Natural remedies & lifestyle tips
- Follow your care team's instructions first, and ask whether any special diet from before surgery, such as low-sodium, should continue
- Focus on getting enough protein: chicken, fish, meat, eggs, beans, tofu and lentils
- Drink enough water through the day to stay hydrated, unless your doctor has told you to limit fluids
- If your appetite is low or you feel queasy, start with broth or soup, then soft foods, and eat smaller meals more often
- Constipation is common after surgery; fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils can help
- Eat a variety of protein foods, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains to help your body repair tissue
- If you are struggling to eat enough, ask your provider or a dietitian about oral nutrition drinks
Make it at home
Soft Scrambled Eggs with Spinach
- 2 eggs
- A small handful of baby spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Whisk the eggs with the milk and salt.
- Wilt the spinach in the butter over low heat.
- Add the eggs and stir gently until softly set.
Soft, easy to chew and a good source of protein. Contains eggs and dairy.
Simple Red Lentil Soup
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Squeeze of lemon (optional)
- Soften the onion and carrot in the oil for 5 minutes.
- Add the lentils and broth and simmer 20 minutes until soft.
- Blend until smooth if you prefer, and add lemon to taste.
Protein and fiber in a soft, warm bowl. Follow any sodium or fluid limits your care team gave you.
Naturáis products to explore
Pure3 100% Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla)
Whey protein isolate powder to stir into a shake or smoothie on days when it's hard to eat enough protein.
See special pricing → Naturáis StoreProbiotic 40 Billion with Prebiotics
Four probiotic strains with a prebiotic. Two capsules a day. See our probiotics guide for what the evidence shows.
See special pricing → Naturáis StoreHydration Powder (Lemonade)
Electrolyte drink mix with calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium plus B vitamins. Caffeine-free.
See special pricing →*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products marked “Naturáis Store” are sold by Naturáis; Special pricing: 10% off with code ONF10, applied automatically when you click. Only Nature's Finest may earn from purchases made through these links.
In-depth guides
Talk with your doctor. Your surgeon and care team know your situation best, so follow their instructions on food, fluids and activity. Tell them about every supplement you take, before and after surgery. Ask before using protein powders or electrolyte drinks if you have kidney disease or have been told to limit protein, fluids, sodium or potassium. Probiotics may not be safe for people who are seriously ill or have weakened immune systems. Contact your care team about fever, a wound that is red, swollen or draining, or pain that is getting worse.
Written by Bill Delanoy for Only Nature's Finest. Last updated 2026-10-21. Educational content only, not medical advice.