Post-Surgery Diet Plan: The Fastest Road to Recovery

Learn the main food elements used by home care nursing services in helping their post-surgery patients. 

The period of recovery after major surgery is one of the most crucial times in one's life. The recuperating period is when the patient is prone to infections, which could delay their recovery. Doctors provide a post-surgery recovery plan, which focuses on meeting the patient's dietary, medical, and mobility. Home healthcare care services help patients to follow the recovery plan at the comfort of their homes. The dietary requirement of post-surgery patients must include a range of immunity-boosting food items that's easy on the digestive system, as well as provide required nourishment. We've compiled a list of food items that promote a speedy recovery.

Nursing care services often create Dos and Don'ts of food consumption, which help their patients to stick to the diet schedule. The Dos usually include,

• Protein – essential to wound healing
• Vitamin C and zinc – to help with healing 
• Iron and B12 - both help bone marrow to form new blood cells
• Fibre and probiotics – help to boost the immune system and keep your digestive tract moving 

While the Don'ts entail,

• Sports drinks and sodas: It is important to stay hydrated, but the sodium in these drinks can cause the body to retain water, making it more difficult for the swelling to go down
• Limit the intake of refined sugars – these can lead to increased fatigue due to fluctuation in blood sugar levels

Patients who avail nursing services at home follow the diet plans set by their caregiver or get a customized diet guide from a dietician for their loved ones. The most common food types include:

Vegetables

The vitamins and minerals that are found in vegetables are some of the most important nutrients for your healing diet. Vegetables in your daily diet add carbohydrates, which will help you battle the fatigue that is commonly experienced post-op. Some of the veggies integral for a quick recovery are:

• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes

Fats 

Fats provide you with a long-lasting source of energy. Following surgery, healthy fat helps your body absorb all those vitamins you get from fruits and vegetables. Fat is crucial for strengthening your immune system while decreasing your chances of infection. Healthy fats to include in your diet:

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

Dark leafy greens

Leafy greens are vitally important. A large, serving of greens gives you a dose of vitamin A, C, and E, as well as vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. 

Meat and other proteins

Following surgery, the body needs a high amount of protein and iron. Amino acids in the protein help repair muscle damage by regenerating tissue and speeding up wound healing. Iron will help you regain energy levels more quickly as iron creates new blood cells. Stock up on iron and protein through foods like:

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

Eggs

Nature has provided us with the ideal healing food: Eggs. They are a traditional first meal to serve to invalids and recovering individuals, for very good reasons.

Fruits

Fibre is essential following surgery, to avoid the discomfort of constipation. Fruits provide that fibre with a dose of colour, vitamins and energy-boosting carbs. Some of these must-have fruits are:

• Oranges
• Apples
• Berries
• Melon
• Mango
• Papaya
• Tomatoes

Water

The most critical nutrient your body will need after surgery is water. Dehydration is common, and maintaining adequate levels of hydration will help you recover quicker. 

Surgery drains the body’s reserves. By providing your body with these essential nutrients you may have an easier, quicker recovery. But every person’s needs are different. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to set up an eating plan that meets your specific needs.

Reference Article: Palliative Care For Elderly At Home