Diet is a critical consideration immediately after a successful kidney transplant. Your diet should help your body accept your new kidney, and there is also the possibility of a dangerous level of weight gain after a transplant. The weight gain is normally due to the increased appetite a healthy kidney brings, and it is common for people with a new kidney to gain weight after the transplant. Your doctor will monitor your diet with you to make sure you remain healthy.
Bone Health
When your kidney is damaged or failing, your bones do not get the amount of phosphorus they need to stay healthy. When a new kidney is in place and producing healthy levels of phosphorus, you may start to experience what is sometimes known as "hungry bones syndrome." Your doctor may prescribe phosphorus pills, and there may also be an increase in phosphorus added to your diet. You can get adequate amount of phosphorus by eating low-fat dairy products and whole-grain foods. Your doctor may also add calcium to your diet to supplement the need to rebuild weak bones.
Protein
One of the more important nutrients your body will need immediately after surgery is protein. Protein helps the body rebuild muscle and tissue that was damaged when the kidney was malfunctioning, as well as the tissue that was damaged during surgery. Because of the healing and replenishing of nutrients that your body will be going through after surgery, it will be necessary to increase the intake of protein in your diet. Lean meats, eggs, dairy products such as milk and cheese and whole-grain foods are good for this purpose. Your doctor will help you monitor your protein intake and try to prevent taking in too much protein for too long and causing weight gain.
Food Handling Tips
Fresh food is key to a kidney transplant patient because it is important to keep the fresh nutrients entering the body as it heals and tries to accept the new kidney. When you take frozen foods home, get them into the freezer immediately to prevent any kind of contamination. Clean all foods separately before preparing them. For example, wash your lettuce and then wash your hands before going on to clean the potatoes and meat. Always wash your hands repeatedly when handling food, and especially when moving from one food to another. Make sure frozen foods are thoroughly and properly defrosted before preparing them.
