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Marc S. Kowalsky, MD / Patient Information / Surgery Information / Surgical Nutrition

Why Nutrition Matters

After shoulder or elbow surgery, your body needs the right nutrients to support healing, reduce inflammation, and rebuild tissue. Good nutrition can also help manage fatigue, minimize muscle loss, and speed your return to daily activities and rehabilitation.

Key Nutrition Goals

  1. Promote Tissue Repair – Support healing of muscles, tendons, and skin.
  2. Reduce Inflammation – Help control post-surgical swelling and discomfort.
  3. Preserve Muscle Strength – Prevent muscle wasting during periods of limited mobility.
  4. Boost Immunity – Reduce the risk of infection.

Recommended Nutrients

  • Protein: Crucial for tissue repair and muscle maintenance. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, and tofu. Aim for 1.2–2.0 g of protein per kg of body weight daily.
  • Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and wound healing. Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
  • Vitamin A: Aids in cell growth and immune function. Present in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
  • Zinc: Essential for wound healing and immune defense. Sources include nuts, seeds, seafood, and whole grains.
  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for bone repair and strength, especially if bone was involved in surgery. Get calcium from dairy, fortified milks, and leafy greens; vitamin D from sunlight exposure or supplements if advised.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Help reduce inflammation. Found in fatty fish (salmon, sardines), walnuts, and flaxseed.

Hydration and Digestive Health

  • Drink plenty of water to support circulation and healing.
  • Include fiber-rich foods (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) to prevent constipation, which can occur due to reduced activity or pain medications.

Foods to Limit

  • Avoid processed and high-sugar foods, as they can promote inflammation.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate and interfere with medication or bone healing.

Sample Daily Plan

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds
  • Snack: Handful of almonds and an orange
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken with quinoa and roasted vegetables
  • Snack: Hummus with carrot sticks
  • Dinner: Baked salmon, sweet potato, and steamed spinach

Supplement Guidance

Dr. Kowalsky has partnered with Thrive Protocol to provide his patients with the nutritional plan they need to heal effectively and optimize recovery.

Thrive Protocol was founded by orthopedic surgeons and nutrition experts who recognised that surgery places significant demands on the body — demands that standard diet alone often can’t fully meet.

They emphasise the importance of preparing before surgery, supplementing during recovery, and supporting rehabilitation — a strategy supported by research showing improved outcomes when nutritional status is optimised around surgery.

The Surgical Protocol Kit, a comprehensive peri-operative nutrition bundle designed for patients undergoing surgery (including shoulder and elbow procedures). Some key features:

  • 25 grams of high-quality whey protein per serving, combined with 3 grams of leucine and glutamine, to help reduce muscle loss that can occur after surgery.
  • Additional essential vitamins and minerals that support tissue repair, immune function, and overall healing.
  • Made in the USA, manufactured in an NSF-certified facility, gluten-free, and HSA/FSA eligible.
  • The kit includes: Packets of OptiFuel (daily protein/repair formula) and OptiCharge (a carbohydrate drink to take just before surgery) plus a branded shaker bottle.
  • Recommended use: Begin 1 week before your surgery if possible, and continue during the first month after surgery.

Because your shoulder or elbow surgery places accelerated demands on your body (repairing tissues, managing inflammation, maintaining muscle while immobilised or restricted), the kit’s design aligns well with the nutrition goals we’ve laid out:

  • Ensures high-quality protein and amino acids when appetite may be reduced.
  • Provides vitamins/minerals tailored for healing and immune support.
  • Offers a simple “ready-to-go” option that lightens the load during recovery.

By combining the broader diet guidelines (whole foods, hydration, fibre, anti-inflammatory approach) with a targeted supplement like this kit, you enhance your chances of a smoother, stronger recovery.

Visit Thrive Protocol to learn more about these products, and use the Discount Code: m.kowalsky for a discounted price on the Surgical Protocol Kit.