experience, but it’s important to remember that your journey to recovery continues well after you leave the operating room. One of the key aspects of healing is nutrition—what you eat after surgery can be crucial in how quickly and smoothly you recover. But with all the different advice, figuring out what to eat can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down into simple steps, so you can focus on getting better. 

In the short term, eating well can boost your energy levels, make you feel more comfortable, and strengthen your body, which can help you handle the after-effects of surgery better. Over time, good nutrition helps your body heal and recover more efficiently, which may shorten your hospital stay. It also lowers your chances of developing problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and weak bones. 

Choosing nutritious foods gives your body what it needs to heal faster and stay strong after surgery. This approach not only supports your immediate recovery but also sets the stage for better long-term health. 

  1. Start Slow: Ease Your Way Into Eating 

After surgery, your body might not be ready to jump right back into a regular diet. It's common to start with clear liquids like broth, apple juice, or plain tea. These are gentle on your stomach and can help you stay hydrated without overwhelming your digestive system. As you feel better, you can gradually move to more substantial foods. 

Relatable Tip: Think of it as a soft launch for your diet—take it easy and don't rush. Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon right after a sprained ankle, your digestive system needs time to adjust. 

  1. Focus on Protein: The Building Block of Healing

Protein is your best friend after surgery. It helps repair tissues, fights off infections, and keeps your energy levels up. Amino acids in the protein help repair muscle damage by regenerating tissue and speeding up wound healing. Iron will help you regain your energy levels more quickly as iron creates new blood cells. 

Here are some protein-rich options to consider: 

  • Poultry 
  • Seafood 
  • Beans and Lentils 
  • Nuts 
  • Eggs 
  • Tofu 

 If you’re not feeling hungry, try having smaller, more frequent meals packed with protein. If you find tougher meats hard to chew or digest, try slow-cooked meats or ground meats or even eggs! Eggs are a fantastic, all-in-one source of essential nutrients. These are easier on your body and still provide that all-important protein. 

One egg provides you with:  6 grams of protein, vitamins A, E, and K, B vitamins (including B12), riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, zinc, and iron. Eggs are a simple, yet powerful, addition to your recovery diet. 

Relatable Tip: Imagine your body is a construction site after surgery—protein is the material you need to rebuild. Without enough, it’s like trying to repair a house with no bricks! 

  1. Include Fiber: Keep Things Moving

After surgery, constipation can be a common issue, especially if you’re taking pain medications. Fiber is your digestive system’s personal trainer, keeping everything running smoothly. Fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help you avoid discomfort and keep things on track. Just introduce fibre gradually and drink plenty of water to prevent any bloating or discomfort. 

Round out your meals with: 

  • Whole wheat or rye sourdough bread 
  • Steel-cut oats 
  • Quinoa 
  • Wild rice 

Fibre is not only important for digestion but also provides the right kind of carbs to boost your energy levels when you’re feeling tired and worn out post-surgery. 

Relatable Tip: Think of fibre as your digestive system’s personal trainer, helping everything run smoothly and keeping things on track. 

  1. Hydration is Key: Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated is crucial for your healing process. Water is like the oil that keeps your body’s engine running smoothly, helping transport nutrients, keeping tissues hydrated, and flushing out toxins. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, and try to steer clear of caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you. 

If plain water isn’t appealing, try: 

  • Flavouring it with lime or lemon 
  • Drinking coconut water 
  • Eating high-water content foods like soup 
  • Preparing a smoothie with extra fluids 
  • Drinking herbal teas (either hot or cold) 

Relatable Tip: Picture water as the oil that keeps your car’s engine running smoothly. Without enough, things can start to go wrong pretty quickly! 

  1. Healthy Fats: Your Healing Allies

After surgery, healthy fats are essential. They help your body absorb all the vitamins from your fruits and veggies, strengthen your immune system, and reduce your risk of infection. Plus, fats provide a long-lasting energy source, which is especially helpful when you’re on the road to recovery. 

Include these healthy fats in your diet: 

  • Olive oil 
  • Avocados 
  • Coconut oil 
  • Nuts 
  • Seeds 

Many nuts and oils, especially almonds, are high in vitamin E, which helps wounds heal faster and can even reduce scarring. 

  1. Probiotics: Your Gut’s Best Friend

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria that keep your digestive system in check. After surgery, your body might be dealing with the effects of anesthetics, antibiotics, and painkillers, which can upset the balance in your gut. Probiotics can help restore that balance and alleviate digestive issues, constipation, and nausea. 

You can find probiotics in: 

  • Yogurt 
  • Kefir 
  • Sauerkraut 
  • Kimchi 

Relatable Tip: Think of probiotics as your gut’s personal security team, keeping everything in balance and fighting off the bad guys. 

  1. Brightly Colored Fruits: Eat the Rainbow

Who says healing foods have to be boring? Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for your recovery. Plus, they’re light on the stomach and perfect for small, regular portions. 

Fruits to include: 

  • Oranges 
  • Apples 
  • Berries 
  • Melon 
  • Apricots 
  • Peaches 
  • Grapefruit 
  • Mango 
  • Papaya 
  • Tomatoes 

These vibrant fruits provide fibre to help with digestion and give your body the energy-boosting carbs it needs to bounce back. 

Relatable Tip: Think of eating a bowl of colourful fruits as a fun and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins and keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system. 

Understanding Your Vitamins: The Powerhouses of Healing 

After surgery, vitamins are like the tiny, yet powerful, tools your body needs to rebuild and recover. Each one plays a unique role in helping you heal faster and feel better. Here’s a breakdown of the key vitamins and how they help: 

  1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for building new bone, tissue, and skin, which is important if you’ve had surgery on your bones or skin. 

  • Top 3 foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots. 
  1. Vitamin B

The B vitamins, including B12, are crucial for creating red blood cells and keeping your brain sharp. 

  • Top 3 foods: Meat, seafood, eggs. 
  1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is famous for its role in boosting your immune system, but it also helps produce collagen, which is necessary for healing tendons, ligaments, and your incision site. 

  • Top 3 foods: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers. 
  1. Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting your cells and aiding in the production of healthy red blood cells. It also helps reduce scarring by assisting with skin healing. 

  • Top 3 foods: Sunflower seeds, Swiss chard, asparagus. 
  1. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is vital for blood clotting, which is crucial for healing wounds after surgery. 

  • Top 3 foods: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, romaine lettuce. 
  1. Magnesium

Magnesium helps relax your muscles and can improve your sleep quality, making it easier for your body to recover. 

  • Top 3 foods: Nuts, seeds, avocado. 
  1. Potassium

Potassium supports your heart health, helps grow new cells, and aids muscle function. 

  • Top 3 foods: Squash, sweet potato, white beans. 

Relatable Tip: Think of vitamins as the specialized tools in your recovery toolbox—each one has a specific job, whether it’s building new tissues, supporting your immune system, or helping your body produce the energy you need to heal. 

Listen to Your Body: It Knows Best 

Everyone’s recovery is different, so it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. If a certain food doesn’t sit well, avoid it for now. Pay attention to your hunger cues, and eat when you’re hungry, even if it’s just a small snack. Your body is smart—it often knows what it needs to heal. 

Relatable Tip: Trust your gut—literally! If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to take a step back and try something different. 

Final Thoughts: Take it One Bite at a Time 

Recovering from surgery is a process, and there’s no need to rush. Focus on nourishing your body with foods that help you heal, and be gentle with yourself as you get back to feeling like you again. Remember, every bite is a step toward recovery. 

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical nutrition therapy, medical advice, or a diagnosis. It is not a substitute for professional consultation or recommendations from your healthcare provider. 

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