Break out the sweatbands and stirrup pants; it’s time to get physical! October is Physical Therapy Awareness Month, and we’re excited to highlight this important yet sometimes overlooked aspect of healthcare. While we don’t perform physical therapy at our center, we partner with incredible physical therapists who help our patients on their road to recovery every single day.
We found that nearly all surgeons agree on two key points:
Even at a surgery center, medical intervention is not always the first option—it’s only necessary when other modalities have been ineffective. Sometimes, a little PT is all you need to get back in the game.
If surgery is required, it’s crucial for patients to participate in physical therapy as recommended by their surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.
In this edition of the SCSC Blog, we’re spotlighting physical therapy—its long history as a medical modality and its vital role before and after joint replacement surgery. PT is essential to improving outcomes and speeding up recovery for patients undergoing surgery at an ambulatory surgery center like St. Cloud Surgical Center.
Let’s dive in!
First things first, what does a Physical Therapist do?
By definition, a physical therapist is a health professional whose educational pursuits have made them experts in human movement and the musculoskeletal system. They work with patients who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that limit their bodies’ ability to move or function in a specific way. Their goal is to improve the quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise.
Physical therapists can help patients:
Maximize mobility
Prevent future problems
Improve physical function and fitness
Regain or maintain their independence
Lead active lives
PT can be a great recovery tool, but many of our patients have found success in using PT beyond the recovery process, especially as they age. Consistently, physical therapy can enhance strength, flexibility, and balance—all essential components for longevity and independent living as you age.
A Brief History of Physical Therapy in America
Physical therapy has roots dating all the way back to 435 BC, when Hippocrates were believed to have first used massage, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy to treat patients with chronic pain. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s, following World War I, that physical therapy was considered a valid profession. As soldiers returned from war needing rehabilitation, physical therapists, or “reconstruction aides,” who were trained to help them recover.
In those early days, a two-year education program was all that was required to become a PT specialist. Today, the educational standards have evolved, with most physical therapists earning a master’s degree or clinical doctorate. And that’s a good thing! Most education means improved outcomes for both patients and professionals and ensures a higher standard of care across the board.
With physical therapy recognized as a valid and very needed profession, their role in our healthcare system has expanded. Over the past two decades alone, their scope of practice has broadened, allowing PTs to specialize in a variety of areas, including:
Orthopedics
Neurology
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Sports
Acute Care
Pelvic Health
Oncology
Chronic Pain
This variety enables physical therapists to treat a wide range of patients, from those recovering from joint replacements and sports injuries to those managing chronic pain.
Physical Therapy and Your Upcoming Surgery
Not every patient who comes to St. Cloud Surgical Center will need physical therapy. In fact, with the wide range of specialties we offer, most patients won’t be required to complete PT once they leave our doors. When we talk about the role PT plays in recovery, we’re typically referring to our joint replacement patients.
Our expert orthopedic surgeons perform hundreds of joint replacements each year. Some of the most common surgeries include total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, total hip replacement, and, more recently, shoulder surgeries. All of these procedures require intensive physical therapy post-op to ensure your body regains full mobility. Certain hand and wrist procedures—such as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger surgery, and nerve repairs—may also require PT, though these can often be done at home.
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with your surgeon and care team to discuss several important topics, including your post-op physical therapy requirements. If you’ve never had a major surgery before that involved PT, this might seem like a very overwhelming conversation. To help ease your mind, we’ve prepared a list of questions you should ask your physician:
Is there anything I can do before surgery (prehab) to improve my recovery? If so, what specific exercise should I be doing?
Are there any specific movements or activities I should avoid before surgery to prevent further damage to my joint?
How soon after surgery will I start physical therapy, and what should I expect in those early sessions?
What are the key goals of physical therapy after surgery, and how long will I need to participate in PT to regain full mobility?
How will my progress be monitored during physical therapy, and how do we determine when I’ve achieved my recovery goals?
The Path to Full Recovery
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re feeling a little intimidated—but don’t be! At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we partner with the best physical therapists in the area and trust they’ll use their wealth of knowledge to guide you through the ups and downs of your post-surgery recovery.
Physical therapy is often an essential part of surgery as it helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent complications like stiffness or scar tissue formation.
Pain Management: PT techniques like gentle stretching, movement exercises, and modalities like ice or heat therapy can help control pain without relying solely on medication.
Restoring Function: Through guided exercises, PT helps patients restore strength and function in the operated joint. This can be crucial in regaining independence with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and returning to work.
