Post Surgery
Nutrition Guide

Phase 1: Immediate Post-Op (Day 0–2)

• Goals: Reduce nausea, control swelling, and stay hydrated.
• Start with clear fluids such as broths, herbal teas, coconut water, and diluted juices.
• Eat soft, easy-to-digest foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, rice, and yogurt.
• Use ginger or peppermint tea to reduce nausea.
• Avoid: Fried, heavy foods, alcohol, and carbonated drinks that cause bloating.

Phase 2: Early Recovery (Days 3–7)

• Goals: Build collagen, reduce inflammation, and maintain bowel health.
• Include 70–100g of protein daily — chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, lentils.
• Add vitamin C–rich foods (citrus, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli) for wound healing.
• Eat anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, olive oil, walnuts, and avocados.
• Add fiber and probiotics (oats, yogurt, chia seeds) to prevent constipation.
• Hydrate with 2–2.5 L of water per day.

Phase 3: Active Healing (Week 2–4)

• Goals: Support tissue repair, control swelling, and rebuild strength.
• Eat iron- and B vitamin–rich foods: red meat, leafy greens, beans, fortified cereals.
• Include collagen-boosting sources like bone broth and citrus fruits.
• Add zinc from foods such as pumpkin seeds, lean beef, chickpeas, and cashews.
• Maintain balanced meals: lean protein + vegetables + whole grains.
• Avoid: Excess salt, which worsens swelling.

Phase 4: Long-Term Recovery & Maintenance (After 1 Month)

• Goals: Maintain energy, protect results, and promote wellness.
• Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet: lean proteins, whole grains, olive oil, and fresh vegetables.
• Choose healthy snacks (nuts, fruit, yogurt) instead of processed foods.
• Maintain a stable weight — sudden gain or loss can affect surgical outcomes.
• Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol for better skin healing and quality.

Foods & Habits to Avoid During Recovery

• High salt intake → causes swelling and water retention.
• Excess sugar and processed foods → increase inflammation.
• Alcohol → thins blood and delays wound healing.
• Nicotine (smoking/vaping/patches) → major risk for wound breakdown.

Supplements (Only with Surgeon Approval)

• Multivitamin (basic nutritional coverage).
• Vitamin C (500–1000 mg/day) if low fruit/vegetable intake.
• Zinc (15–30 mg/day) short-term if diet lacks zinc-rich foods.
• Collagen peptides — may support healing (optional, safe for most patients).

Key Advice

• Think of healing like building a house — protein forms the structure, vitamins and minerals strengthen it.
• Include at least one healing food (protein, vitamin C, or fiber) at every meal.
• Nutrition is as vital as rest and following post-surgery care instructions.