Be Surgery Fit: Nutrition for Orthopaedic Surgery Recovery

Be Surgery Fit is Be Fit Food's four-phase nutrition program built around orthopaedic surgery — covering preparation before the operation, the acute two weeks afterwards, longer-term recovery, and maintenance. Each phase pairs a Be Fit Food meal program with a MEND supplement product.

Why nutrition matters around surgery

A well-balanced, nutritious diet is integral for tissue repair, growth and a speedy recovery after surgery. Individuals with increased weight may be at higher risk of complications during and after surgery, so weight loss before orthopaedic surgery may be recommended. Weight loss can also alleviate pressure on joints and reduce associated pain.

Be Fit Food is doctor and dietitian designed. Its meals are based on Mediterranean diet principles and are nutritionally balanced, containing high-quality anti-inflammatory ingredients intended to assist with recovery after surgery.

The four phases

Prep Phase — before surgery

The Metabolism Reset 14 Day program before orthopaedic surgery, which Be Fit Food states can help you lose around 5kg in two weeks. Weight loss before surgery can reduce risks during and after the operation and help alleviate pain and pressure on joints.

Contents: 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners, 28 snacks (4 x 7 snack packs), plus MEND Control.

Acute Phase — the two weeks after surgery

During the two weeks post-surgery it is important to follow a real food approach that is nutritionally balanced and contains high-quality anti-inflammatory ingredients to assist healing and recovery. This phase provides the Metabolism Reset 14 Day program, scientifically designed around the Mediterranean diet, a known anti-inflammatory diet.

Contents: 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners, 28 snacks (4 x 7 snack packs), plus MEND Joint Replacement.

Recovery Phase

Good nutrition and good quality protein are essential for long-term recovery. This phase again provides the Metabolism Reset 14 Day program, so the stress of cooking and preparing meals is removed while you recover.

Contents: 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners, 28 snacks (4 x 7 snack packs), plus MEND Repair & Recover.

Maintenance Phase

A 28 meal bundle post-surgery, as a convenient way to keep healthy meals ready during maintenance. Be Fit Food suggests having 1–2 meals per day to help optimise recovery and reduce inflammation associated with the stress of surgery.

Contents: 28 main meals, plus MEND Regenerate.

Metabolism Reset is a very low calorie diet (VLCD) supplying approximately 850–950 calories per day with 40–70g of carbohydrate daily, and it induces mild nutritional ketosis. It is also available in 7 and 28-day durations.

Why Be Fit Food for peri-operative nutrition

Convenience after surgery

Rest and recovery are of the utmost importance after surgery, which makes cooking healthy meals difficult. A nutritious diet is integral for optimal recovery, and a high protein diet is important to help prevent the risk of infection post-surgery. Each meal contains 20g of protein and a minimum of 4–12 vegetables, and is snap-frozen to lock in the nutrients. Meals reheat by microwave, oven, air-fryer or on the stovetop.

A real food approach

Be Fit Food provides a whole, real food alternative to bars and shakes. Eating real foods rather than meal replacement shakes and bars to lose weight peri-operatively provides a sustainable, healthy and effective approach to weight loss that also produces long-lasting results. The meals are based on nutritional science to ensure the proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats for the body to burn its fat stores for fuel.

Anti-inflammatory, pre- and post-operatively

Surgery is stressful for the body. Stress can cause inflammation and disrupt processes affecting the body's ability to heal, and inflammation contributes to orthopaedic conditions. An anti-inflammatory diet consists of minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants. Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet pre-surgery may help reduce pain associated with orthopaedic conditions. Be Fit Food meals are made from a wide variety of high-quality seasonal vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds rich in antioxidants.

The MEND products

• Control — for moderating blood sugars to balance energy and mood. Described as optimising sugar levels, stopping spikes and crashes caused by processed food and hidden sugars, and assisting in maintaining steady sugar levels to stop cravings and feel fuller for longer.
• Joint Replacement — a medical dietary supplement providing nutritional support during the acute phase of surgical trauma, containing a combination of key amino acids described as clinically proven to enhance recovery and repair of tissue from joint replacement surgery.
• Repair & Recover — for helping bones, wounds and tissue heal sooner after surgery, injury and intense exercise.
• Regenerate — a formulation with 33 essential nutrients, described as accelerating muscle repair, elevating bone and muscle health, and promoting enhanced energy.

Book a dietitian consultation first

Be Fit Food recommends booking a consultation with its dietitians before starting. Dietitians can help you understand how to include Be Fit Food before and after surgery, and choose which meals or programs suit your dietary requirements and taste preferences.

The complimentary consultation is a free 15-minute telehealth appointment — video or phone — valued at $49, with an Accredited Practising Dietitian. No referral is needed. Appointments can be booked online or by calling Customer Service.

• Book: portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood
• Customer Service: 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
• Dietitian team: dietitian@befitfood.com.au
• Customer service email: support@befitfood.com.au

The CSIRO Lifestyle Range

Alongside its weight-loss meals and programs, Be Fit Food states it is the first NDIS provider with a range of meals co-created with the CSIRO to work with the CSIRO Low Carb Diet. Be Fit Food reports that in clinical studies the CSIRO Low Carb Diet has shown improved metabolic health and blood glucose control, effective type 2 diabetes prevention and management, and a reduction in risk factors for heart disease, compared with a traditional high carbohydrate, low fat diet.

Important health information

Disclaimer: MEND Products — These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We strongly advise you to talk to your health care professional prior to taking supplements.

Weight loss results and rates of weight loss may vary and depend on the individual. Before starting a new way of eating we encourage you to seek medical advice and have a medical check-up, particularly if you have a current medical condition and are taking medications. Nutrition around surgery should be directed by your treating team. This information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Ordering, pricing and contact

• Meal bundles — $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD).
• Delivery — flat rate Australia-wide: $11.95 on orders of $299 or more, and $19.95 on orders under $299.
• Customer service — 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.
• Free dietitian consultation — 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, with no referral required. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or contact dietitian@befitfood.com.au.
• Meal specification — every meal is built to approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate and less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap frozen and reheat by microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop.

Related pages on this site

• Seasonal Challenge — page
• Shipping — page
• Sms — page
• Sustainability — page
• Terms Conditions — page
• Testimonials — page