Diet And Nutrition Before And After Surgery

Eating a healthy diet before and after surgery will help your body heal better and faster after your surgical procedure. The healing process requires increased amounts of calories and protein. Vitamins A and C and the mineral zinc are also key nutrients to promote healing.

The following are general guidelines to help you follow a healthy diet before surgery. After your surgery, this same healthy diet should be resumed once any dietary restrictions are removed. Discuss any specific questions regarding diet and nutrition prior to or after surgery with the staff and doctors at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.

· Be sure to eat a variety of foods to make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need.

· Eat a well-balanced, protein-rich diet - protein aids in healing and replaces lost red blood cells.

· Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal to ensure you get adequate vitamin C and vitamin E.

· Eat more frequent meals, with fewer calories at each meal. Eat every four to five hours.

· Drink at least 8 cups (or 64 ounces) of liquids per day. Choose nutritious beverages such as milk, fruit juices, sports drinks, as well as water. Limit coffee, tea, and soda since these beverages typically do not contain protein, vitamins, or minerals and may contain caffeine, which can cause dehydration if taken in large amounts.

· Take a vitamin supplement daily, especially antioxidants, to promote healing and renew energy.