Dietary considerations the day before the procedure play a role in supporting a smooth experience and recovery. Proper nutrition can help optimize your body’s readiness for the upcoming surgery. While these are general guidelines, it is important to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as individual needs can vary.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
The day before knee replacement surgery, limit or avoid certain food types that can complicate digestion or interact with anesthesia. Heavy, fatty, and fried foods, such as a double bacon cheeseburger or excessive amounts of red meat, are often difficult to digest and can delay stomach emptying. This delay can increase the risk of complications during anesthesia. Spicy foods, including heavily spiced curries or hot sauces, can irritate the stomach lining, potentially causing indigestion or discomfort.
While dietary fiber is usually beneficial, consuming excessive amounts of high-fiber foods like raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds might lead to bloating or gas. Dairy products can also be harder to digest and may increase mucus production, potentially interfering with breathing during surgery.
Alcohol should be completely avoided for at least 48 hours before surgery due to its potential to thin the blood, interfere with anesthesia, and increase the risk of bleeding and infection. Caffeine should also be avoided, especially in the afternoon or evening, as it can disrupt sleep, and a good night’s rest is beneficial before surgery. Discuss all supplements and herbal remedies with your surgeon, as some, like Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, ginkgo, and ginseng, can increase bleeding risks or interfere with anesthesia.
Recommended Foods
The day before your knee replacement surgery, focus on easily digestible, light, and nutrient-rich options. Opting for small, frequent meals rather than large ones can ease digestion.
Lean proteins are beneficial for tissue repair and healing; good sources include plain chicken, fish, or tofu. They provide necessary building blocks for recovery without taxing the digestive system. Simple carbohydrates, such as white rice, plain pasta, or toast, are easily digestible and can provide a steady energy source.
For vegetables and fruits, cooked or peeled options are often recommended over raw ones to reduce fiber content and facilitate digestion. Clear broths and light soups are also suitable choices, offering hydration and nutrition while being gentle on the stomach. A simple, balanced dinner might include grilled chicken with steamed vegetables and brown rice, aiding easy digestion and providing stable energy.
Hydration and Fasting Instructions
Maintain good hydration with clear liquids until the fasting period begins. Clear liquids include water, clear fruit juices without pulp, plain tea, or black coffee. Staying well-hydrated before surgery can improve comfort by reducing thirst and dry mouth. It may also help decrease postoperative nausea and vomiting, and maintain stable blood volume and pressure during anesthesia.
Strict adherence to “nothing by mouth” (NPO) guidelines is crucial to prevent complications like pulmonary aspiration, where stomach contents enter the lungs during anesthesia. Anesthesia suppresses the body’s natural reflexes that prevent choking, making an empty stomach important. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, often around midnight for solid foods and a few hours before the procedure for clear liquids. Failure to follow these precise times can lead to surgery cancellation or delay due to the increased risk of aspiration. Discuss with your doctor whether to take necessary medications with a small sip of water during the fasting period.