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Nutrition for Surgical Patients

Healing from surgery is complex, and many factors, including nutritional status, can affect the outcome. A proper diet is essential for healing. Beginning before surgery and continuing throughout the healing process, you may require extra calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as adequate fluids to help maintain hydration to support circulation of nutrients.

The right calories, vitamins, minerals, and proteins provide energy to maintain weight and muscle. Drinking fluids maintains vital blood volume, strengthening circulation to supply the body's affected areas with nutrients and oxygen. And the right blend of nutrients helps your body create collagen, an important component of skin and other tissue integral to wound healing.

The nutritional blend in Juven^® of Revigor (HMB), arginine and glutamine — three key ingredients found naturally in a healthy body — is clinically shown to support building tissue after injury, surgery, or wounds.

The essentials of nutrition in healing wounds

Certain nutrients give your body the resources it needs for the process of healing:

Protein

Protein provides amino acids, which are your body's building blocks, to maintain and repair tissue.

Amino acids

Specific amino acids, particularly arginine and glutamine, also support building tissue. Arginine is needed during periods of growth or healing. Glutamine is important for building tissue and during times of stress, such as injuries, incisions, or wounds.

Fluids

Fluid is an essential nutrient that is important for the normal functioning of cells. Drainage from your incision is a source of fluid loss and may contribute to dehydration. Adequate intake of fluids is vital for normal healing.

Calories

Calories provide your body with energy. If not enough calories from fats and carbohydrates are eaten, your body will break down muscle for energy. Loss of weight and muscle makes it harder to heal.

Vitamins and minerals

Clinicians often recommend increased intake of vitamins C, and A, as well as the mineral zinc, to further support healing.

Juven: Two times per day

Drinking Juven twice a day provides some of the key ingredients your body needs to support building new tissue such as: Revigor (HMB), arginine, and glutamine. You can simply mix Juven with water, or mix it with your favorite foods and beverages. Use Juven under medical supervision.

Juven supports tissue repair by slowing the breakdown of protein in muscle, which helps new tissue build up.

A well–balanced diet should contain everything your body needs to heal a wound or repair tissue. If you are not sure your diet contains all of the right nutrients, ask your doctor, nurse, or dietitian about supplements.