Rebuilding Strength: Nutrition After Major Abdominal Surgery
After major surgery, your body needs extra fuel to heal. Good nutrition can make a real difference to how quickly you recover your strength.
Prioritise protein and energy
Protein helps repair tissue, so include sources such as eggs, beans, lentils, fish, meat or dairy at each meal if you can. Healing also burns energy, so this is not the time to restrict food unnecessarily.
Small, frequent meals
If your appetite is low, several small meals and nourishing snacks through the day are often easier than three large ones. Soft, easy-to-digest foods can be gentler in the early stages.
Be patient with recovery
Appetite and digestion take time to return to normal. If you are losing weight, struggling to eat, or have specific dietary needs, ask to speak with a dietitian.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your stoma nurse, dietitian or healthcare professional.
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