5 Meal Planning Tips After Spine Surgery
Category: Spine Surgery | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
It’s important to get a variety of vitamins and nutrients in your diet after spine surgery, but that’s not the only step you should be taking when it comes to your diet after an operation. Today, we share five tips for meal planning and diet care after a spinal operation. Consider these diet tips to help ensure your spine fully recovers after a surgical operation.
Plan Ahead
In the days leading up to your operation, be sure to stock the refrigerator so you have some healthy options to choose from when you return home. Better yet, prepare some meals that only need to be reheated or cooked in the oven for a bit so you don’t need to spend much time cooking after your surgery. Going to the grocery store may not be possible for a few days after surgery, so plan ahead before your operation so you’re prepared afterwards.
Don’t Cut Calories
Whether you’re in the middle of a diet or afraid of gaining weight due to inactivity, now is not the time to cut calories. Your body and your surgical site will benefit from a day’s worth of calories, and this will help aid in recovery. You can cut calories again once you’re recovered, but it’s not a wise move in the weeks after spine surgery.
Avoid Significant Weight Gain
On the other side of the spectrum, you’ll want to avoid gaining a lot of weight after the operation. You probably won’t be very mobile for a few days after a spine operation, meaning it’s harder to burn off those excess calories. Chart your calorie intake if that helps. Your spine is already in a weakened state after spine surgery, so adding weight will only cause it to absorb more stress, which can lead to complications, or in some cases, a failed surgery.
More Small Meals
Some people find it easier to eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals after surgery. Large meals can leave you feeling bloated, which can add to other discomfort caused by the spine operation. Also, because smaller meals are less taxing on your digestive system and your bowel movements, and since going to the bathroom after a spine surgery can sometimes be difficult, this can make the whole process a little easier.
Stay Hydrated
Sometimes pain management pills can leave you feeling constipated, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Not only does water help alleviate constipation, but it also helps carry nutrients throughout your body. Keep a large water bottle near you at all times while recovering from spine surgery.
