Eating Well

Back to Waiting Well: Preparing yourself for surgery

Eating a healthy diet before and after your surgery is really important. This will help you maintain a stable weight and help your body heal and repair itself after your operation.

Reasons to eat well before and after surgery:

  • Wounds will heal better
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Less time in hospital

Other reasons to eat well

  • Helps you achieve or maintain a healthy weight
  • More energy
  • A healthy heart

There is lots of advice about healthy eating available. Try and find a few small and easy changes that you can make and stick to them. Make a list and place it somewhere you will see it regularly.

Small changes can make a Big difference

The NHS EatWell guide has lots of advice on what a healthy and balanced diet really means.

  • Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and veg a day [Source of minerals, vitamins and fibre]
  • Eat starchy (high fibre or wholegrain varieties) carbohydrates with your meals [source of energy and range of nutrients]
  • Include a regular source of protein in your diet (eg: meat, dairy, beans, tofu, quorn) and aim for at least two portions of fish a week [Protein is essential to build and maintain muscle]
  • Cut back on foods high in fat, salt and sugar (eg: chocolate, crisps, biscuits and sugary soft drinks)
  • Drink plenty of fluids – aim for 6-8 cups per day

You may prefer to watch this video from the British Nutrition Foundation on The EatWell Guide: