Medically Tailored Meals for Post-Discharge Care After Surgery

Surgery recovery often involves changes in diet to support healing and recovery. Post-discharge care may include a prescription for medically tailored meals (MTMs) or other meal services. According to Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, “Providing medically-tailored meals significantly increases dietary adherence above 90% and allows patients to … experience fewer complications” after surgery or other significant medical procedures. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers MTMs and other meal delivery options to support healing after surgery.

The Role of Diet Before and During Recovery From Surgery

Post-surgery care may involve many support services to ensure people heal and avoid complications. Diet plays an essential role in recovery from surgery. Many individuals who spend a prolonged period in the hospital struggle to maintain a balanced diet. According to Nutrients, “An estimated 24–65% of surgical patients, ranging from young adults to the elderly undergoing major surgery, are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.” After surgery, many people have difficulty getting the right kinds of proteins in their diet to facilitate healing. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers a wide range of meal options to ensure people in recovery receive the proteins and micronutrients their bodies need.

Diet directly affects the following systems of the body:

• Nervous system
• Endocrine system
• Immune response

Diet also plays a vital role in preparing people to recover from surgery. Medical professionals often encourage clients to change their diets before surgery to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of potential health issues during the recovery period. Dietary changes in preparation for surgery reduce preventable side effects.

According to the previously mentioned article in Nutrients, “Nutritional intake around the operative period is aimed at supporting increased nutritional needs during the hypermetabolic and inflammatory state, managing post-surgical insulin resistance, and reducing muscle atrophy.” The body goes through many changes during recovery from surgery and requires additional nutrients to heal. Home-delivery services provide convenient and nourishing meals to individuals in recovery.

Benefits of Medically Tailored Meals After Surgery

The days and weeks immediately following surgery are often hard on the body. Inflammation and other side effects may cause significant discomfort. MTMs can reduce inflammation and promote faster healing, making people more comfortable in the post-discharge phase of recovery. Every surgery, including minor cosmetic surgeries, has the potential to cause considerable inflammation. Dietary changes promote healing and help the body acclimate to the changes that took place during surgery.

Millions of people undergo surgeries every year. Some of the most common surgeries include:

• Cesarean section (C-section)
• Organ transplant
• Heart surgery
• Appendectomy

Every type of surgery has different potential side effects. Health care professionals provide dietary guidance and educate people on the importance of maintaining specific dietary changes before and after surgery. LifeSpring Home Nutrition works with medical professionals to provide people with nutritional support.

Common Health Issues People Experience After Surgery

Many people undergo surgeries every year. Each person’s recovery journey is unique and may involve a team of medical professionals and community-based support services. Post-discharge care involves managing recovery to prevent potential health complications or side effects. Diet, exercise, and hydration are essential to long-term health and physical recovery after surgery.

According to the First National Congenital Cardiac Surgical Database Report, studies have shown that the “most common postoperative complications in adult[s] are arrhythmia, low cardiac output, acidosis, pneumothorax, reoperation during this admission, pulmonary hypertensive crisis, bleeding requiring reoperation, respiratory insufficiency [requiring] mechanical ventilatory support > seven days, cardiac arrest and [septicemia].” In other words, support for heart and respiratory health is critical during postoperative care.

Preventative Measures to Encourage Healing and Recovery

Healing after a minor or major surgery can take weeks or months. During that time, the body must rest and adjust to the changes caused by the surgery. Preventative measures before and after surgery encourage healing and reduce the risk of further injury or illness.

Every case is unique. Most people recovering from surgery follow specific dietary guidelines from their primary care doctor. LifeSpring Home Nutrition helps people adhere to these guidelines by providing weekly deliveries of MTMs. Some people will have limited mobility for weeks or months after surgery. That’s where frozen, home-delivered meals can save the day. These pre-prepared meals are convenient and accessible, making them perfect for those with limited capacity.

How LifeSpring Home Nutrition Helps People Heal After Surgery

MTMs from LifeSpring Home Nutrition enhance healing by ensuring people consume nutrient-rich foods during their recovery. These meals, which provide recommended portions of essential vitamins and minerals, are easy to reheat. Delivery drivers drop the meals off at the same time and place each week, providing a sense of security and structure for the client.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition understands that recovery from surgery can be difficult for many people. Fortunately, home-delivered meals offer comfort and nourishment. People often report better outcomes when they remain hopeful and focus on the positives. Meal delivery services provide people with positive social interactions each week. The healthy meals and delicious food options make LifeSpring Home Nutrition an excellent support service and tool for long-term recovery.

Surgeries have profound effects on the entire body. Preparing for and recovering from surgery often requires lifestyle changes and adherence to specific dietary guidelines. Prescribed meal plans ensure people have better surgery outcomes. Frequently, those who are undergoing surgery take advantage of medically tailored meals (MTMs) before and after the procedure. Health care providers collaborate with community-based programs and services, including meal delivery providers, to ensure people in recovery benefit from nutritious foods. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers MTMs and other delivery options to individuals in the community. The carefully prepared meals are convenient and provide a healthy balance of micronutrients. To learn more about our meal delivery services, call our office today at (800) 798-5767.