Disclaimer: The information below is only a general recommendation. You should consult your doctor and/or dietitian regarding your diet after surgery for individualised nutritional requirements based on the surgery type, existing medical conditions and current health status.
Diet plays an important role after surgery to speed up wound healing and recovery, thus reducing the length of hospital stay. Adequate nutrition intake helps one to regain strength and recover more quickly.
The table below shows a general diet recommendation after surgery:
| Food Groups | Role in Post-Surgery | Food Examples |
| Lean Protein | · Promote wound healing
· Improve immune system |
Lean meat, fish, dairy products, soy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, beans and lentils |
| Wholegrains | · Source of energy and fibre to promote wound healing | Brown rice, brown bread, wholegrain noodles, oats, barley, millets, buckwheat, quinoa |
| Fruits & Vegetables | · Source of Vitamin C
· Rebuild collagen and soft tissues · Promote wound healing |
Fruits and vegetables |
| Healthy Fats | · Boost immune system
· Prevent wound infections |
Healthy oil (except coconut and palm oil), nuts and seeds, avocado |
| Iron-rich Food | · Replenish red blood cells
· Reduce risk of weakness |
Lean red meat, nuts and seeds, dark green leafy vegetables |
| Water | · Promote adequate hydration
· Promote wound healing |
Plain water, clear soup, unsweetened beverages |
We may have heard to avoid chicken, seafood, eggs or soy sauce after surgery, as it may trigger wound infections or darker wounds. Insufficient evidence has proven this claim; thus it is recommended to continue a healthy and balanced diet after surgery, while limiting the following food items:
| Food Items | Explanation |
| Alcoholic Beverages | – Interact with medication
– Trigger dehydration and impair wound healing |
| Highly Processed Food
– Fast food – Processed meats – Sweetened food |
– Lack of nutrients for wound recovery
– May promote inflammation |
Let’s make good food choices to speed up body recovery and resume normal energy levels!
