Some food advice for post surgery needed

VUA21

I am scheduled for surgery on Aug 2nd and will be basically in bed rest for a week during recovery. Then for 2-3 weeks I'll be on "very light" activity until I heal a bit.

I need some advice on nutrient dense foods/recipes that I can make before my surgery. I'll be extremely sedentary and will not feel like cooking nor eating, but I know that I do still have to eat to stay healthy. So anything that I can prepare ahead of time or make easily would be appreciated. Any other advice would be helpful and appreciated as well.

RodaRose

Most of the time people need more calories in order to heal after surgery.
Buy some containers and cook up big batches of what you already eat.
Then put them in the freezer: chili, lasagna or any meat and pasta dish.
YouTube has good meal prepping videos.
For lots of calories plan on peanut butter, nuts, avocados, hummus, fatty cuts of beef.

nutmegoreo

Make sure you're getting enough protein, it's so important in the healing process. Maybe even consider going to maintenance for the week or two before the surgery (particularly if it's a big one).

VUA21

RodaRose wrote: »

Most of the time people need more calories in order to heal after surgery.
Buy some containers and cook up big batches of what you already eat.
Then put them in the freezer: chili, lasagna or any meat and pasta dish.
YouTube has good meal prepping videos.
For lots of calories plan on peanut butter, nuts, avocados, hummus, fatty cuts of beef.

I know I have to eat more. Problem is, what I love to eat is not necessarily dense foods, and I know I am not going to feel like eating. Not on pain meds and just post surgery ick.

Thank you.

jayemes

What do you eat normally?

NovusDies

If you are coming home directly after the surgery I strongly suggest potato soup for that day. You will probably be nauseous and something light and easy to digest is usually a good thing.

Depending on the surgery you may want to see if you will have any type of dietary restriction the first week or so before planning.

I would also look up the normal recovery times for your surgery. Being on light duty doesn't mean you can't cook and if the "can barely move comfortably" portion of your recovery is brief you eat whatever you like during that time and plan on tightening up when you have your strength. I do agree with the protein comment for recovery though. Don't skimp there.

vallary14

Meal prep is a good plan. Definitely want to up your protein post surgery, but I would still stick with lean cuts and more fish if at all possible. Stock your pantry before with things like tuna, soup, nuts, beans, olives.

VUA21

NovusDies wrote: »

If you are coming home directly after the surgery I strongly suggest potato soup for that day. You will probably be nauseous and something light and easy to digest is usually a good thing.

Depending on the surgery you may want to see if you will have any type of dietary restriction the first week or so before planning.

I would also look up the normal recovery times for your surgery. Being on light duty doesn't mean you can't cook and if the "can barely move comfortably" portion of your recovery is brief you eat whatever you like during that time and plan on tightening up when you have your strength. I do agree with the protein comment for recovery though. Don't skimp there.

Thank you. One of my favorite soups is potato & leek soup, creamy and delicious. Thats a great idea I also make a great split pea & ham soup. For first week, I'll be in the "barely moving" catagory from the pain.

VUA21

jayemes wrote: »

What do you eat normally?

It's fairly random. Today I had 1/2 avocado, salsa, an egg and toast for lunch. Breakfast is usually a vat of coffee and whatever is convenient. Dinner tonight is fish tacos, steamed carrots and jalapeno rice.

Yesterday I had steak and asparagus for breakfast, Cheetos for lunch, and potato leek soup & a bratwurst for dinner.