How to Diet After Heart Surgery

Knowing what kind of diet to be on after a heart surgery can help prevent heart attacks and the need for heart surgeries in the future. A big thing you need to do is decrease your fats, because medications may increase the amount of fat in your blood. More fat can block arteries increasing your chances of having heart problems in the future.

Instructions

1

Start a low fat diet, if you haven't been on one before. Less than 30 percent of your calories should come from fat. Any fats that you do eat should be unsaturated. If you do eat saturated fats, keep them down to 8 to 10 percent of your daily calories. Cut out fast food, fried foods, luncheon meats, egg yolks, butter and whole milk.

2

Decrease your foods high in cholesterol. You should be down to less than 300 milligrams a day. Cut down on your eggs, crustaceans, fast foods, beef and some cheeses.

3

Cut back on your salt (sodium) intake. Avoid any more than 2.4 grams of salt a day. Foods to avoid include ham, bacon, luncheon meats, smoked salmon, peanut butter, pickles, spaghetti sauce, bagged chips and many canned soups.

4

Weigh yourself everyday until your doctor tells you otherwise. Make sure you weigh yourself in the morning and after going to the bathroom. Let your doctor know if you gain more than 2 pounds in one day.

5

Talk to a dietitian or a nutritionist if you're having problems with your diet after heart surgery.