Calorie needs after surgery

Question
Hi!  I had an emergency appendectomy 2 weeks ago, and I was wondering how many calories I should be consuming daily.  I want to eat enough to encourage a speedy recovery without gaining weight, especially since I'm moving around much less than normal.  I'm 26, 5'8", 170 lbs, and a semi-vegetarian (I do eat fish occasionally).  I've been mostly living on watermelon, bananas, cereal, brown rice, and soy hot dogs.  And a lot of water!  Do you have any recommendations about what I should be eating instead?  I'm also trying to slim down (20 lbs) for my wedding next April, but recovery is my first priority right now.  Thank you for your time!

Answer
Hi Diana!

I hope you are feeling better.  Good nutrition can definitely help you recover and gain your strength back.  According to the height, weight, and age provided, you will want to consume approximately 1,700-2,100 calories daily, a little more once you are active again.  After surgery, especially an emergency surgery, protein needs are increased.  Since you are a semi-vegetarian, you will want to look to fish, soy and other bean/legume products, nuts, and seeds for your protein.  You will also want to make sure to have complimentary proteins, such as beans and rice, a peanut butter sandwich, hummus with pita, chili and cornbread (in the past it was believed the foods needed to be consumed in the same meal but as long as you eat the foods in the same day your body should be getting the amino acids it needs).  Vitamin C and zinc are also beneficial for recovery following surgery; vitamin C is found in many fruits and zinc is in nuts and seeds.  Studies have shown iron and fish oil may also be beneficial for recovery.

I hope that helps you.  Thank you for you question.  Good luck with the rest of your recovery and good luck with your wedding planning!

1. Prev:Weight Gain Supplement
2. Next:Meat protein