+90 541 859 04 15 (WhatsApp)
info@myimperialcare.com
My Imperial Care
  • Home
  • About
    • About MIC
    • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Procedures
  • Knowledge Hub
    • Blog
    • Guides & Downloads
    • Dental Guarantee
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Prices
  • Contact
Home Aesthetic Surgery Nutrition guidelines following surgery
22Apr

Nutrition guidelines following surgery

by myimperialcare

Nutrition is a key component of your surgery recovery. Food nourishes you and helps your body heal from the stress of surgery. There are many areas to consider with nutrition such as protein needs, inflammation, vitamins and minerals, and constipation. Here are a few basic guidelines.

Protein

Protein is especially important after surgery. It helps repair damaged body tissues, form antibodies to fight infections, and synthesize collagen which is necessary for scar formation.

Good protein sources include lean poultry, fish and seafood, nuts legumes and seeds. Red meats may trigger inflammation, so cut back on fatty red meats. When you do eat red meat, choose lean cuts of buffalo, venison, and other game meats, or the lowest-fat cuts of beef such as eye of round roast/steak, sirloin tip, top round roast/steak, top sirloin, bottom round roast/steak, tenderloin steak, or 95% lean ground beef.

Consider nuts, tofu, beans and vegetarian foods, such as tempeh and textured vegetable protein to supplement your protein needs. Dairy products are also a source of protein, but they can cause constipation, so they should be used in moderation.

Inflammation

There are several foods that may help to reduce your pain and inflammation after surgery, such as:

  • Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, halibut, flounder or sole
  • Walnuts, almonds, peanuts
  • Canola, extra virgin olive oil, and soybean oils
  • Flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil
  • Soy products (soy milk, tofu, tempeh, edamame, whole soy beans)
  • Onion, garlic, and green leafy vegetables
  • Dark fruits (blueberries, cranberries, red apples, eggplant, red grapes)
  • Green and black tea (most herbal teas are not known to have the same benefit)
  • Turmeric is a mustard-yellow spice from Asia. Use it in cooking or buy in capsule form.

Vitamins & Minerals

Many vitamins and minerals can also help reduce inflammation, as well as accelerate wound healing after surgery.

Vitamin A – stimulates the immune response and helps form normal outer and inner skin. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, leafy greens, red bell pepper, sweet potato, and cantaloupe.

Vitamin C – is needed for the speed and strength associated with wound healing. It forms collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. Good sources include kiwi, oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and potatoes.

Vitamin D – is an essential nutrient in the formation, maintenance, and repair of bones. Good sources include fortified milk, egg yolk, salmon, tuna, and direct exposure of skin to sunlight (10 minutes, two times per week).

Calcium – is an essential mineral for bone repair/soft tissue healing, proper blood clotting, muscle contraction (especially normal heartbeat rhythm). Milk and milk products, as well as dark green leafy vegetables are good sources.

Zinc – is involved in the early remodeling of collagen and may accelerate wound healing in patients following surgery. Primary sources include oysters, lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes, whole grain breads and cereals.

Copper – is necessary for collagen formation, as well as bone and joint integrity. Copper is in most foods, but especially oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, legumes, nuts, potatoes and dark leafy greens.

Constipation

It is important to drink plenty of water and eat fiber after surgery to prevent constipation. Try to eat whole foods that are higher in fiber (an orange instead of orange juice), and limit those that are refined or include additives like salt, fat, and sugar. Choose whole grain breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen) that are darker in color to increase your insoluble fiber intake. If you are able, try to exercise or be active in your daily routine. Exercise can stimulate the bowel.

Limit these foods that will likely cause constipation:

  • Dried or dehydrated foods, such as dried fruits (prunes are an exception, they can help to ease constipation), beef jerky and some types of potato chips.
  • Refined/processed foods, such as white bread, white rice, packaged high calorie snack foods (such as potato chips and cookies), and boxed meal mixes.
  • Cheese
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Red meat
  • Sweets including pastries, candies, cakes and other sugary foods.

If constipation continues, you may try a high fiber “cocktail” such as a prune juice cocktail. You can make this by mixing ½ cup applesauce, 2 tablespoons wheat bran and 4-6 oz prune juice all together and store this in a covered container in the refrigerator. Start with 1 tablespoon daily. Gradually increase the amount per day until you find the amount that works for you.

Lack of appetite

Sometimes it is difficult to eat after surgery because of a lack of appetite. This typically passes a few days after surgery, but it is important to continue eating nutritious foods during this part of your recovery. Failing to eat enough after surgery can delay the healing process.

If you are not constipated and are still having difficulty with your appetite, consider calorie-dense foods, such as avocado, potatoes, or a smoothie with dairy, fruit, and protein powder as necessary.

Categories:
Categories
  • Aesthetic Surgery
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Dental Treatments
  • DHI Hair Transplant
  • MIC
  • Vision Correction

Post navigation

Previous Post What happens to your teeth under veneers?
Next Post Prevent tooth sensitivity after veneers

Date Posts

July 2025
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Feb    

Tags

abdominoplasty antalya arm lift bariatric surgery bichectomy blepharoplasty body-shaping body contouring body sculpting boob job brachioplasty breast-lift breast augmentation breast enhancement breast enlargement breast implant breast reduction buccal fat removal Cosmetic Dentistry cosmetic surgery dental holiday Dental Implants dental treatment dhi hair transplant direct hair implementation eyelid surgery eye sight correction eye surgery gastric balloon health tourism intragastric balloon medical concierge medical coordinator mic my imperial care obesity surgery pen method plastic surgery stomach balloon surgical repair Tooth Filling tummy tuck turkey vision correction weight loss surgery

Recent Posts

How to prepare for online consultation

How to prepare for online consultation

May 30, 2020
I have cataracts.. Now what?

I have cataracts.. Now what?

January 14, 2021
Dental implant cost guide

Dental implant cost guide

February 2, 2021

Archives

  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020

To receive email releases, simply provide us
with your email address below.

    black-envelope

    News & Updates

    How to prepare for online consultation
    How to prepare for online consultation

    May 30, 2020

    I have cataracts.. Now what?
    I have cataracts.. Now what?

    January 14, 2021

    Dental implant cost guide
    Dental implant cost guide

    February 2, 2021

    Get in Touch

    • Headquarters
      Get directions on the map
    • +90 541 859 04 15
      (WhatsApp)
    • info@myimperialcare.com
    Copyright © 2010 My Imperial Care    |   
    Terms And Conditions    |   
    Privacy Policy    |   
    Dental Guarantee
    General Inquiry & Support      +90 541 859 04 15
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT