Alan Swenson, MD, FAAOS
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
(907) 562-2277 | 3801 Lake Otis Pkwy, Anchorage, AK 99508
After Surgery Nutrition Guidelines
Surgery Side Effect
| Nausea | Try bland foods, such as banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. Try smaller and more frequent meals. Nutrient-dense fluids, such as smoothies, may also be helpful. |
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| Constipation | Some pain medications can cause constipation. Try high-fiber foods, such as legumes, fruits and vegetables, beans, and avocado. Increase fluids like water. Activity should be under the direction of your doctor and physical therapist. |
| Antibiotics | Consider yogurt, kombucha, or sauerkraut. A probiotic supplement may be beneficial. Take a probiotic with a prebiotic or include high-fiber foods. The fiber feeds the probiotic bacteria. |
Nutrition
| Calories | Surgery may require up to 20 percent more calories. Extra calories should be proteins. |
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| Protein | Leucine is an amino acid that promotes muscle protein synthesis and may aid in recovery. Leucine-rich foods include cheese and cottage cheese, meats such as pork chops and chicken, fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts and seeds, legumes and lentils, tofu, and tempeh. |
| Anti-inflammatory foods | Olive oil, avocado, fish, flax, nuts, and seeds. Avoid fats that cause inflammation, such as fried and greasy foods and processed meats. |
| Anti-oxidant | A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help control inflammation. Other sources include green tea, legumes, nuts, and dark chocolate. |
Supplements
Zinc50 mg for 3 months and then switch to 15 mg.
Vitamin D1000 iu in the summer and 2000 iu in the winter.
Vitamin C500-600 mg per day. If possible, split the dose, such as 250 mg twice a day. After the wound heals, the vitamin C in a multivitamin is adequate.
CalciumMay be beneficial with up to 1500 mg per day. Once healed, taper down, such as 1000 mg for one week and 500 mg for the final week.
Vitamin A5000 iu per day. Once you have healed from surgery, a multivitamin, vitamin D, and a balanced diet is adequate.