Food and nutrition
The information in this section is for general orientation and does not replace personal medical assessment, instructions or follow-up. Always follow your surgeon's recommendations.
Healing uses up resources. No single food speeds recovery up, but there are ways of eating that get in its way. Here is what is worth knowing, and what is worth asking.
Before surgery
Arriving well nourished matters more than arriving thin. Very restrictive diets in the preceding weeks worsen your starting point just when your body is about to need reserves.
If you are in the middle of losing weight, with or without medication, mention it in consultation: it changes things in the planning and in the anaesthesia.
During recovery
Appetite drops in the first days and that is normal. The sensible thing is eating little and often, starting with light food, and returning to your usual diet as soon as your body asks for it.
Constipation is one of the most common post-operative complaints, partly from medication and partly from rest. It is far easier to prevent than to fix: raise it at your check-up rather than waiting for it to become a problem.
- Small frequent meals rather than three large ones.
- If you feel sick, say so: there is something that can be done.
- Do not take laxatives or new supplements without checking.
Hydration
Drinking well helps circulation, bowel movement and tolerating medication. It is one of the easiest things to do and one of the most neglected when you are uncomfortable and moving is an effort.
Alcohol is another matter: it interacts with medication and encourages swelling and bleeding. Ask when you can have it again.
Protein and healing
Repairing tissue is, literally, making protein. That is why aftercare insists that meals include a source of protein rather than stopping at broth and crackers.
That does not make protein shakes and supplements compulsory: many carry additives you do not want right now. If you want to take one, show it at your check-up before starting.
What is usually recommended
Varied food, with protein at every meal, vegetables, fruit, fibre and enough fluid. Nothing exotic and nothing expensive: the hard part is not getting hold of it, it is keeping it up on the days when nothing appeals.
If you eat vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or with any other restriction, say so in consultation so the advice can be adapted rather than being useless to you.
What is best avoided
Alcohol, excess salt while there is swelling, and any supplement or herbal tea that has not been checked. Several common plants affect clotting, and "it is natural" does not mean it is harmless after surgery.
Anything specifically ruled out in your case is on your instruction sheet. If something is not on the list and you are unsure, ask before taking it.
What applies to your case is given to you in writing by Dr. García, with your quotation and your consent form. If anything here does not match your sheet, your sheet is the one that counts.