FOOD INTAKE AND SUPPLEMENTS AFTER BREAST SURGERY

Breast surgery, whether augmentation, lift, or reduction, is a significant decision in one’s life, and you would want to cross all your t’s and dot all your i’s in your postoperative care. Some pain and discomfort are normal during the early postoperative period, and you may need stronger pain medications for a couple of days. We can divide the postoperative period into three phases.

Diet in the immediate postoperative period

This is the first forty-eight hours or so when you are still coming off the effects of anaesthesia and needing regular pain medications and antibiotics, among other medications. The food has to be light, soft, and easily digestible. We usually give water, followed by coconut water initially. and some jelly or rice pudding after a few hours on the day of surgery. You may feel some nausea if you take anything heavy on the first day. The next day, regular solids are given, but frequent light meals are preferred. Eat small, calorie-rich meals. Take plenty of fluids.

Diet after the first forty-eight hours

Frequent light meals are still preferred, but a regular diet is encouraged with plenty of fiber. You may feel a little bound up, and a high-fibre diet or Isabgol or Metamucil will help. You may also need some laxatives, like Milk of Magnesia, on the second day to relieve your constipation.

Diet after the first two weeks until six weeks

A regular diet with plenty of walking but no aerobics or heavy lifting is encouraged. You need a protein-rich diet at this stage to help heal your surgical wounds. The stress at this stage is on the healing diet and proteins, not as much on calories. A balanced diet is good, and you may wish to include tofu eggs and plenty of veggies.

Post-Surgery Food Preferences

Foods to be avoided and preferred It is best to avoid heavy, spicy foods. It is preferable to avoid getting food from outside. If you are living by yourself,. Put some healthy foods and snacks aside before your surgery. There are also plenty of non-spicy alternatives available in commercial kitchens.

Healthy Food Options for Post-Surgery Diet

You may try them out before your scheduled procedure. Yoghurt is a good option if you are not able to find non-spicy, non-greasy food. Oatmeal and Dalia are also great alternatives for a healthy breakfast. For meals, rice and dal or khicri without spices or even vegetable pilaf are great. Tofu and cottage cheese after the second day will give you great nutrition. Buttermilk is an absolutely great addition to your diet as well.

Dietary Supplements

Multivitamins with minerals once a day. Anti-inflammatory supplements like green tea and curcumin can be helpful. We usually add Arnica as sublingual globules four times a day. You may continue taking your regular supplements after the first day, of course.