Why Increased Protein & Calories Are So Important After Surgery Protein and Calorie Needs These vary from person to person. However, those need are always greater after surgery or during illness when the body is called upon to provide mending, healing, and to help prevent infection. Getting adequate amounts of the proper nutrition will not only help you heal faster, but will also play a BIG role in how well you feel as you are recovering. Weight loss after surgery should never be considered a post-surgery "bonus". Without added protein and calories after surgery, your body will be deprived of the energy it needs for healing. Calories = Fuel For The Body Your body is much like an automobile. It needs to burn fuel to get the energy to move. Calories, which are made up of carbohydrates, proteins and fat, are fuel that give you the energy to move. Example: a banana containing 100 calories is equal to 100 calories of fuel that your body can use for energy! How It Works Your body's first priority of operation is to meet it's energy needs. Carbohydrates are called into action. Getting enough energy everyday in the form of carbohydrates or fat will spare protein for the work it does best, building and repairing. Carbohydrates These are the ideal fuel for your body to make "energy". After surgery, your body's energy demands are high to provide strength for the healing. Not getting enough "fuel" can add to feelings of fatigue, irritation and low energy. Carbohydrates = Energy. Protein Next in line comes protein. Proteins are considered "The Building Block Of Life" because they are vital to every cell in the body including muscle, tissue, and organs for building and repairing. As you can image, after surgery, the demand for extra protein is essential to assist all the repairing that is taking place. Protein also works to support our immune system, helping to fight off infection. Protein = Building and Repairing. Fats In moderation, fast also provide energy. Fats slow down the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood stream and add to the feeling of "fullness" from a meal. For example, gravy on mashed potatoes may give a more satisfied feeling.   Click here to go to the next page.