Nutrition and exercise are critical elements of breast reconstruction. Both play vital roles in pre-op and post-op care that have a measurable impact on recovery after surgery. What makes them unique is that they are on a short list of things that are largely within a patient’s control. Paying attention to what you eat and drink and how you move is a great way to put yourself in the driver’s seat when it comes to your care. That said, once you’ve decided to take the reigns, it can be hard to know what to do. We sat down with Erin Pellegrin, RD, LDN. Erin works with Unite for HER, a 501(c)3 national nonprofit organization that supports breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients by providing integrative therapies, services, education, resources, and support at no personal cost. The organization specializes in qualified, credentialed nutrition and exercise guidance.
Read on for credible, actionable nutrition and exercise advice from Erin, alongside context on how what you eat, drink, and do can impact your recovery.
Q: What role does nutrition play in pre-op and post-op care for breast cancer and reconstruction patients?
Erin Pellegrin: Prioritizing nutrition before and after surgery helps the body meet its increased nutrient demands for wound healing and overall function. Good nutritional status has been shown to support recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Q: How can patients use nutrition to prepare their bodies in the weeks leading up to a surgery?
EP: By intentionally including foods that provide nutrients essential for wound healing, patients can help prepare their bodies for recovery. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While complications can’t always be avoided, focusing on nutrition is a proactive way to reduce risk and support a smoother, faster recovery.
Q: Is there anything specific patients should look to eat or avoid before and after surgery?
EP: For 1–2 weeks before surgery and throughout recovery, patients should prioritize a varied diet rich in plant-based foods. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are also excellent sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which support bowel health. In addition, probiotic-rich foods help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and promote immune function.
Protein is another key focus. Including both plant- and animal-based protein sources ensures the body gets the essential amino acids it needs for tissue repair and healing.
As for what to limit: Patients should reduce their intake of caffeine and alcohol, especially as surgery approaches. It’s also wise to limit high-fat meats and ultra-processed foods, which are often low in healing-supportive nutrients and can contribute to issues like constipation and delayed recovery.
Q: What role does hydration play in all this?
EP: Hydration is a crucial – but often overlooked – part of the healing process. It supports skin repair, maintains cell function, and helps transport key nutrients like vitamin C to the site of healing. Aim for at least 6 – 8 cups of water per day. While water is the best choice, fruits and vegetables with high water content, along with warm beverages like tea and broth, can help boost fluid intake in more appealing ways.
Q: Let’s get into a little bit more detail when it comes to protein. How important is it to eat enough protein after surgery? What should patients consider adequate?
EP: Protein is essential for wound healing and tissue repair, working alongside other key nutrients like vitamin C and zinc. Ideally, patients should aim for 1.2 – 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (to calculate weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2).
If that amount feels overwhelming, start by gradually increasing your protein intake, with the goal of reaching at least the lower end of the range by the time of surgery. To understand your current intake, try tracking your food for 2 – 3 days a week to get a sense of how much protein you’re consuming regularly.
Q: Some people suffer from nausea, loss of appetite, and general discomfort when eating in the days and weeks after surgery. What advice do you have for folks who are trying to manage those digestive issues and nourish their bodies after surgery?
EP: Pain can significantly affect appetite and food tolerance, especially right after surgery. It’s important to take recovery day by day, starting with small, easy-to-digest meals and frequent sips of water. As discomfort lessens, patients can gradually reintroduce more familiar and nutrient-dense foods that support healing.
If a patient has been well-nourished prior to surgery, a short period of limited intake is unlikely to hinder recovery. However, if reduced appetite or food tolerance persists and leads to a significant drop in intake, they should contact their surgeon, as this may affect long-term healing.
Q: What are some easy, nutritious meals patients can prepare after surgery, when they and their caregivers might not feel like cooking?
EP: Take advantage of frozen convenience foods like vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-heat whole grains to simplify meal prep. Smoothies are a great way to boost nutrition and hydration while delivering key wound-healing nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Soups are easy to digest, hydrating, rich in electrolytes, and ideal for making in large batches – perfect for leftovers or freezing.
Also consider one-pan meals, such as sheet pan recipes, or meals made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. These methods are low effort, require minimal cleanup, and produce generous portions, making them ideal for prepping ahead and storing.
Q: Does what you eat impact inflammation after surgery?
EP: Yes, the foods we eat regularly can have a significant impact on overall inflammation.
Q: What should you eat to reduce inflammation?
EP: We encourage a varied diet that includes a wide range of plant foods, especially colorful fruits and vegetables. These provide essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and zinc – all of which support skin integrity, wound healing, and immune function.
When it comes to reducing inflammation, consistency is key. Long-term health is shaped by what we eat regularly – not by the occasional indulgence. That’s why we recommend making nutritious foods a daily habit, while enjoying more indulgent options less often to maintain a balanced, moderate approach.
Q: Unite for HER tackles movement after surgery as well. Can you talk about how and when it’s safe for patients to get active again? What kinds of exercises should they consider?
EP: First and foremost, always follow your surgeon’s instructions. We encourage gentle movement – such as getting up and walking around – as soon as it is safe, since improved blood flow helps deliver oxygen to tissues, which is essential for wound healing.
Once you have approval from your surgical team, start slowly and move carefully within the guidelines provided. Don’t hesitate to ask for physical therapy support – therapists can help you safely regain full range of motion, strength, daily activities, and your usual exercise routine while minimizing the risk of injury.
Q: What can patients do to improve or support their energy levels during recovery?
EP: Prioritize healing by continuing to nourish your body with nutritious foods, staying well-hydrated, getting extra rest, and gradually incorporating gentle movement as approved by your surgeon. Avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon, as that can delay recovery.
Expect some ups and downs in energy levels along the way – that’s completely normal. Focus on the big picture and trust the process as you move toward full recovery.
Q: Is there anything else patients should consider when it comes to diet and exercise?
EP: It truly matters. Diet and exercise are key ways patients can actively support their recovery and long-term health. Prioritizing these habits means prioritizing yourself.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about making health a consistent part of your life while still leaving room to indulge and enjoy the things you love.
