It is likely that many of us will have to put ourselves in the hands of a surgeon at some point in life. More or less serious pathologies that are going to force us to undergo surgery.
This type of procedure supposes a clear aggression to the organism, and for this reason the specialists of the , underline the importance that food has before a surgical procedure.
Endocrinology experts explain that “it is essential to arrive at surgery with an optimal nutritional state in order to reduce complications, including infections, facilitate healing of surgical wounds and achieve a faster recovery.”
What and how much to eat before an operation
Although it is not always possible, because sometimes the operations are carried out urgently, you have to prepare yourself nutritionally to enter the operating room. All food groups are important, but SEEN specialists point out some essential foods to face surgery.
The first of them are the animal protein, like lean meats (chicken, turkey, pork, ham, etc.); fish and shellfish, eggs and .
The importance of consuming this type of food is because, as nutritionists explain:
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“They contain essential amino acids that will help repair damaged tissues and properly heal wounds.”
So, it is best to include some of these foods in every dish we eat.
The second group of foods are fruits and vegetablesin all its variation and color.
SEEN specialists explain that these products “relieve and protect the body from oxidative stress as well as strengthen the immune system.”
As for the quantities, the minimum is three pieces a day, always including a citrus fruit, and two vegetable dishes.
Finally, you must include two or three times a week a good serving of .
As? Eating oily fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon or sardines, for example), flax seeds and nuts, especially walnuts.
And why is omega-3 important? Well, because, as endocrinologists explain, “it is a powerful anti-inflammatory that will alleviate the aggression of surgery.”
During the hospital stay
In the event that the intervention requires you to remain hospitalized for more or less time, the health professionals will determine the best diet based on the type of operation and the patient’s clinical situation.
The most usual thing is that after surgery the diet is based on soft and easily digestible foods. And sometimes, it may require taking nutritional supplements.
In any case, the experts explain that “the main objective of this stage is to avoid the risk of malnutrition that can cause a slower recovery, a longer hospital stay and the appearance of new complications.”
And after discharge?
With discharge comes the time to rest at home and recover. And the recommendations of endocrinologists for this moment follow the line of eating in a healthy and balanced way.
You should continue taking:
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“Proteins from different sources to recover lost muscle mass and help heal wounds
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Fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants and fiber
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Foods rich in omega-3 to help modulate the inflammation that you have suffered.
To this we must add hydration. We must ensure that we ingest a sufficient amount of water and fluids daily to recover all the fluid lost during surgery.
In addition, “in certain surgeries it is necessary to make more individualized nutritional recommendations, which your doctor will advise you.”
Objective: avoid malnutrition
After some types of surgical operations, the patient may suffer problems related to eating, such as:
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loss of appetite
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trouble swallowing
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early satiety
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or diarrhea.
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Pain.
All this can lead to us not eating enough at a time when our body needs to recover, which increases the risk of malnutrition.
To avoid this and tackle it as soon as possible, SEEN specialists recommend carrying out:
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“A control of your body weight, registering it regularly every 15-20 days. If you have involuntary weight loss, you should notify your doctor, since it is possible that you are not meeting your energy demands or that you are losing nutrients, which will lead you to a state of malnutrition”.
One last aspect to take into account is convalescence.
Especially when they are longer, they lead to a loss of muscle mass. And given this, endocrinologists and nutritionists point out the need to exercise regularly and progressing in intensity.
“You can start with stretching and walking until you get to doing resistance and strength exercises. Consult with your doctor what is the best exercise for you.