Preventing Complications: Regular movement is key to preventing complications like blood clots or joint stiffness. PT encourages early, safe movement post-surgery.
Personalized Care: Each patient’s rehabilitation program is tailored to their specific needs, helping them progress at the right pace.
Let’s take a look at some common PT exercises for two of our most frequent procedures: knee replacement and total hip replacement. Keep in mind, these are general guidelines, and each patient’s needs may vary.
Knee Replacement
For partial and total knee replacements, your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend different levels of activity.
The following exercises may be used to help increase circulation and mobility:
Quadriceps Sets
Straight Leg Raises
Ankle Pumps
Knee Straightening Exercises
Bed-Supported Knee Bends
Sitting Supported Knee Bends
Sitting Unsupported Knee Bends
Total Hip Replacement
The PT process for a total hip replacement is very similar to that of the knee replacement. You’ll focus on building up the strength and flexibility of your hip and can expect to participate in varying levels of activity.
The following exercises may be used to help increase circulation and mobility:
Standing Iliotibial Band Stretch
Seated Rotation Stretch
Knee to Chest
Supine Hamstring Stretch
Hip Abduction
Internal/External Hip Rotation
One of the best exercises during early recovery, for both knee and hip replacements is simply to walk! Post surgery, you will start with short distances and work your way up to longer distances and time frames. At first, you can expect to walk with the assistance of a walker or other mobility device, but with time, you will regain your independence.
The biggest concern with early walking is your fall risk. While walking is important, it’s equally important you listen to your care team and avoid pushing your limits. Eventually, you’ll be able to increase your walking distance, the weight you put on your knee/hip, and the resistance you use for your daily exercises.
If you find yourself feeling discouraged, remember, physical therapy is a long game, but crucial to your final outcome.
Ambulatory surgery centers like the St. Cloud Surgical Center are designed for same-day surgery, allowing patients to return home after their procedure. Within this model, physical therapy becomes especially important, as it ensures patients receive the education and exercises they need to succeed at home. A structured PT plan can make all the difference in a patient’s recovery and is vital to ensuring optimal outcomes. During Physical Therapy Month, let’s all celebrate the dedicated professionals who help patients take those critical steps toward better health.
If you have questions about an upcoming surgery and the physical therapy requirements you may have, please feel free to contact us or connect with your care team directly. Your health is our number one priority!
Have you ever been in a crowded room, struggling to hear the person next to you? Or maybe at a live concert, where the singer’s words become inaudible? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Now, imagine feeling like this every moment of every day. For roughly 20% of the population, this is a daily reality.
For the 1.5 billion people worldwide with some degree of hearing loss, these experiences can be overwhelming. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States, and by 2060, an estimated 30% of Americans will experience some level of hearing impairment. Fortunately, advancements in technology have dramatically improved the lives of many, and increased awareness about hearing loss has led to earlier interventions.
However, there are cases where even the best hearing aids fall short. Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss—a nerve-related hearing impairment—may find that no hearing aid can fully restore their hearing, no matter how advanced. When patients reach this point, it’s time to explore other options, bringing us to an exciting innovation now offered at St. Cloud Surgical Center: the cochlear implant. We recently spoke with Dr. Stephen Cragle from the St. Cloud Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic about his journey with cochlear implants and how he has introduced this life-changing technology to our center.
Stephen P. Cragle, M.D. has worked at the St. Cloud Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic since 1992
For over twenty years, Dr. Stephen Cragle has immersed himself in the world of cochlear implants. As a general otolaryngologist with expertise in all areas of the head and neck, Dr. Cragle became particularly fascinated by the intricate connection between our ears and brains. This passion, combined with his 30+ years of experience as an ENT physician, made him the ideal candidate to introduce cochlear implants to Central Minnesota. As of September 2024, he remains the only surgeon in the region performing these life-changing procedures.
While Dr. Cragle has seen significant success with his treatments, establishing his cochlear implant practice wasn’t without challenges. Despite recognizing the strong demand for such a program in Central Minnesota, insurance companies were initially reluctant to support it, and patients faced difficulties securing reimbursements. As a result, the idea was put on hold until 2014, when Dr. Cragle attended a course by Cochlear Corporation in Denver. The experience reignited his commitment, and he resolved to bring cochlear implants to his patients—no matter the obstacles.
After completing his training with the Cochlear Corporation, Dr. Cragle launched his first cochlear implant program at the St. Cloud Hospital in 2015. There, he perfected his surgical technique and helped many patients restore their hearing. As his expertise grew, Dr. Cragle saw an opportunity to bring cochlear implant procedures to an outpatient setting and approached St. Cloud Surgical Center. Finally, in 2024, the center welcomed its first cochlear implant patient. This move allowed Dr. Cragle to perform the surgeries more efficiently while offering patients a more cost-effective option for their treatment.
