How will my diet change after kidney transplant surgery?
While renal failure may have caused you to experience many limitations on the
types of foods you could eat before your transplant, several of these dietary restrictions
may not apply after transplant surgery. Because of the new freedom to indulge in many
different foods, and an increased feeling of hunger due to medications such as prednisone
(Deltasone), it is easy to see why excessive weight gain is a common problem for many
transplant patients.
To promote healing after surgery, you should eat more lean meat, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products. You should also include a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables for adequate calories, vitamins and minerals.
Will I have a nutritional plan to follow?
Yes. In order to monitor your weight gain after transplant surgery, a
registered dietitian will work with you to develop a nutritional plan. This plan will be
determined by your weight, blood work results, kidney function and medications. The
information below describes some of the dietary guidelines a dietitian may
recommend for you. These guidelines cover only some of the changes that may take place in
your diet. Your dietitian will plan a nutritional program to meet your personal needs.
Phosphorous
As your new kidney begins to function, your body is able to rebuild bone mass that may
have been lost during renal failure. While these "hungry bones" are busy gaining
strength, your blood phosphorous level could drop quite low. Your dietitian will encourage
you to eat foods high in phosphorous, such as low-fat dairy products. Phosphorous pills
may also be ordered by your physician.
Potassium
Some transplant medications may cause your potassium level to dramatically increase or
decrease. This is a serious condition, but fortunately, it usually does not last long. In
order to control your blood potassium level, make sure to eat the foods your dietitian
recommends.
Sodium or salt
Many people experience high blood pressure or fluid retention following a kidney
transplant. If fluid retention or high blood pressure are problems for you, the dietitian
will incorporate low-salt foods throughout your meal plan.
While the phosphorous and potassium concerns mentioned above are generally corrected
within a month or two, a low-sodium diet may need to be followed indefinitely.
How can I control my weight and cholesterol levels?
Two common long-term problems for transplant patients are weight gain and high
cholesterol levels. The following are suggestions that may help you control both: