Undergoing surgery is a challenging task. Even the smallest of procedures can strain your body, making it essential to prioritize your health for a smooth and speedy recovery. While it may seem like a small thing, the food you eat directly impacts your well-being post-surgery. With a higher risk of infection, constipation, and decreased mobility, maintaining a healthy diet after your operation is paramount. Eating the right foods, and avoiding the wrong ones, can make a huge difference in your recovery process.
In this blog, we’ll discuss proper nutrition and what foods to avoid, and we’ll share some of our favorite meals and snacks for post-op!
Nutrition After Surgery
The goal post-surgery is to fuel your body with slow foods rather than fast foods. “Slow foods” are foods that take your body time to digest. They help you stay full longer and are filled with nutrients. When shopping for post-op foods, focus on protein, vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and zinc.
Protein: Eating foods rich in protein is important for healing and repairing tissues. Protein helps your body make new blood cells necessary for wound healing. Good protein sources include lean meats, poultry, fish and seafood, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and beans. While we love a steak occasionally, be careful not to consume too much red meat. Delicious, but high in saturated fat, which is not good for heart health. If having red meats, try to choose a lean cut or cut off the fat to reduce the saturated fat content.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for healing after surgery since it is crucial for collagen formation and connective tissue repair, meaning your incision site will heal quickly. Vitamin C also helps reduce the risk of infection. Good Vitamin C sources include citrus fruit, oranges, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and potatoes. Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so it is something that you need in your everyday diet.
Fiber: Constipation is a common side effect of using anesthesia or pain medicine related to surgery. It can also be caused by a lack of activity. Being constipated can reduce your appetite, increase your pain level, and put stress on surgical incisions, all of which will get in the way of your healing. Fiber is a necessary bulking agent that keeps your system moving. Good sources of fiber include fruits, beans, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Magnesium: Magnesium provides a soothing, relaxing effect. Adequate amounts of magnesium can relieve sore muscles and promote better sleep quality. Magnesium helps heal broken tissue and reduce swelling. Good sources of magnesium include avocados, almonds, cashews, leafy greens, bananas, tofu, and whole grains.
Zinc: Zinc is necessary for producing collagen, a tissue responsible for scar formation. Taking zinc can help speed up the healing of surgical incisions and also boost the immune system. Good sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs, and dark chocolate.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Surgery
Just like there are foods to eat post-op, there are foods you should avoid. Maybe not forever, but until your doctor gives you the green light. Processed foods, added sugar, sodium, alcohol, and caffeine all have their downfalls for patients recovering from surgery.
Highly Processed Foods: Many foods in the grocery store are highly processed and perfectly fine to be enjoyed in moderation. However, post-surgery, foods low in fiber can cause inflammation and lack the nutrients your body needs to heal, and they should be avoided when possible. Highly processed foods include fast food, sugary beverages, processed meats, frozen meals, packaged snacks, breakfast cereals, and white bread.
Added Sugars: Food and drinks with added sugar offer your taste buds a quick reward, but the added sugar is high in calories and gives your body no nutritional value. You may feel a short burst of energy and alertness but quickly feel more drained. Bacteria and viruses thrive on sugar, one more reason to avoid sugary foods after surgery. Foods with the most added sugars are breakfast cereals, sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts, and sweet snacks such as ice cream, pastries, and cookies.
High-Salt Intake: Sodium can increase your chances of post-operative swelling, increasing the recovery time. Some foods that may be high in salt include processed meats, white bread, tomato sauce, packaged and self-stable salad dressings, and convenience foods such as canned soups, boxed potatoes, frozen meals, and pizza are all often high in sodium.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can have a diuretic effect on the body, causing dehydration and constipation. Alcohol can thin your blood, which can lead to excessive bleeding, infections, swelling, impaired immune systems, and increased inflammation. All of this can hinder healing and increase pain and discomfort.
Caffeine: Some surgeons recommend avoiding caffeine after surgery because it can interfere with the healing process. Caffeine makes you urinate more, which can lead to dehydration. Caffeine drinks can irritate your stomach because they are acidic and contribute to stomach acid production. Caffeine can also disrupt the early stages of bone healing.
Easy Post-Surgery Snack & Meal Ideas
Freezer Friendly Breakfast Burritos
Eggs are a cost-effective, nutrient-dense option for breakfast. These breakfast burritos are an excellent recommendation because they include all the necessary nutrients post-op.
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet.
Scramble eight eggs and sauté your burrito fillings of choice (e.g., breakfast sausage, beans, onions, peppers, potatoes, or cheese).
Scoop the mixture into a tortilla and enjoy now, or wrap it in aluminum foil to freeze.
Burritos can be stored in the freezer. To reheat, remove the burrito from the foil, place it on a microwave-safe dish, and cook until heated through.
Breakfast Egg Muffins
Egg Muffins are nice and easy to make. They can be stored in the fridge until you’re ready to heat them for breakfast or as a snack.
Beat the eggs with salt, pepper, and some finely chopped onion. Pour the egg mixture into your pan and fill it with whatever you like.
A few possible combinations are spinach, tomato, and mozzarella, bacon and cheddar, or garlic, mushrooms, and peppers.
Puréed Vegetable Soup
Veggies are high in fiber and vitamin C. The nutrition soup is not only delicious but can also be made prior to surgery and stored in the freezer for an easy meal.
Dice carrot, celery, and onion. Combine the vegetables in a soup pot with vegetable broth and cannellini beans. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow time to cool.
Place soup into a blender and purée until consistency is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Salmon or Tuna Salad Sandwich
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and this recipe requires minimal effort, making it easy to assemble post-surgery.
Mix canned salmon or tuna (drained) with mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and your favorite salad fixings.
Serve on toasted whole-grain bread with a side of fruit.
Greek Yogurt with Berries and Granola
Greek yogurt with chia seeds is a great nutrient-dense breakfast or snack because it includes protein, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Top Greek yogurt with fresh or frozen berries and low-sugar granola. Add chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids.
Boiled Eggs
Eggs are a convenient source of high-quality protein for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
Place eggs in a large saucepan and cover with an inch of cool water. Cover the pan with a lid and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and let sit for 6 to 7 minutes for a perfect hard-boiled egg.
Allow eggs to cool in a shallow ice bath for a few minutes to make them easier to peel.
Smoothies
Not a big fan of fruits and vegetables on their own? Smoothies are a great way to get all the benefits of antioxidants blended into one delicious cup.
What you put in a smoothie is totally up to you, but consider blending in Greek yogurt, a scoop of nut butter, or flax seeds to maintain your blood sugar level with healthy fats and protein.
Berries and fruits are the typical main ingredients, but leafy veggies like kale and spinach are the starting ingredients for “green” smoothies.
Healthy eating is an essential part of our diet. Our job is to fill our bodies with foods that fuel, not just please. When you are recovering from surgery, no matter the size, a healthy diet can make a difference in your timeline. As always, discussing your diet plans with your healthcare provider before and after your surgery is important. Every patient and procedure are different, and there may be specific recommendations you need to follow. The tips and recipes in this blog act as a great starting point as you begin your journey to healing!
If you have had the opportunity to walk through the doors at the St. Cloud Surgical Center, you know it’s a special place. We aim to make patients and their families comfortable every step of the way. While you’ll see many smiling faces on your journey, perhaps the most important one belongs to your doctor. We are proud to have created positive partnerships with surgeons from the Greater St. Cloud area, and we know it only benefits you, the patient.
One of our strongest partnerships comes from Central Minnesota Foot & Ankle. Dr. Greg and Karen Rouw have been staples in our community since 2008. They have built a reputable business, and it continues to grow! At the beginning of 2024, they brought on Dr. Yara Tinawi as their newest foot and ankle specialist.
We recently sat down with Dr. Tinawi to learn more about her journey and what being a podiatrist means to her. Take a look!
SCSC: Hi, Yara; thank you so much for sitting down with us today. Can you tell us briefly about yourself and what you do at the St. Cloud Surgical Center?
Dr. Tinawi: Thank you for having me. My name is Dr. Yara Tinawi. I am a podiatrist at Central Minnesota Foot and Ankle. We focus on all general podiatric work here, from diet and diabetic care to nail and fungal care, ankle fractures, foot reconstructions, and trauma. If there is anything to do below the knee, we can treat it.
SCSC: A well-rounded practice, no doubt! You have a unique background. Would you share that with our readers?
