Prepare well, recover better.
An operation demands a lot of energy and protein from the body to heal and regain strength. Eating well before and after is part of your preparation.
Before the operation.
Going in fit
If you have lost weight or have been eating less for a few weeks, tell your surgeon or your GP. It is easier to build up your strength before than after.
A few days of preparation
For a malnourished person, nutritional support for seven to fourteen days before major surgery is often recommended.
Fasting before the operation
Follow the anaesthesia team’s instructions on what you can eat and drink, and until when.
After the operation.
Protein for healing
The scar and muscles rebuild themselves with protein. Think about it at every meal: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, pulses.
Building up gradually
Appetite often returns slowly. Eat little and often, and choose nourishing foods rather than large amounts.
Up and about early
Getting up and walking as soon as the team allows limits muscle loss.
When your appetite doesn’t come back.
A supplement on medical advice
If you are eating less than half of your meals, an oral nutritional supplement helps meet your needs. Your doctor will tell you which one and for how long.
A slow-healing scar
A wound that is healing poorly can be a sign of a lack of protein. Talk to your doctor or nurse.
See also.
Are you eating as you used to?
The one-minute test, to find out whether you should talk to your doctor.
Calculate your Delidose
Count the chevrons on your supplements. If you are malnourished, the basic guide is 3 chevrons a day.
Malnutrition and cancer
Keep up your strength during treatment, even when your appetite and sense of taste change.
Keeping your muscles as you age
Slow down muscle loss with protein at every meal and a little movement.
Pressure sores and wound healing
Dressings protect, nutrition repairs. A simple guide for each stage.
Living with your supplements
Taking them properly, storing them, not getting tired of them and travelling with them.
Drinking well when swallowing is hard
Drinking enough every day without drinks going down the wrong way, with a printable diary.
Helping a loved one to eat and drink
The right steps at mealtimes, with a reminder sheet to put up in the kitchen.
Need advice?
You don’t have to search alone. Talk to your doctor, your dietitian or your pharmacist. Our team is also happy to answer your questions about our products.
Sources
- Weimann A, et al. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition in surgery. Clin Nutr. 2021;40(7):4745-4761. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2021.03.031
- Volkert D, et al. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics. Clin Nutr. 2022;41(4):958-989. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.01.024
Updated: November 2026.
Reviewed by Steeve Roland, physiotherapist, over 20 years in clinical nutrition, founder of BSNUTRITION · Updated on
Publisher: BS NUTRITION SA, Rue de l’Industrie 20, 1400 Nivelles, Belgium. Legal notice