Healing foods: What to eat pre- and post-surgery

Eating the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals before and after surgery may help reduce infection risk, support wound healing and restore strength. In inpatient rehabilitation, proper nutrition also helps patients maintain energy for therapy and make steady progress during recovery.

Alyssa Crouch, a registered dietitian at MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital, part of Encompass Health's national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, said nutrition helps reduce certain risks. Eating the right foods can prevent infection, inflammation and loss of muscle mass — all of which can slow recovery.

"Including high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods prior to surgery can help prepare the body and potentially lead to a swifter recovery," she said. "After surgery, we also want to make sure you are getting an adequate amount of protein. Protein helps rebuild muscle and tissue after surgery."

What to eat in the weeks leading up to surgery

“About one week to 10 days before surgery, begin adding more high-quality proteins and complex carbohydrates to your diet. Protein supports wound healing and helps fight infection,” Crouch said. “Complex carbohydrates provide the vitamins, minerals and fiber needed to improve muscle recovery.”

High-quality protein sources include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Fish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Beans and lentils
• Quinoa
• Soy
• Nuts

Crouch recommends spreading protein intake throughout the day, aiming for about 20-40 grams of protein per meal.

Complex carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help reduce inflammation and support overall recovery.

In addition to protein and carbohydrates, it's important to include healing foods that support the immune system.

"Stress from surgery can weaken the immune system," Crouch said. "That can increase your risk for infections."

Two nutrients that play an important role include:

• Arginine, an amino acid that helps the body make protein
• Omega-3s, fatty acids, which support overall health

Foods rich in omega-3 include fish, flaxseed and walnuts.

Sample pre-surgery meal plan

Crouch offers this sample pre-surgery meal plan:

• Breakfast: Three eggs scrambled with 1 ounce of cheese, spinach and diced tomatoes; one slice of whole grain bread with butter and jam; beverage of choice
• Lunch: Cucumber chicken wrap (1/4 cup cooked chicken, shredded carrots, thin sliced cucumbers, mixed salad greens and 2 Tbsp. hummus in whole wheat tortilla), served with fruit and cottage cheese
• Snack: Protein shake
• Dinner: 4-6 ounces grilled salmon, 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1 cup cooked vegetables with olive oil, served with beverage of choice
• Snack: One to two no-bake energy bites (2/3 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup ground flax seeds, 2 Tbsp honey mixed together and divided into 12 balls)

What to eat 24 hours before surgery

Be mindful of what you eat in the 24 hours leading up to surgery. Eat a light, well-balanced meal about 12 hours before your procedure. A protein-rich beverage, such as chocolate milk, is a good addition.

Six hours before surgery, eat about 50 grams, or about half a cup, of carbohydrates. After that point, stick with clear liquids only, following your care team’s instructions.

Tip: Prepare and freeze healthy meals before surgery. Having easy, healthy options available when you return home can make recovery easier.

Healing foods to eat after surgery

When planning meals after surgery, always follow your doctor's instructions first. Crouch said to seek medical advice when setting weight-loss goals or major dietary changes to your diet during early recovery.

"A lot of times people are ready to start new after surgery; they want to lose weight and start making changes," she said. "I always encourage them first to focus on recovery. Once you're recovered, you can focus on weight-loss goals."

In inpatient rehabilitation, adequate nutrition supports energy levels and helps patients fully participate in daily therapy sessions. After surgery, protein remains essential for rebuilding muscle and tissue.

Vitamins and minerals also support healing:

• Iron: Helps the body make new blood cells. Found in spinach, meats, beans and lentils.
• Vitamin C: Supports immune system and helps the body absorb iron. Found in citrus, berries and peppers.
• Magnesium and zinc: Magnesium reduces swelling while zinc supports skin and wound healing. Found in almonds, cashews, avocados, whole grains, spinach and dark chocolate.
• Fiber-rich foods: Pain medications commonly cause constipation. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help restore digestion and comfort.
  
  "Many of those also contain zinc and magnesium, so it all works together," Crouch said.

How nutrition supports inpatient rehabilitation

After surgery, some patients transition from an acute hospital stay to inpatient rehabilitation before returning home. During this phase, patients participate in multiple therapy sessions each day to rebuild strength, mobility and independence.

At Encompass Health, recovery is supported through an interdisciplinary approach to care. Patients receive care from a coordinated team including physical, occupational and speech therapists, rehabilitation nurses, physicians, pharmacists and registered dietitians. This team works together to create a personalized care plan focused on healing, safety and functional recovery.

Nutrition plays an important role in this team‑based approach. Dietitians collaborate with the rest of the care team to help ensure patients are receiving the nutrients they need to support wound healing, maintain muscle mass and sustain energy for therapy.

Proper nutrition supports this process by:

• Providing energy for therapy sessions
• Helping maintain muscle mass
• Supporting wound healing and immune health

When nutrition and rehabilitation work together, patients are better positioned to make steady progress and return to the community with confidence.

Should you take supplements after surgery?

After major surgery, many people experience a loss of appetite and may struggle to meet their nutritional needs through healing foods alone. In these cases, Crouch recommends supplements such as nutritional shakes.

"There are always supplement drinks like Boost and Ensure," she said. "Ensure actually has a pre-surgery one that has immune-boosting supplements."

There are also post-surgery nutritional shakes designed to support immune health and provide nutrients such as arginine and omega-3 fatty acids.

“While these drinks are designed to serve as meal replacements,” Crouch said. “Getting your nutrition from whole foods is always the best option when possible. Supplements should support meals, not replace them, unless directed by a healthcare professional.”