The W’s of Cochlear Implants: What, Who, and Why
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that vastly improves the volume and clarity of sound for patients with profound hearing loss.
The implant consists of four key components: a microphone, a speech processor, a transmitter and receiver (or stimulator), and an electrode array. Together, these components bring sound from the external environment to the auditory nerve.
First, the microphone picks up sound from the patient’s surroundings and sends it to the speech processor, which arranges the sound for processing. The transmitter and receiver (stimulator) then convert the processed signals into electrical impulses. Finally, impulses are sent to the group of electrodes, which deliver them to specific regions of the auditory nerve, bypassing the eardrum, ear bones, and cochlear fluids and directly stimulating the hearing nerve.
Though small in size, this sophisticated device has a profound ability to transform lives.
Who are cochlear implants for?
Cochlear implants are designed for patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Two main types of patients may benefit from cochlear implants:
Patients born deaf or hard of hearing
Patients who have developed hearing loss throughout their lives
At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we perform cochlear implants on patients ranging in age from 12 to 92. However, we do not currently perform the procedure on children under 12.
A patient may be a strong candidate for cochlear implants if their sensorineural hearing loss is so severe that even the most advanced hearing aids are no longer effective in maintaining conversations.
If you or someone you know has sensorineural hearing loss, Dr. Cragle and his team of audiologists at the St. Cloud Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic can perform a series of tests to assess the extent of the hearing loss. These tests measure word comprehension, speech clarity, and word recognition.
Why would someone choose cochlear implants?
For individuals struggling with sensorineural hearing loss, everyday life can be a constant challenge. Many patients with this level of hearing difficulty who consult Dr. Cragle have a word recognition score as low as 20%. This means they only understand one out of every five words. With such limited comprehension, it becomes incredibly difficult to carry on a phone conversation, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or even visit with loved ones in a group setting. However, with cochlear implants, we can improve that score to 75%, or three out of four words, allowing people to rejoin the conversation and regain a sense of normalcy.
For Dr. Cragle, witnessing the transformation in his patients after receiving their implants is nothing short of remarkable.
“When we put in a cochlear implant, and grandpa now hears the grandkids, it’s a new life for him. It’s absolutely amazing. And that’s why I do what I do.”
The Cochlear Implant Process
The first step is the surgery itself, which typically lasts about two hours. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision behind the ear and remove a small section of bone to create a tunnel into the inner ear. This tunnel allows the wire from the device to pass underneath the eardrum and into the cochlea. Once the wire is in place, the rest of the internal device is implanted beneath the skin, just under the skull bone, behind the ear.
After surgery, the incision is sutured, and a tight dressing is applied to reduce swelling. The dressing remains in place for the first two days, as controlling swelling is essential for a smooth recovery. Patients usually go home the same day to rest and recover comfortably.
Once the swelling subsides—usually around 3 weeks—the external device (hearing aid) can be placed. This involves attaching a small magnet to the back of the head, which connects to the internal device. The external electronics are housed in a unit that hooks behind the ear, similar to a traditional hearing aid.
At this point, the audiologist begins the programming process, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the patient.
While cochlear implants are highly effective, they offer a different way of hearing that takes time to adjust. Some patients report that familiar sounds, like dogs barking, may initially resemble a mouse squeaking or that running water may have a ringing tone. Over time, however, the brain adapts to this new method of hearing. For many, cochlear implants bring about life-changing improvements, allowing them to enjoy activities once again, like dining out, talking on the phone, and engaging with family and friends.
If you are experiencing profound hearing loss and have not seen success from previous treatments, it may be time to talk to your provider about a cochlear implant. The solution you have been looking for could be right around the corner. Contact us today for more information.
We’ve conducted many interviews over the years with our providers, and it’s clear they all have their way of defining success. Yet, one common theme emerges from all responses: having a happy patient. Watching a patient’s life transform from the work we do here is incredibly humbling. Many of us have dedicated our lives to patient care, including Dr. Andrew Mulder, our resident joint replacement expert who specializes in primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery. We recently sat down with one of his patients to discuss his hip replacement last spring.
SCSC: Hi, Brice. Thanks for sitting down with us today. What brought you to St. Cloud Surgical Center?
