Food plays a crucial role in your recovery after surgery, yet it's often overlooked. A balanced diet, combined with ample rest, helps you regain strength and heal more effectively. With guidance from your HPB surgeon and some meal planning, you can set yourself up for a smooth recovery.
Check out our post-surgery recipes to discover foods that can help you heal after surgery.
Easy meal and snack ideas after surgery
Whether you’re preparing meals for yourself or looking for recipes to make for a loved one, here are some easy solutions for staying full, satisfied, and well-fed.
Red lentil soup
This recipe is an excellent vegetarian option that helps you squeeze in your fibre requirements alongside a generous serving of vegetables. If you’re using dry lentils, soak them overnight.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 1 cup of red lentils (dry or canned)
- 1tbsp of ginger, garlic (minced, diced, or paste)
- 1-2 cups of diced veggies (potatoes, carrot, celery)
- 1tbsp of spices (garam masala, coriander powder, cumin, turmeric)
- 1tbsp of herbs (parsley or coriander both elevate this dish)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2tbsp of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Red Lentil Soup:
- Prepare the vegetables: Gather your ingredients and chop your veggies.
- Cook the aromatics: Cook the onion in a medium-heat pot for a few minutes before adding the ginger and garlic.
- Add the vegetables: Add in the rest of your veggies. You don’t have to use all of them, but potatoes can help with the texture.
- Add the spices: Your choice of spices depends on your spice tolerance. Cayenne will help add a kick.
- Simmer away: Add your broth and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Blend the soup: Turn the heat off and use an immersion blender to reach the consistency you want. Add a cup of water to help if necessary. Garnish with parsley to finish and for a pop of colour.
We recommend making a big batch; it freezes easily for up to three months. In the fridge, it will last up to four days.
Colourful bean salad
Salads don’t have to be boring. This salad, known as a Mexican bean salad, is packed with fibre and flavour. You can use canned or dried beans. Dried beans take a little more prep time as you’ll need to soak them.
What You’ll Need:
- Black beans (1/2 cup dried, full can)
- Cannellini beans (1/2 cup dried, full can)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced avocado
- 1 cup diced capsicum
- Tbsp of coriander
- ½ can of corn
- 2tbsps of olive oil
- 2tbsps of vinegar of choice (apple cider, white)
- Lemon or lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Bean Salad
- Prepare your vegetables: Dice your capsicum, red onion, and avocado. Chop up your coriander.
- Combine ingredients: If using canned beans, rinse them before adding them to the salad.
- Add dressing: To minimise dishes, simply add your dressing on top of the salad and taste as you go. Drizzle olive oil directly over the salad. For acidity, start with a tablespoon of vinegar, then add a generous squeeze of lemon, lime, or both. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Marinated boiled eggs
Marinated boiled eggs are popular in Korea and go by different names online. The base combination is the same: boiled eggs and soy sauce. You can make as many eggs as you want!
What You’ll need:
- Boiled eggs
- Soy sauce (low-sodium or regular, not dark)
- 1 tsp of spring onions
- 1 tsp of garlic
- Tupperware container to fit eggs (glass is ideal)
- Boil your eggs. Between six to seven minutes is ideal for a slightly soft-boiled result. Use a ladle to avoid dropping the eggs and splashing hot water around.
- Prepare an ice bath (optional but recommended). Fill a bowl with cold water and ice. Once the eggs finish boiling, transfer them to the ice bath. This stops them from overcooking and makes peeling easier.
- Prepare your ingredients. Slice up your spring onion and dice your garlic.
- Peel your eggs. This step can often be the most frustrating part of making boiled eggs. Use a spoon to help peel the shell in a smooth motion.
- Add ingredients together. All that’s left is popping your eggs into your container of choice and mixing in your ingredients. Use enough soy sauce to fully cover the eggs or adjust to a lower level if you're reducing sodium.
For a lower-sodium option or a milder flavour, you can store plain boiled eggs in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 5–7 days.
Tips for nourishing post-surgery eating
Fibre is essential to help with constipation after surgery. Here are some fibre-rich foods you can enjoy after liver resection surgery:
- Prunes and other fruit
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread
Some foods you’ll want to avoid or limit are:
- Highly-processed foods: These are pre-packaged meals, breakfast cereals, and deli meats which tend to be low in fibre and other nutrients. While they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of everyday life, it’s best to focus on nutrient-rich foods after surgery.
- Alcohol: Consuming alcohol after surgery can interfere with medications and slow down recovery, increasing the risk of complications. It’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours after your operation, though this timeframe may vary depending on the type of surgery.
- Sugars: Added sugars in food and drink are high in calories but low in nutrition.
Simple strategies for eating well after surgery
- Keep healthy snacks handy: Avoiding snacks can be tough, so keep nutritious options within easy reach. This makes healthy choices more convenient.
- Create a meal plan: Plan your meals in advance and stock up on groceries to make cooking easier.
- Treat yourself every now and then: Going cold turkey on your favourite snacks and food isn’t always realistic. Reward yourself with occasional treats as you recover—it can be a great way to celebrate progress.
Smooth post-surgery recovery with Dr Michael Chu
Having a food plan before going into surgery will leave one less thing for you - or your loved one - to worry about.
Dr Michael Chu is a trusted, highly respected surgeon recognised for his expertise in HPB surgery. With his guidance, you can feel confident knowing that every aspect of your recovery is being carefully managed. Reach out to Dr Michael Chu today.