Dr. Tinawi: Of course. I was born and raised in Mount Damascus, Syria. My family and I moved to the States in 2010, more specifically, to Michigan. Not soon after, I started my schooling when we were in Michigan and moved to Ohio for podiatric school. I feel like I’ve been all over the place. My family resides in Michigan, but I moved to Minnesota for better work opportunities.
SCSC: How exciting to have lived and experienced so many places! What made you decide to come to Minnesota, of all places? You know it’s cold here, right?
Dr. Tinawi: I chose Minnesota because it felt the most like Michigan, and I actually have family here. My uncle and cousins live close by. Meeting Greg and Karen helped, too. When I interviewed with the Rouw’s at Central MN Foot and Ankle Clinic, I knew they would be awesome to work with, and the clinic was amazing. For a young physician like me, it was important to have a good working environment and support behind it, and I definitely found that there.
SCSC: What a wonderful experience. The Rouw’s are a staple in our facility. We’re happy you found a perfect fit! Since starting at the St. Cloud Surgical Center, what is your favorite part about being a podiatrist?
Dr. Tinawi: My favorite part about being a podiatrist is being able to pursue my passion: helping people. I am also surrounded by a team with that same passion; we’re all here for the same purpose, making us a strong unit. The St. Cloud Surgical Center is one of the most positive and friendly environments I have been in, and it makes my job easy. I can show up and do what I love successfully.
SCSC: We love your passion. Have you always had a passion for podiatry, or did something happen in your life that led you here?
Dr. Tinawi: My heart has always been in medicine. Most of my family works in medicine, so I’ve been around it my whole life. When I started to shadow different areas, I found that podiatrists were some of the happiest doctors. It was clear they have a great work/life balance, which is important to me. Even though I don’t have a family of my own yet, I plan to one day, and felt this profession would be perfect for when that time comes.
SCSC: We understand how important that blend is, especially for our doctors. Do you think podiatry is a well-understood field?
Dr. Tinawi: No, and personally, that’s disappointing. Our profession is still kind of unknown. Patients come to us all the time confused because they think there’s a difference between podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons when we’re really the same thing. Podiatrists aren’t only caring for nail beds and wounds; our scope is so broad. We fix bunions, general aches, foot and ankle breaks, and fractures. The list truly could go on and on. I think it’s important for patients and the general population to understand this.
SCSC: Education is important for patients, so we’re here today. Do you have an area of focus as a podiatrist? What do you like to do the most?
Dr. Tinawi: The thing about podiatry is that it’s a huge umbrella. I enjoy pediatric care, specifically sports medicine, but my passion lies in limb salvage and foot reconstruction. This can range from a toe amputation to trying any means necessary to save the foot, even collaborating with plastic surgery. Oh, and I also like helping anyone with foot deformities, not only life-threatening but lifestyle adjustment conditions.
SCSC: Since you started at the St. Cloud Surgical Center, what would you say is the most common podiatric surgery you perform?
Dr. Tinawi: At the SCSC, I haven’t seen a specific niche of surgeries yet. But my surgeries range from limb salvage to bunion corrections, and as I build up more of a patient population, it’s expanding into that reconstructive aspect as well. I’ve done a few of these and am looking forward to doing more in the future.
SCSC: Let’s dive deeper into that. What is limb salvage?
Dr. Tinawi: Limb Salvage is an umbrella term in the medical world. For me, it comes down to saving the foot. The focus is not only to save the foot as a limb but to make sure it’s functional for the patient in the future. A large part of my training focused on ulcer care, especially in people with diabetes or neuropathic patients who see higher rates of amputation. Prevention is the best medicine, but if a patient comes to us when surgery is necessary, we’ll do that. At the end of the day, my goal is to save the foot and take amputation off the table. In our profession, we know that when you get an amputation at any level of your foot, your mortality rate decreases by five percent, so the more that we can help preserve, the better lifestyle we can offer for patients.
SCSC: Five percent? Wow. We see why limb salvage is so important to you. Are you ready for our last question?
Dr. Tinawi: Yes, let’s do it!
SCSC: As a surgeon, what does success look like to you?
Dr. Tinawi: As a surgeon, success is, as cheesy as it sounds, instead of saying ‘happy wife, happy life,’ I say, ‘happy patient, happy life.’ It’s about having a career where I can use my skills to the best of my ability and help my patients return to optimal health. That’s not to say it’s always an easy task. There are many highs and lows along the way that surgeons have to accept. But if I can sleep at night knowing I have done my absolute best to help people, then I feel successful.
