• Back to Post-Op

Post-Surgery Nutrition

Diet and nutrition is important not just for your daily health but also for anyone undergoing any surgical procedure including gender confirmation surgery such as chest reconstruction top surgery and other types of top surgery. This article provides instructions for the recommended foods, drinks, medications, and supplements during your top surgery recovery to optimize your healing. Keep in mind that these are many other healthy options and you are not limited to the foods listed here.

Below is a list of foods that are easy for your body to digest. When you eat foods that are easy to digest, your body can spend more energy on recovering. However, you are not limited to the foods listed here. Most important to note is that salt (sodium) should be avoided. High salt intake can cause swelling and may prolong your recovery.

Visit our page on Post-Op Low Sodium Food Options to learn more about meal-prep suggestions to accommodate low salt intake during the first two weeks after surgery.

Food and Drink Supply:

• Prunes in moderation, for fiber
• Yogurt, smoothies, apple sauce (good to take with your prescriptions to coat your stomach)
• Frozen dessert bars
• Fresh fruit: pineapple, papaya (reduces swelling)
• Soups (low sodium to avoid swelling)
• Plenty of water and juices
• Bread for toast

The foods, supplements, and medications listed below are to be used in moderation only:

Foods containing Salicylates:

Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Berries (Black, Boysenberry, Raspberry, Strawberry), Cherries, Cucumbers, Pickles, Currants, Grapes, Prunes, Tomatoes, Chinese Black Beans, Wine, and Alcohol (do not drink any alcoholic beverages beginning 1 week prior to surgery and for 1 week after surgery).

Medications and Supplements:

• Aspirin and Ibuprofen containing medications (Do not take even one tablet of any of these within 2 weeks before operation. They thin the blood and can cause complications. Wait at least 1 week after surgery to begin taking these medications again.)
• Herbs: Gingko Biloba, Ginger, Saint John’s Wort, Feverfew
• Vitamins: E, Fish Oil, Garlic Tablets, Cholesterol Medications, Niacin. These should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery and for 1 week after surgery.
• Important: All medications to be used for pain relief for menstrual cycle and arthritis are to be avoided even if they are not on the above list. (Please notify us about all vitamins you are taking.)
• You will be given a comprehensive list of all medications to avoid beginning two weeks prior to your surgery date during your preoperative appointment.
• Please be sure to notify the office of all medication you are taking. This includes all prescription and non-prescription medications.