Rewritten Rewind: Foods That Can Help You Heal After Surgery
Preparing for mastectomy or breast reconstruction can involve appointments, hospital planning, time away from work and organising support for when you come home.
But what about food?
Nutrition may also have a role in helping your body prepare for surgery and supporting recovery afterwards.
Originally recorded in 2023, this episode returns as a Rewritten Rewind as part of the Before and After Breast Reconstruction mini-series.
In this episode, Luan talks with nutritionist Associate Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson about food choices before and after mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery.
The conversation applies to people having mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, own-tissue reconstruction or later revision surgery.
Teresa explains why surgery places additional nutritional demands on the body and discusses practical considerations around protein, hydration, wound healing and easing back into eating after an operation.
They also talk about a common and sometimes uncomfortable part of surgical recovery: constipation. Teresa explains how anaesthetic, medication and reduced movement can affect the bowel, and discusses food and hydration choices that may help.
And, because these are important questions, Luan asks whether you can still have coffee and what surgery might mean for chocolate.
This episode explores
Nutrition before and after mastectomy or breast reconstruction
Foods and nutrients that may support wound and tissue healing
Protein requirements around surgery
Hydration after an operation
Food choices that may help with constipation
Easing back into eating after surgery
Coffee, caffeine and chocolate during recovery
When to seek individual nutritional advice
The episode also acknowledges that not everyone has weeks to prepare for surgery. A breast cancer diagnosis can move quickly, and treatment may already have affected your appetite, energy or ability to plan meals.
The focus isn’t on doing everything perfectly. It’s about understanding what may help and discussing realistic options with the health professionals supporting you.
Please discuss any dietary changes, supplements or herbs with your treating team, particularly if you’re having cancer treatment or taking medication.
Listen to this episode
Links:
Where to find Teresa
By Rosie Instagram account
My Fitness Pal app
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If you’ve found any of the content upsetting, please reach out and get help. Breast Cancer Network Australia has a free confidential helpline – 1800 500 258. Beyond Blue has a range of free resources online, or you can call them 24/7 on 1300 224 636.
