Surgery is like a sport. If you’re not well trained for it, if you’re not prepared, you can’t expect a good outcome.
As surgery poses catabolic stress on the body, which could trigger inflammation and affect the immune response, getting proper nutrition is vital – before and after surgery.
The Role of Good Nutrition
Studies have shown that malnourished surgical patients are more likely to experience post-surgical complications. This, in turn, increases the chances of readmission.
Preparing for surgery takes some planning. Think of it as preparing for a big game or marathon.
Prior to surgery, you would want to get as many nutrients as you can to help support your body during and after the procedure.
What to eat before surgery
Including the following in your diet before your surgery increases your chance of a successful outcome:
- Lean protein
One to two weeks before surgery, make sure that you get enough lean protein in your diet.
Although how much protein you need would depend on the amount of muscle you have, some research suggests that 65-100 grams per day provide optimal outcomes.
- Vegetables and fruits
Incorporate vegetables and fruits in your meals.
Vegetables, especially the greens, are great for skin and muscle repair. They are also good sources of magnesium which help in pain management and vitamins C and K which help in skin healing.
- Whole grains
Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are good sources of vitamin B, which can help your body deal with the stress during the procedure.
What to eat after surgery
Getting good nutrition after surgery helps in speeding up your recovery. The sooner you could recover, the sooner you could return to your regular day-to-day activities.
To support your recovery, the following are recommended:
- Fiber
Fiber can help maintain a regular bowel movement. Make sure to have a good fiber source in every meal or snack.
Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are some of the good sources of fiber.
- Protein
You also need a sufficient amount of protein after the procedure to facilitate wound healing.
Some of the good sources of protein include poultry, fish, and meat.
- Water
Not just for hydration, water is also needed to keep you regular with your bowel movements.
The surgeons and staff of Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, are committed to helping you achieve a speedy and smooth recovery after surgery.
We offer resources to help you prepare for your procedure. If you have any surgery-related questions, you may reach our Premier Surgical office locations at (865) 306-5775.
References:
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/011315p10.shtml
https://www.brynmawrterrace.org/article/6/4/2015/importance-nutrition-your-recovery-surgery
https://www.mymosh.com/orthopedics/pre-post-surgery-nutrition/