Pre & Post-Op Nutrition

Adequate energy and protein support healing. Choose varied meals with protein foods, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Tell the team about poor appetite, unintentional weight loss, or difficulty eating.

Include protein foods such as eggs, beans, dairy, fish, or poultry as tolerated. Smaller meals may help when appetite is low. Discuss persistent nausea, vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down with your care team.

There is no single protein or fluid target that fits everyone. Kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions may require adjustments. Follow prescribed dietary or fluid limits and ask whether a dietitian would help.

Discuss supplements with your surgical and anesthesia teams before starting or stopping them. More is not necessarily better; high doses are not a substitute for adequate food. Use prescribed supplements according to your individual plan.