Mend is thrilled to announce the introduction of live 1:1 nutrition counseling as an integral part of surgical recovery protocols. Counseling with expert dietitians aims to optimize patient outcomes and accelerate healing by providing personalized nutrition plans tailored to the unique needs of surgery and injury patients.

Surgery and significant injury often requires the body to undergo substantial physiological changes. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the healing process, reducing complications, and enhancing overall recovery. Recognizing this crucial aspect, Mend has developed a comprehensive program that integrates nutrition counseling into patient care pathways.

The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Healing and Recovery

Chronic diseases can affect various body systems, and individuals with chronic diseases may require surgery at some point in their lifetime. It is well known that surgery triggers a series of inflammatory, immune, and metabolic responses. The surgical risks for individuals with chronic diseases can be more significant than for those without any chronic disease.

The rise of chronic diseases in America is underscored by alarming statistics that highlight the scale of the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases account for approximately 6 out of 10 deaths in the United States each year. Heart disease, cancer, and stroke alone contribute to nearly half of all deaths. Obesity rates have also reached epidemic proportions, with around 42.4% of adults considered obese as reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This increase in obesity has a direct correlation with the rise in chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. It's not obesity in and of itself but the metabolic mess at the root of this illness. Diabetes affects approximately 34.2 million people in the U.S., with an estimated 7.3 million cases going undiagnosed. Furthermore, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, has surged to affect an estimated 6.2 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Integrating Nutrition Counseling into Patient Care Pathways

Surgical and injury nutrition counseling, a specialized form of nutrition counseling provided by registered dietitians, goes beyond conventional dietary recommendations. It takes into account the specific nutritional needs of patients, including pre-surgical optimization, postoperative recovery, and long-term wellness. By assessing the individual's medical history, body composition, dietary habits, and surgical goals, the dietitian can create a personalized nutrition plan that supports the patient's overall health and healing process.

The Impact of Mend's Nutritional Counseling

"Seemed to be a great improvement over my first surgery without Mend. Enjoyed meeting with the dietician even if it only confirmed I knew the right path to follow as far as nutrition was concerned. All of the supplements were high quality and contributed to my recovery." - Mend Nutritional Counseling Patient

The introduction of nutrition counseling in surgical recovery signifies a significant step forward in healthcare, particularly for private practice where it hasn’t historically been available. By tailoring nutrition plans to the unique needs of each patient, Mend’s on-staff Registered Dietitians can address specific nutritional deficiencies, manage weight, and optimize nutrient absorption. This approach aims to reduce the risk of complications, enhance wound healing, improve immune function, and promote a faster and smoother recovery.

"Our commitment to patient care and outcomes has led us to embrace nutrition counseling as an essential component of healing and recovery," said Mend CEO Eziah Syed. "By integrating nutrition counseling along with our perioperative and injury recovery products into our care pathways, we are empowering patients with the tools they need to optimize their recovery and achieve long-term wellness."

Collaborative Approach: Working with Surgeons and Healthcare Providers

Nutrition counseling has proven to be an effective strategy in numerous surgical specialties, including but not limited to orthopedic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and bariatric surgery. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for patients.

As part of the program, patients will have access to personalized consultations with registered dietitians specifically trained in healing and recovery optimization, educational resources, meal planning guidance, and ongoing support throughout their surgical journey. By addressing the nutritional aspects of recovery, mend aims to empower patients to take an active role in their healing process and optimize their outcomes.

Click here, to learn more about Mend's Nutrition Counseling.

- Stacey Simon MS RDN CSG CDN