Why Proper Nutrition is Critical for Surgery Recovery and Hospital Stays

When Dan* arrived at the hospital for leg surgery, he didn’t realize how vital nutrition was going to be for his recovery. After a few days in the hospital, a nurse approached me with concern about Dan’s eating. She asked if I could check in with him. I agreed.

I sat down with Dan, and he explained his decision to eat only fruit during his hospital stay. He felt pleased about the weight loss he had experienced. During a prior doctor's visit, he received advice to lose weight. The food was also not to his liking. In his mind, this was a good opportunity to lose a few pounds.

The Importance of Nutrition for Surgery Recovery

Dan did not realize how this choice was affecting his body's ability to heal after surgery. Why was it so important that Dan eat properly?

1)      Faster recovery:

Adequate nutrition can reduce the length of hospital stays.(1,2)

2)      Reduced complications:

Good nutrition lowers the risk of complications like bed sores and infections.(2,3)

3)      Better quality of life:

Good nutrition aids recovery and boosts comfort.(3)

4)      Lower readmission rate: 

A good diet can reduce hospital readmission.(2)

5)      Better outcomes after discharge:

Good hospital nutrition lowers the risk of death over the course of the next month.(4)

How to Support Your Loved One’s Nutrition in the Hospital

Dan was unaware of his eating habits' impact on recovery. But his nurse was alert to the situation and able to advocate for him. So, what are some ways you can help support your loved one to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need to recover?

1)           Communicate, communicate, communicate

Hospitalized patients often don’t feel well and may hesitate to ask staff for help. Be proactive in speaking up about their needs. If they need something to eat or drink, reach out to the staff. Be aware that sometimes patients are not allowed to have food or drinks for specific reasons.

2)           Understand the menu system

Each hospital functions differently. Every hospital has its own menu and ordering procedures. Get to know your family member's dietary restrictions and the menu. Ask staff to find out how to place orders. It can be frustrating, but each hospital is different. The staff are doing their best to navigate the complexities, too.

3)           Address issues quickly

If there is a problem with the meal, let someone know right away. Reporting the issue immediately increases the chance of a quick resolution.

4)           Ask for a dietitian

If you or a family member have questions about their diet during or after the hospital stay, ask to see a dietitian! We’re here to help clarify and support your loved one's nutrition during this hospital journey.

Fortunately, Dan had a great nurse. She noticed the issue and let me know. We were able to work together to resolve the nutrition concern. A few days later, Dan was able to go home, informed about his nutritional needs.

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*I draw inspiration from real people and events for my stories, but I fictionalize them to protect privacy.

References:

1.      Lee C, Rucinski J, Bernstein L. A systematized interdisciplinary nutritional care plan results in improved clinical outcomes. Clin Biochem. 2012;45(15):1145-1149. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2012.05.018

2.      Tappenden KA, Quatrara B, Parkhurst ML, Malone AM, Fanjiang G, Ziegler TR. Critical role of nutrition in improving quality of care: an interdisciplinary call to action to address adult hospital malnutrition. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2013;37(4):482-497. doi:10.1177/0148607113484066

3.      Starke J, Schneider H, Alteheld B, Stehle P, Meier R. Short-term individual nutritional care as part of routine clinical setting improves outcome and quality of life in malnourished medical patients. Clin Nutr. 2011;30(2):194-201. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2010.07.021

4.      Hiesmayr M, Schindler K, Pernicka E, et al. Decreased food intake is a risk factor for mortality in hospitalised patients: the NutritionDay survey 2006. Clin Nutr. 2009;28(5):484-491. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2009.05.013