BRICE: Hi, thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about my experience. My name is Brice. I am a retired dentist living in Central Minnesota. After years of pain, Dr. Mulder replaced my right hip in April at the St. Cloud Surgical Center.
SCSC: It sounds like you were ready for surgery, but did you have concerns before you came to the center?
BRICE: Yes, I was very concerned about the healing process. I had no idea how I would heal afterward, and I voiced my concerns about that. To my surprise, I found the healing process to be pretty amazing. To go home the same day that I came in was truly remarkable.
SCSC: Well, that’s what we do best here! Besides recovery, how do you feel about the overall surgery experience?
BRICE: My experience at the St. Cloud Surgical Center was wonderful. From the moment I walked in the door, I was taken care of. Everyone was accommodating, and the surgery could not have gone better. Like I said, I walked out the door and into my car to head home the same day.
SCSC: I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re so happy to hear that. When patients come for surgery, they interact with many different staff members. What was that experience like?
BRICE: From start to finish, I thought everyone did their job wonderfully. The communication between staff members was excellent. You can tell they know how to talk with one another. When someone needed help, a team member was always willing to lend a hand.
SCSC: That’s our team! Doing the math, you’re almost four months post-surgery. What does it look like for you now?
BRICE: My life after surgery has been much more comfortable. I don’t limp anymore; I’m not using a crutch. I said goodbye to my walker. I’m happy to say my hip is doing well!
SCSC: That’s incredible Brice, truly. It brings us so much joy to see our patients back, living a life they love after surgery. With the review, can I wager to guess you’d recommend our facility to a friend or two?
BRICE: Most definitely! I would, and I already have, recommended the St. Cloud Surgical Center to a few friends. So, there may be some people already considering surgery here because of me!
SCSC: Well, in that case, thank you for your referral! There is no better marketing for us than word of mouth. We appreciate you being a patient of ours.
The St. Cloud Surgical Center is a leading provider of hip replacements in the United States. With hundreds of hip replacements under our belt using innovative technology, like MAKO SmartRobotics™, we can perform world-class joint replacements in an outpatient setting at high volume. With hip replacements increasing in popularity, we’re proud to offer this kind of procedure at our St. Cloud, Minnesota facility. By 2030, orthopedic surgeons will complete nearly half a million hip replacements annually. Could you be next?
Hip replacements are a common and safe procedure in an outpatient setting. While many factors can contribute to a patient’s needing a hip replacement, none are more common than arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the most common forms of this disease.
Osteoarthritis: Occurs when cartilage in the hip joint wears away, and the bones rub together.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the joint, causing pain and stiffness.
Osteonecrosis: Occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the joint.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Inflammation that occurs in your joints after trauma.
All forms of arthritis can be debilitating. Arthritis can directly impact your lifestyle and, when left untreated, can cause significant mobility issues. If you are experiencing pain that you believe may be caused by arthritis, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to address your concerns. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan for care. If you reach a point in your journey where conservative measures have not eased your pain, surgery may be your next best step.
Preparing for Your Hip Replacement
As our patient Brice mentioned, from start to finish, our team is here for you. And that includes the weeks leading up to your surgery and the weeks post-op. You’ll never feel out of the loop or surprised during this process. We’re here to help!
To prepare for a hip replacement surgery, we encourage our patients to do the following:
Speak with your healthcare team, including your surgeon, about what to expect. Being prepared can make all the difference in your experience. Before your procedure, a representative from our center will contact you with information about arrival time, support persons, and more. You will be given a guidebook with information to review and refer to as needed.
Start living a healthy lifestyle NOW. A plan for physical therapy and exercises will be discussed with you by a team of professionals which will get you ready to hit the ground running.
Have a support person in place. You’ll need someone to bring you to the center and be with you once you return home.
Stock up on groceries, make meals in advance, and ask for help when needed!
Set up your home for recovery.
Keep the remote, phone, medicine, snacks, and water nearby. You won’t be able to move as easily in the beginning stages of your recovery.
Wear shirts with pockets to help you carry things around the home. This will allow you to brace yourself if needed.
Make your bathroom safe. Post-surgery, you are a fall risk. Our team will review this with you prior to surgery but having a balance bar, shower seat, and devices will aid you after surgery.
St. Cloud Surgical Center is a special place to have your joint surgery. We have continuously been ranked among the best surgical centers in Minnesota and have some of the best surgeons in the country on our team. Our commitment to culture and willingness to adapt to the latest technology allows us to offer patients first-class, cost-effective joint replacement solutions. If you need a joint replacement, remember to ask your doctor about coming to our center. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms!
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!
