Malnutrition

Did you eat less in the period before the operation or did you even lose weight? Then your body may need extra nutrients. If your doctor determines that you are malnourished when planning the operation, dietary treatment may be started. This way your body can handle the operation better.

Nutrition before and after surgery

While it was previously recommended not to consume food and drink the evening before your operation, it has now been shown that staying fasted for an unnecessarily long time can increase complications. This also applies to eating and drinking after the operation. To prevent nausea, it is wise to choose an easily digestible meal. You can think of soft vegetables, lean meat or fish and white rice or pasta. Avoid large, high-fat and highly spiced meals. In the event of a planned operation, your doctor or dietician will explain the guidelines regarding food and drink. In general, it is recommended to fast for two hours from (clear) drinks and six hours from solid food.

Protein-rich food

Recovering from surgery increases the need for nutrients. For example, wound repair requires extra energy, protein and fluid. With energy- and protein-rich food you can reduce the risk of complications during and after the operation. Products high in proteins are meat (products), chicken, fish, dairy, eggs, legumes and nuts. It is important to include these protein-rich foods in your diet every day.

Medical nutrition in surgery

However, sometimes it is not possible to get enough nutrients through normal diet. In that case, your doctor or dietitian can recommend a diet for medical use. Nutricia has special diet foods that can help you get the extra nutrients. These are foods that should be used under medical supervision.

If you cannot eat enough, for example because you have had abdominal or throat surgery or you have a very poor nutritional status, your doctor or dietician can prescribe tube feeding. Your doctor or dietician knows which diet is most suitable for you.

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