Eating well
Eating well will help prepare your body for surgery. It can:
- reduce your risk of infection,
- help with wound healing, and
- speed up your recovery.
Proteins, vitamins and minerals support the healing process. Every day you should eat:
- protein-rich foods,
- wholegrain breads and cereals,
- dairy foods such as milk and yoghurt,
- vegetables, and
- fruit.
Include a protein-rich food at every meal. Foods high in protein include:
- lean meat
- beans or legumes
- milk
- chicken
- nuts and seeds
- cheese
- fish
- tofu
- yoghurt
- eggs
Healthy weight for surgery
Aiming for a healthy weight before your surgery will mean you are less likely to have a complication during your surgery or while you are recovering.
If you are overweight, you may benefit from losing weight before your surgery.
The NSW Get Healthy Service 1300 806 258 is a free phone and online health coaching service that can help you reach your goals.
You can also speak to your GP about ways to manage your weight.
Resources:
Are you underweight or having trouble maintaining your weight?
Being underweight can increase your risk of complications after surgery.
If you are underweight or having trouble maintaining your weight, speak to your health care team or your GP before your surgery.