The athlete needs a simple plan for fluids, pain-friendly foods, protein, and constipation prevention before they ever come home from the procedure.
Show up nourished, not depleted
Eat normally in the days before surgery unless the medical team says otherwise.
Prep easy meals and snacks before the hard first week arrives.
Plan fluids, protein foods, and grocery support ahead of time.
Simple foods often win the first 72 hours
Use yogurt, smoothies, soup, oatmeal, eggs, toast, and milk when appetite is low.
Protein still matters even if portions are smaller.
Small frequent feedings often beat big meals.
Pain meds and inactivity can slow the gut
Fluids, fruit, and fiber help when constipation creeps in.
Do not wait three days to solve a gut problem.
If nausea is present, bland carbs and cold foods are often easier.
Recovery nutrition has to outlast the first week
Keep protein, calcium foods, and produce steady through rehab.
Appetite often returns before discipline does, so keep the plan visible.
Restriction after surgery delays the whole return timeline.