The Critical Role of Nutrition in Postoperative Recovery
We know nutrition to be a strong predictor of postoperative outcomes and recovery. The way I look at it, in foot and ankle surgery, we are often fixing the branch of the tree. In my practice, it is important that we also consider the soil of that very tree, because it gives us the best chance of fixing that branch.
Blending Surgery and Sports Nutrition
I have a background in sports nutrition from my undergraduate studies, and as I transitioned into a career in surgery, I have tried to blend the two interests together. It is more and more apparent in the research the impact that having optimized nutrition before and after surgery can have on healing time and outcomes.
The Catabolic State of the Body After Surgery
By doing surgery, we put our body into the most catabolic state. Basically, when you have surgery, your body tries to recruit the building blocks necessary to heal the bones, muscles, or other soft tissue structures. One of the building blocks necessary to rebuild the body are amino acids. Where does the body obtain these amino acids? Our own muscles! This is why patients often experience muscle atrophy or weakness after surgery.
Preparing Patients for Surgery: Optimizing Nutrition
It is important to me to make sure that my patients are well equipped for their surgery and ready to take on the metabolic load that comes with it. Even in urgent surgeries, I make a point to optimize the patient to give them the best chance of success. Just like a bicyclist or marathon runner who prepares their body prior to an event, I believe this same principle should be applied to surgical patients.
Guidelines for Healing After Surgery
Here are some guidelines to follow to help you heal from your surgery:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 6-8 ounces of fluid each day to maintain hydration, which supports most bodily functions.
- Eat Regularly: Eat at least three times a day and avoid skipping meals. Focus on meals with protein-rich foods, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.
- Include Protein in Every Meal: If you're unable to eat enough food, consider adding a daily protein drink. Healthy protein choices include lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, cheese, eggs, tofu, milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese.
Personalized Nutrition for Surgical Recovery
Every patient has specific needs or health conditions that may make these guidelines difficult to follow. To help you achieve your goals and get the nutrients needed for optimal healing, I may recommend a registered dietitian or prescribe supplements tailored to your situation. For more detailed nutritional recommendations, see my post here.
FAQs
Why is nutrition important before surgery?
Healthy nutrition before surgery strengthens the body, improves the immune system, maintains blood sugar levels, and provides protein and micronutrients to heal the body, which reduces complications and increases recovery rates.
Why is nutrition important after surgery?
Your body requires supplementary protein, calories, vitamins, and fluids after surgery to rebuild your tissues, provide immunity, build muscle, and heal wounds. Malnutrition may retard the healing process.
What do you mean by sports nutrition?
Sports nutrition deals with a good balance of carbs, protein, and fluids to perform, maintain muscle, and aid in recovery—handy pre/after activity or operation stress. Referent power: This is the power based on social roles that the team's members hold regarding one another. (General nutrition principle)
What to drink after foot surgery?
Post-operatively, water, clear broths, protein-rich liquids, or nutrition drinks should be a priority to remain hydrated and heal before the intake of solid food.