Optimizing Nutrition Around Surgery
Preparing for orthopedic surgery involves more than scheduling a procedure and planning time off work. One of the most important—and often overlooked—factors that influences healing, recovery, and return to activity is nutrition.
Optimizing nutrition before and after surgery (known as perioperative nutrition) helps support your body through the stress of surgery and can significantly impact how well and how quickly you recover.
Orthopedic surgery places increased demands on your body. During the perioperative period, your body requires additional nutrients to:
- Heal surgical tissues
- Preserve muscle mass
- Support immune function
- Reduce inflammation
- Tolerate physical therapy and rehabilitation
Studies have shown that patients with poor nutritional status have higher complication rates, slower wound healing, and longer recovery times after orthopedic surgery. Even patients who eat a “normal” diet may not be meeting the increased nutritional demands required for optimal healing.
The days and weeks before and after surgery represent a critical window where nutrition can directly influence outcomes. During this time, the body is in a heightened metabolic state and requires:
- Increased protein intake
- Adequate calories to avoid muscle breakdown
- Key vitamins and minerals involved in tissue repair and immune support
Optimizing nutrition during this window can help patients:
- Heal incisions more effectively
- Maintain strength during recovery
- Progress more smoothly through physical therapy
- Return to daily activities and sports more efficiently
For patients undergoing procedures such as:
- ACL reconstruction
- Shoulder stabilization or rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder replacement
- Knee surgery or cartilage procedures
Nutrition plays an important role in supporting:
- Muscle preservation while activity is limited
- Tendon and ligament healing
- Bone health
- Energy levels during rehabilitation
Recovery is not just about rest—it’s about giving your body the tools it needs to heal.
Because perioperative nutrition can be confusing, structured protocols have been developed to simplify and optimize this process. These programs are designed specifically for surgical patients and typically include:
- High-quality protein to support tissue repair and muscle maintenance
- Targeted micronutrients involved in healing and immune function
- A clear timeline for use before and after surgery
Rather than relying on guesswork or generic supplements, a structured approach ensures that nutritional support aligns with the demands of surgery and recovery.
As a high-volume orthopedic sports surgeon, Dr. Ben Mayo believes in optimizing every aspect of care surrounding surgery—not just the procedure itself. Nutrition is one component of a comprehensive recovery strategy that also includes:
- Thoughtful surgical planning
- Early and appropriate rehabilitation
- Individualized recovery timelines
- Clear communication and patient education
For appropriate patients, Dr. Mayo offers guidance on incorporating perioperative nutrition as part of their overall surgical plan to support healing and recovery.
To help patients simplify and optimize perioperative nutrition, board certified orthopedic sports surgeon Dr. Mayo has partnered with Thrive Protocol Nutrition, a program designed specifically for surgical recovery.
Patients can learn more and access this program here.
10% Discount code available for Dr. Mayo’s patients: b.mayo
Questions About Nutrition and Surgery?
If you’re preparing for surgery and would like to discuss how nutrition fits into your recovery plan, top orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mayo and his team are happy to help.
Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mayo sees patients at his Livonia and Sterling Heights offices and serves patients throughout the Detroit area, including Novi, Troy, Canton, Farmington Hills, and surrounding communities.
Optimizing recovery starts before surgery—and nutrition plays a key role.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
- Learn more