SCSC: We love how you say ‘happy patient, happy life.’ That sums up our motto at St. Cloud Surgical Center. Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Tinawi. We have enjoyed chatting with you today and learning more about your passions as a podiatrist. We are excited to have you on our team and hope you have a prosperous career at Central Minnesota Foot and Ankle!
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, don’t wait to contact one of our experienced podiatrists. The solution you have been looking for could be right around the corner. Contact us today for more information.
Point Of View: You’ve just been told you need surgery, and your mind is racing. An uneasy feeling has washed over you like a giant ocean wave. While surgery is the best option to heal your ailment, you are still understandably anxious.
Undergoing even the most minor of surgeries is a significant event that not only affects the body, but also the mind. While surgical procedures aim to improve physical health, the impact on mental well-being should not be overlooked. Prioritizing mental health before and after surgery is essential for a smoother recovery and overall well-being.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the staff at the St. Cloud Surgical Center put together a list of things to do before, during, and after your surgery to help with any mental health concerns.
PREPARATION
Before you head into the operating room, it’s important to take the following steps to support your mental health:
Maintain Open Communication with your healthcare team. They are there to discuss any concerns or anxiety you may have about your upcoming procedure. Our team will help understand what to expect and can help alleviate any fears or uncertainties.
Practice Relaxation Techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to promote a sense of calmness.
Engage in Activities that bring you joy, like spending time with loved ones, listening to music, or going for a walk. Life doesn’t have to stop while you are waiting for your surgery date.
Setup Your Support System before surgery and lean on them for emotional support. Surround yourself with family members or friends who can offer encouragement during unsettling times.
DURING
Although it may seem silly since most surgeries require general anesthesia, mental health considerations still play a role during surgery. The biggest thing we want to address is trust. Trusting in your healthcare team and the surgery process is essential. If you don’t feel safe in the operating room, please address this with the staff immediately. At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we want you to feel comfortable and remember we are trained professionals dedicated to your well-being.
What About Children?
A child undergoing surgery is not only scary for them, but also for the parent. First and foremost, it’s your job as their caretaker to remain calm and assure them everything is going to be okay.
For most children, the fear of the unknown is what causes them to be anxious. If it’s their first surgery, they may struggle to understand the complexities of medical procedures. Your care team can help provide resources for age-appropriate information about the surgery to help alleviate their concerns. Simple things like reading their favorite books, listening to soothing music, or practicing breathing exercises together can help keep the butterflies at bay.
Lastly, be the kind, loving parent that you are. Sometimes all they need is emotional support, their hand held, and a big hug! Like all of us, they want to feel safe and supported as they navigate an unfamiliar experience.
POST-SURGERY AND RECOVERY
For many patients, the period following surgery can be challenging both physically and emotionally. What we want you to know is, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions including relief, gratitude, frustration, and even sadness. Prioritizing your mental health during the recovery process is optimal for healing.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
While some pain and discomfort are expected for patients, they are oftentimes confused when mental well-being becomes an added pain point. If the pain is becoming too overwhelming that it causes thoughts of self-harm, affects your sleep, or causes bouts of depression and anxiety, contact your healthcare team immediately. Do not let these feelings go unaddressed.
When you are a patient of St. Cloud Surgical Center, our team of nurses will follow-up with you at various times post-surgery to discuss how your recovery is going. At this time, they will get a pulse on your mental health. Keeping that line of communication open and honest is paramount.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Rome wasn’t built in a day and your recovery won’t happen overnight either. Recovery from surgery takes time, especially if you’re looking at something as major as a joint replacement. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Your care team will also help with this and remind you to take things slow. Progress may be gradual, and for some there may be setbacks along the way. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories!
If you find yourself struggling with the progress, or lack thereof, you have made in your recovery, you are not alone. Emotions may fluctuate during this time. Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions without judgment.
It’s also important to recognize that emotions may fluctuate during the recovery process. Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions without judgment. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide support and perspective during this time.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery is key. No matter what the situation, taking care of your body is essential for both physical and mental well-being, but even more so post-surgery. Diet and exercise play a vital role in healing.
Diet: Eat a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine intake as both can interfere with sleep and mood.
