​Research shows that it is important to have a healthy diet to make your body strong before surgery.

why eat well to prepare for bowel surgery?

Good nutrition from eating a balanced diet of healthy foods and drinks will help prepare your body for surgery so you can heal better afterwards and fight potential infections. Malnutrition is very common among patients admitted for abdominal surgery (up to 50%) so it is important to talk to your doctor if you have trouble eating or have lost weight without trying. 
 
Eating well is not about counting calories, although it is important to make sure you are not eating more than your body needs. Eating a healthy diet does not mean you have to give up your favorite food(s) since it is the overall pattern of eating that is important. Eating well includes limiting alcohol. 
 
A healthy eating pattern that includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains products and plant-based protein instead of  red and processed meats could lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Limiting sugary drinks is also recommended. [1] [2]

Link between diet & bowel surgery
There is consistent evidence [3] [4] [5] to show positive impacts on many outcomes when bowel surgery patients optimize their nutrition by consuming sufficient protein before surgery. A recent meta-analysis showed that patients  who were screened for malnutrition before abdominal surgery and were at risk, had higher complication rates, higher mortality and longer hospital stays. [6] The following are some key examples of the link between diet and bowel surgery:
  • Abdominal surgery patients who are malnourished can be 3 times more likely to get infections after surgery and stay 30% longer in hospital on average. [Read More] 
  • Poorly nourished colorectal surgery patients have higher complication rates (31% vs. 11%) than well-nourished patients, or be more likely to be re-admitted to hospital within 30 days of surgery. [Read More]
  • Colorectal cancer patients who optimized their nutrition (using whey protein) before surgery had better outcomes, especially when combined with exercise prehabilitation. [Read More]​

Link between alcohol & bowel surgery

Alcohol consumption can affect your surgery outcomes, especially if you are a heavy drinker (more than 2 units/day). Alcohol is known to disrupt the repair of skin damage after surgery and increase the inflammatory response, with effects varying depending on the amount and duration of alcohol intake. [Read More] 

Recent reviews indicate that drinking more than 2 units of alcohol per day does not increase surgical site infection of anastomotic leakage [6], but does increase other infections [7] after surgery. The effect of lesser intake of alcohol on surgery outcomes has yet to be studied in any great detail.
Actions you can take to have a healthy diet before bowel surgery

** Diet recommendations could vary depending on your underlying medical conditions and consulting a dietitian for a disease-specific healthy eating plan is encouraged**

  • Meet with a registered dietitian through the ERAS program to screen for malnutrition risk. If you have not received a consultation, please notify us.
  • Eat a variety of foods and include protein-rich foods with each meal
    • At least 1-2 servings of protein per meal is recommended
    • High-protein options include: lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, eggs, cheese, nuts, tofu, milk, cottage cheese, yoghurt and more.  
  • Eat regular meals – don’t skip
  • Drink enough fluid to stay well hydrated
    • Try drinking at least 9-12 cups of fluids
  • Limit or remove red meats and processed foods
  • Reduce your alcohol intake (beer, wine, liquor) & stop at least 2 days before surgery.

** Be aware of signs of dehydration: feeling thirsty, dry mouth, feeling extra tired, decreased amount of urine, dark/concentrated urine colour.**
​Enjoy more of 
Dark green leafy vegetables, chicken breast, fish, whole wheat products, nuts/seeds, dairy products and fresh fruits. 
​Drink enough of 
Water, caffeine-free tea, milk and milk alternatives, broth or clear soups.
​
Enjoy less of 
Processed food (e.g. sausages, bacon strips) and restaurants meals, sugary and salty snacks or desserts, sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g. pop, energy drinks), alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
If you have trouble eating [e.g. if you are eating less than your usual...]
  • Eat small, frequent meals if you are unable to eat enough at meals
  • Limit low calorie foods, such as tea, coffee, salads as these food can make you feel full
  • Try high calorie nutrition supplements if you are unable to meet your daily caloric and protein needs
  • People with medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer may require to follow special diets and this can make it more challenging for them to eat well. A dietitian can help you with managing your special eating needs before surgery

** when you have these issues, consult a dietitian **
More resources to help you eat well to prepare for bowel surgery
​
If you would like to have active support to help you adopt your healthy eating action plan, you can email for more information or to schedule a call with our dietitian.
back to top
This website is for people who have planned abdominal surgery for conditions like colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticular Disease, Polyps or other digestive / gastro-intestinal diseases.