Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV June 22/99

NUTRITIONAL PREPARATIONS FOR SURGERY AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY

Each day, many people undergo minor or major surgical procedures for various reasons. As surgery is a stress to your body, preparing nutritionally can help. The most important thing to do is follow all instructions from your medical team prior to the surgery. Usually this includes fasting for a period of time and/or being on a clear fluid diet in the days or hours leading up to the procedure.

A clear fluid diet is designed to minimize residue in your system. It is not nutritionally adequate on an ongoing basis, but rather, is designed for temporary use. The following foods and beverages are allowed: water, fruit juices without pulp such as apple and cranberry, clear bouillions with no herbs or flakes added, clear Jello® (any flavor), popsicles, clear, hard candies, gum, black coffee or tea and carbonated beverages such as gingerale and colas. Orange juice, tomato juice and prune juice would not be permitted due to the pulp. Milk products are also not permitted.

After surgery, a light diet for a day or will be more gentle on your system than a full, regular diet. Good foods to choose include eggs, tofu, all meats if lean and not spicy or heavily salted, soft cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, fruit, applesauce, soups, puddings and toast. The main foods to limit are those containing seeds and nuts, fried, spicy, salty or over processed foods. Be careful with strong-flavored, potentially gas-producing vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

Because your appetite may be reduced after surgery, I suggest you make a list of your favorite foods and have these on hand so when you get hungry you will have some ideas for what to eat. My list from some recent minor surgery included: homemade chicken noodle soup, applesauce, yogurt-fruit milkshakes, mashed potatoes, good bread, toasted tomato sandwich, yogurt, a Chai tea latte, fruit salad with juicy mangoes and bananas, a tofu-orange-banana milkshake, ice cream sandwiches, orange Gatorade and cinnamon buns. Remember to factor in both physical and emotional healing!

Before and after surgery, emphasize nutrients that boost your immune system and help wound healing. These include foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. Basically, eat a balanced, healthy diet in the weeks leading up to the procedure and afterwards.

Reducing your stress level also promotes healing. Practice visualizing relaxing scenes in your mind. Visualize your body being surrounded by a healing light. Pursue counseling or look for a support group if it will help. Tell yourself that after your surgery you will have energy, be thirsty and hunger and will urinate easily. Ask questions to your medical team to ease your concerns and put trust in their expertise. In no time you’ll be back on your feet!

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!

Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission