After you’ve had surgery, what you eat can make a difference in how quickly you heal. In particular, a diet high in calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals can help you get better quickly by giving you the strength and nutrients you need. In addition, eating the right types of food may even help reduce your risk for complications.
As a registered dietitian at Temple, I am often asked what people should or shouldn’t eat after surgery. One of the first things I tell people is that they should make sure they follow their surgeon’s specific instructions for what to eat and how to get home. This advice may vary depending on the type of surgery you’ve had.
Ask your surgery team when you can eat solid foods again. You might only be able to drink clear liquids like water, broth, tea, popsicles and jello, and apple or white grape juice until your digestive system is back to normal after surgery.
Still, most post-surgery diets have one thing in common: they all tell you to eat enough healthy foods to help your body heal. In addition, following a good post-surgery diet also means knowing which foods to avoid. If you’ve had surgery on your digestive system, talk to your doctor and dietitian about how much fiber you should eat.
Having surgery, whether major or minor, takes a toll on your body. Proper post-op nutrition is key for healing, pain management and avoiding complications. But with all the diet advice out there, many wonder – can you eat pork after surgery? Is it a safe, nutritious choice or something to avoid?
I reviewed the latest research and asked registered dietitians whether pork can support surgical recovery Keep reading for a detailed look at the benefits, drawbacks and preparation tips for eating pork after surgery
Why Protein Matters for Post-Surgical Healing
After surgery, your body needs adequate protein for several reasons:
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Tissue repair and regeneration – The amino acids in protein help build and repair damaged tissue from surgical incisions Protein provides the raw materials your body requires to heal quickly,
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Preventing muscle loss – Inactivity and bed rest post-surgery can cause muscle wasting. Consuming sufficient high-quality protein helps maintain muscle mass as you recover strength and mobility.
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Supporting immune function – Protein nourishes your immune system to help fight off infections and post-op complications
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Providing energy – The calories and nutrients in protein can combat fatigue from surgery and keep your energy up during recovery.
Dietitians typically recommend 60-80 grams of protein daily while recovering from surgery. Now let’s explore if pork can supply this healing protein.
Is Pork Safe to Eat After Surgery?
The answer is yes, pork can absolutely be part of a post-surgery diet when prepared properly. It provides the same benefits as other animal proteins like poultry, eggs and fish. Pork contains all essential amino acids needed for wound healing, tissue regeneration and muscle retention.
The key is choosing leaner cuts of pork and cooking them in a digestion-friendly way. Here are dietitian tips:
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Select lean options like tenderloin, loin chops or 93% lean ground pork. Avoid fatty cuts like ribs or sausage.
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Opt for lower-fat cooking methods like grilling, roasting, baking or poaching. Limit breaded/fried pork.
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Watch portions and aim for 3-4 oz cooked pork per meal. Too much can be hard to digest.
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Allow time for thorough chewing since meat takes longer to digest after surgery.
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Stay hydrated and consume high-fiber vegetables to aid digestion.
In moderation alongside plant foods, pork can provide key nutrients without overtaxing your post-op digestive system.
Top Nutrients in Pork to Support Surgical Healing
Beyond its excellent protein content, pork offers several vitamins and minerals that benefit healing:
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B Vitamins – Pork contains thiamin, niacin, B6 and B12. These support energy production, immune health and help your body use nutrients.
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Iron – The highly bioavailable heme iron in pork prevents post-surgical anemia and enhances wound healing.
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Selenium – This antioxidant mineral strengthens immunity, reduces inflammation and protects cells from damage related to surgery.
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Zinc – Necessary for tissue repair, cell growth and wound closure. Pork is one of the best dietary zinc sources.
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Phosphorus – Helps your body synthesize protein for muscle and tissue regeneration after surgery. Also aids nutrient utilization.
By providing these nutrients in a readily absorbed form, pork can accelerate surgical recovery when included as part of a balanced diet.
Potential Drawbacks of Post-Op Pork Consumption
While pork offers benefits, there are a few potential concerns to keep in mind:
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Fatty cuts may be hard to digest after surgery. Stick to lean options.
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Excess protein from any source could strain your recovering digestive system. Practice portion control.
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Hematinic proteins like pork may worsen post-op constipation. Increase fiber intake.
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Pork may promote inflammation, though evidence remains limited. Some people may wish to moderate intake.
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Certain medications could interact poorly with high protein intake, so consult your pharmacist.
With mindful preparation and consumption, pork can be safely enjoyed as part of recovery. But check with your healthcare team before changing your diet.
Sample Post-Surgery Meals with Pork
If approved by your medical providers, here are some nutritious meal ideas featuring pork after surgery:
Breakfast: Scrambled egg white omelet with 1 oz diced ham, sautéed spinach and mushrooms. Side of oatmeal with blueberries.
Lunch: Chopped garden salad with 3 oz sliced grilled pork tenderloin, chickpeas, avocado and balsamic vinaigrette.
Dinner: Sheet pan meal with brussels sprouts, butternut squash and a 4 oz boneless pork chop rubbed with chili powder and cumin then roasted.
Snack: Whole grain toast with 1 oz low-sodium deli ham, smashed avocado and sliced tomatoes.
Aim for 20-30 grams of protein per meal with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Pork can be one component of a balanced recovery diet.
Additional Protein-Rich Foods to Eat After Surgery
To prevent overconsumption of any one protein, include a variety in your post-op diet such as:
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Eggs – Boil, scramble, poach or add to omelets.
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Greek yogurt – Choose unsweetened, low-fat varieties.
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Salmon – Provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Bake or poach 4-6 oz portions.
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Chicken breast – Roast, grill or add to salads and bowls.
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Tofu – Scramble or sauté this plant-based protein.
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Beans and lentils – Vegetarian protein with gut-healthy fiber. Enjoy in soups, stews and dips.
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Nuts and seeds – Contains protein, healthy fats and antioxidants. Sprinkle on meals or have as snacks.
Vary your protein sources while keeping overall intake moderate. This allows you to maximize the benefits for healing.
Should You Avoid Pork After Oral Surgery?
Some oral surgeons advise against pork after procedures like tooth extractions, especially in developing countries. But in the U.S., pork restrictions aren’t considered necessary.
The main concern is a theoretical higher risk of bleeding or dry socket. However, evidence connecting pork intake to increased oral surgery risks remains limited. With proper precautions like careful chewing and starting with soft ground pork, consuming pork after oral surgery appears quite safe.
To be safe, follow any diet advice from your oral surgeon. But a nourishing post-op diet containing lean proteins like pork can aid your recovery.
The Bottom Line on Pork After Surgery
Overall, pork can be included as part of an optimal recovery diet when prepared properly and consumed in moderation. The high-quality protein aids tissue repair, strength retention and immunity.
To recap pork’s role in post-surgical healing:
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Choose lean cuts like chops, tenderloin or 93% lean ground pork.
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Use lower-fat cooking methods like grilling, roasting or baking.
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Watch portions and get 20-30 grams protein per meal.
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Allow time for thorough chewing to ease digestion.
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Balance pork with fruits, vegetables and plant proteins.
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Check with your healthcare provider before significantly changing your diet.
With a thoughtful approach, nutritious pork in moderation can help provide the nutrients your body requires to bounce back after surgery. Now go fuel your recovery with some healing protein-packed pork!
Get your vitamin C.
This vitamin promotes healing. You can find it in foods such as citrus fruits, red peppers, berries, and broccoli.
Pump up the protein.
Protein plays a vital role in healing since it helps the body rebuild tissue after surgery. We need to watch out for the saturated fats in red meat because they are bad for our hearts. To cut down on saturated fat, choose a lean cut of red meat like flank steak or strip steak or cut off the fat marbling.
Lean sources of protein are better options. When you eat meat, choose lean meats like chicken, turkey, and pork, as well as eggs, tofu, beans, and other legumes. When preparing meats, remember to remove the skin off of the poultry.
Dairy products with less or no fat, like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese, can help you get enough protein after surgery. If you had trouble going to the bathroom after eating dairy products before surgery, you shouldn’t eat them after surgery either. For some patients, any dairy after surgery can cause constipation, so pay attention to how your body responds.
Eating Meat After Surgery | Gastric Sleeve Surgery | Questions & Answers
FAQ
What meats should you avoid after surgery?
Is it safe to eat pork after surgery?
Can you eat pork after ac section?
Why is it not recommended to eat pork?
Should you eat fried food after surgery?
You already know that fried and fatty foods aren’t a great nutritional choice. After surgery—when you don’t feel like eating much anyway—it’s a good idea to focus on foods that contain the nutrients you need to heal, such as protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and zinc, instead of filling your body with less nutritional foods.
Can I eat a lot after surgery?
If you’re having nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping, you may not want to eat at all. Your appetite should return within a few days of surgery, but it’s important that you maintain nutrition as best you can in the meantime. To maintain strength, try eating small amounts of bland foods throughout the day, focusing on calorie-dense foods.
What should I eat after surgery?
After surgery—when you don’t feel like eating much anyway—it’s a good idea to focus on foods that contain the nutrients you need to heal, such as protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and zinc, instead of filling your body with less nutritional foods. Additionally, fried, and fatty food can cause nausea and vomiting.
Can I eat soft foods after a dental surgery?
If you have kidney or liver disease, you may need to limit how much protein you eat. If you have conditions like diverticulitis or intestinal stricture, you may need to avoid nuts and other hard-to-digest foods. Even for some dental surgeries, you may need to drink liquids and eat soft foods for the first few days.