Exercise: Gentle exercise at the recommendation of your surgeon can promote physical and emotional recovery. Simple things such as short walks around the block and gentle stretching can improve mood and reduce stress. If you are required to attend physical therapy, don’t skip your sessions!
Prioritizing mental health before and after surgery is essential for overall well-being and optimal recovery. By taking proactive steps to manage pre-surgery anxiety, addressing pain and discomfort, setting realistic expectations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate the surgical process with greater ease and resilience. Remember, your mental health matters, and investing in self-care during this time is a vital aspect of your healing journey.
If you’re struggling with your mental health during the recovery process, don’t hesitate to seek support. Your healthcare team can provide resources and referrals to mental health professionals who specialize in supporting individuals through medical procedures.
Remember, you’re not alone, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
2024 marks a big year for total shoulder surgery. It is now covered by Medicare at outpatient facilities like St. Cloud Surgical Center.
Our center is no stranger to joint replacement surgeries and the role Medicare plays for qualified individuals. We have been performing total joint replacements for decades. While some patients may be better suited for, or even prefer, an inpatient setting, time and time again, we have seen the good that outpatient facilities can bring.
To get the scoop on this new change to total shoulder surgery and what it means for our patients, we sat down with resident shoulder expert, Dr. Matthew Hwang. We discussed candidacy for total shoulder surgery, the perks of it being offered in an outpatient setting, and what one might expect when opting into this type of surgery.
For over 20 years, Dr. Hwang has provided orthopedic services to patients in the St. Cloud Area. While he services all areas including knee, hip, and elbow, he has a special interest in total shoulder and reverse shoulder replacement surgeries. Thanks to a change in Medicare coverage, his practice is about to get a whole lot busier.
Dr. Hwang approaches total shoulder replacement conservatively. Surgery is not always his go to answer. In fact, he believes most conditions can be treated through activity modification, physical therapy, medications (oral, topical, or injectable), and even non-traditional methods. However, for roughly 50,000 people in the United States each year, conservative methods are not enough and total shoulder surgery is the appropriate path forward.
Candidacy for Surgery
For Dr. Hwang specifically, there are a few elements he looks at when determining someone a good candidate for total shoulder surgery:
Patient is in their mid-60s or older
Radiographic evidence of arthritis
Pain that is no longer responding to conservative treatments
In most cases, total shoulder surgery is an elective procedure and it is the patient’s decision to move forward with the operation. If a patient feels they have tried reasonably conservative treatment, yet, their shoulder is not getting to where it needs to be, surgery would be the next step. When a patient comes to this decision, Dr. Hwang recommends they prepare themselves by talking with their surgeon, and anyone in their network who has had similar surgery. Preparation is the key to success!
Speaking of success, the success rate for total shoulder surgery is incredibly high. Dr. Hwang reports that up to 95% of patients will see significant pain improvement after a shoulder replacement, along with improvements in both range of motion and strength. After 2 weeks patients report less pain and by week twelve, there is a clear difference. For many patients, this surgery really does mean the chance at living a better, more healthy life.
Medicare Now Covering Total Shoulder Surgery
Total shoulder replacements have always been covered by Medicare, however, until recently, they could only be done in a hospital setting. However, with total shoulder replacements becoming more prevalent, there was a need for change. It was no longer sufficient to only offer this procedure for qualified candidates at an inpatient setting.
Outpatient total shoulder surgery has a number of benefits and is a preferred method for restoring mobility and alleviating pain for qualified candidates with arthritis in their shoulder by many providers. It’s easy to see why outpatient should be considered a standard practice of care for orthopedic surgeries.
Benefits of Out-Patient Surgery Settings
Cost Effective
Case-By-Case Approach
One-On-One Care Team
Access to Physical Therapy Sooner
Faster Recovery Time While At Home
Perhaps, the largest benefit of having your surgery at the St. Cloud Surgical Center is the people, just ask Dr. Hwang.
“What I enjoy most about working here is the people, they are special. Really unique. No matter the role, everyone helps to make this place run. From the admitting nurses who see the patients to the anesthesiologist who work hard to get the blocks right, they all play a part. All members of our staff are imperative for making a positive patient experience.”
To find out if you qualify for Medicare coverage, contact your provider directly. If you are curious about potential surgery costs under your Medicare plan, you can visit their Procedure Price Lookup site.
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