Timely and focused changes in nutrition can improve your health and outcomes when planning surgery. Known as ‘prehabilitation’, it is a way to use science prior to your procedure that can improve recovery and enhance your role in a good clinical outcome.

Together with members of the surgical team at Denver Health, we are using current science to reduce the risk of an issue that can happen during complex GI surgery. When surgeons reconnect intestines, this join is called an ‘anastomosis’. In some cases, a leak may form at this join, leading to infection, or other issues in healing. This can mean a longer hospital stay and slower healing.

You may have heard of the microbiome – we each have one, and what we eat alters the type of bacteria, fungi and viruses dwelling within us. The microbiome supports our health and wellbeing and keeps our body running smoothly. The Western Diet is high in fat, low in fiber and allows for certain types of unhealthy bacteria to grow, making a leak more likely.

Through a small diet change, we hope to improve your recovery and enhance the health of your GI flora. Two weeks prior to your surgery, you will meet with me to tailor your diet for a better outcome ~

Work with me to:

• Learn what and why we are doing this

• Have a nutrition plan built for you

• Develop a menu based upon science

• Receive daily follow-up support

• Recap and report on the experience prior to surgery