What to eat after breast surgery
Recovering after surgery
During the post-operative recovery phase after surgery, it’s particularly important to pay special attention to your nutrition. Similar to the increased needs in the pre-op period, your body needs extra calories and protein to support the increased demands of wound healing and recovery. Other important considerations include fluids and blood sugar control for people living with diabetes.
Whether you are recovering from a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, a lumpectomy, or another breast procedure, maintaining good nutrition after surgery may help support a smoother recovery.
Most important: calories and protein
Calories from carbohydrate and healthy fat foods provide the fuel that allows dietary protein to be used for wound healing and recovery, rather than the body breaking down muscle tissue for fuel.
Research suggests that most people don’t consume enough protein after surgery, so aiming for 25–30g of protein at meals and 5–10g at snacks can help you meet those increased protein needs. Including protein shakes between meals is another strategy to support good nutrition after surgery.
Build a balanced plate after surgery
A simple framework for meeting your increased nutrition needs after breast surgery is to build a balanced plate with enough calories and protein to support healing. The easiest way to do this is to include:
A source of protein at meals and snacks
Foods rich in carbohydrate for fuel
Fruits and vegetables for nutrients and fiber
Healthy fats for additional calories
Protein
Examples include:
Meat
Poultry
Seafood
Eggs
Cheese
Yogurt
Soy foods
Beans and legumes
Healthy carbohydrate
Examples include:
Bread
Rice
Potatoes
Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which can be especially important if pain medications are causing constipation.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats such as plant oils, nuts, nut butters and avocado are useful for increasing calorie intake if needed.
Small meals may help during recovery
One challenge after surgery can be reduced appetite and fatigue. Eating large meals may feel overwhelming, so a “mini meal” approach can help. This means eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and aiming to include a source of protein every three hours or so.
Protein shakes can be helpful during this period because they are often easier to consume than full meals.
Stay hydrated after breast surgery
Hydration is another important part of recovery after breast surgery. Fluids support circulation and help transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to support wound healing.
Good fluid choices may include:
Water
Electrolyte drinks
Milk
Plant-based milk alternatives
Blood sugar control
If you are living with diabetes, blood sugar management after surgery is especially important because elevated blood glucose levels can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
If needed, work with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to optimize your blood sugar management during recovery.
Supporting your recovery after breast surgery
Recovering from breast surgery places increased demands on the body. Prioritizing balanced nutrition, adequate protein, hydration, and regular meals may help support healing, recovery, and overall wellbeing after surgery.
For more expert-reviewed guidance on nutrition, sleep, wound care, and recovery after breast surgery, explore our full library of recovery resources in the free BLOOM⁴³ app.
FAQs
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Good nutrition supports wound healing, tissue repair, energy levels, immune function, and overall recovery after surgery.
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General guidance after surgery may include aiming for around 25–30 grams of protein at meals and additional protein-rich snacks throughout the day.
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Balanced meals containing protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods can help support healing and recovery.
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Protein shakes can help increase protein intake during recovery, especially if appetite is low or eating full meals feels difficult.
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Staying hydrated supports circulation, healing, energy levels, and the transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Reviewed by healthcare experts
Every article has been reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Sources: Nutrients, 2021 May 15;13(5):1675. doi: 10.3390/nu13051675. Pre- and Post-Surgical Nutrition for Preservation of Muscle Mass, Strength, and Functionality Following Orthopedic Surgery, Katie R Hirsch et al. 