Ask a Dietitian

Eating well leading up to your surgery and as soon as possible after surgery can help ensure a speedy recovery and improve your immune system. Preventing weight loss prior to surgery, even if your appetite is low due to your illness, will help maintain muscle mass and nutritional status so you can repair your tissues rapidly. Try to eat, even if you are not hungry. Often malnutrition can lead to a loss of appetite and it can become a vicious circle. Ensure you are eating at least 2 servings of meats and alternatives each day for adequate protein, iron and zinc and aim to get at least 5, if not 6-8 servings of vegetables and fruit for vitamin A and C and antioxidants. Choose whole grains for the B vitamins and fibre and continue to get adequate calcium from your dairy products or alternatives.

What you eat the day before surgery will likely be decided based on the type of surgery you are having. Your medical team should inform you if you need to fast or remain on a clear fluids diet. A clear fluids diet is a low residue diet to help clear the digestive system. It is not nutritionally adequate and its use should be limited to no more than 2-3 days. A clear fluid diet consists of water, vegetable broth, apple or cranberry juice, white grape juice, tea, coffee, jello, popsicles, clear hard candies, gum, gingerale or colas. Other beverages such as prune or orange juice and milk products are not permitted.

Following your surgery you will want to stick to a light diet which will be easier on your system. These foods can include canned fruit, soft cooked vegetables, apple sauce, soft fruit, lean meats, cooked egg and tofu, soups, puddings and fruit smoothies. Try to limit foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar. You should also eat lower fibre foods for the first day and then slowly start adding more fibre each day to ensure you don’t become constipated. Drinking plenty of water is also essential for bowel health.

You may find your appetite is reduced after surgery. In preparation for this, consider keeping a list of all your favorite foods before you go in for surgery. Think of foods you love that may help stimulate your appetite. Likely comfort foods such as baked goods, your favorite chocolate chip cookie, fruit salad, milkshakes, grilled cheese, cereal and milk or macaroni and cheese would top may people’s lists.

The Bottom Line:
Aim to choose from all 4 food groups both before and after surgery. Go in well nourished and come out with the intention of getting back to normal eating as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you feel hungry, just eat.