Be Surgery Fit: prepared meals around orthopaedic surgery

Planning food ahead of orthopaedic surgery can take one task off your list. Be Fit Food offers doctor- and dietitian-designed prepared meals, plus help choosing options that fit your preferences and the nutrition advice from your treating team. Whether you are organising meals before a joint replacement or arranging practical help at home, start with the food and support you will actually need.

This page focuses on orthopaedic surgery. Your surgeon and treating dietitian should guide your nutrition plan before and after the procedure, including whether weight loss is an appropriate goal.

Book a complimentary dietitian consultation.

Four stages to plan for

1. Preparation: agree on the goal first

Ask your treating team what they want you to focus on before surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends a balanced diet and notes that a doctor may recommend weight loss before joint replacement in some cases. It is a personal clinical decision, not a requirement to start a rapid weight loss program. Read the AAOS preparation guide.

If your team has recommended a particular eating plan, bring it to your Be Fit Food dietitian consultation. We can discuss the meals you prefer and the product information you need to share with your treating team.

2. Coming home: organise practical help

Consider who will receive your delivery, put meals away and help prepare them if you need assistance. Check freezer space before placing a large order. AAOS includes preparing or stocking ready-made food among its practical suggestions for homecoming after joint replacement.

Follow the storage and heating instructions on each product. For delivery planning, check your postcode coverage and delivery schedule, then arrange the order around when someone can receive it.

3. Recovery: follow your individual nutrition plan

The 2025 ESPEN clinical nutrition guideline emphasises nutrition assessment and adequate intake around surgery, with food adapted to the procedure and individual tolerance. A weight loss plan used before surgery should not automatically become the plan for recovery. Follow your treating team’s instructions about when, what and how much to eat. Read the ESPEN guideline.

Prepared meals can reduce shopping and cooking tasks. Choose them as part of the plan your team has agreed with you, rather than assuming a particular box supplies everything you need after surgery.

4. Your ongoing routine: order for the meals you need

As your routine changes, review how many meals you want prepared for you. You may want selected lunches, dinners or both. Individual meals let you compare dishes, while healthy meal bundles provide another way to organise an order. Check current inclusions and prices before choosing.

Choose with the product details in front of you

Nutrition varies by meal. Compare energy, protein, carbohydrate and sodium using each product’s nutrition panel and stated serving size; check the label on the product you receive.

Also review ingredients, allergens and preparation directions. Share these details with your dietitian if you have specific requirements. Selecting a meal for its protein content alone does not establish that it meets your complete nutrition needs.

Make your consultation useful

Our dietitians can help you understand Be Fit Food’s meal choices and discuss how they may fit your pre- and post-surgery eating plan. Before the conversation, gather:

• The procedure and planned timing, including when you expect to return home.
• Any written food or nutrition instructions from your treating team.
• Your food preferences, allergies and the meals you want help organising.
• Practical details such as freezer space and whether someone will help with meal preparation.

Book through the free dietitian consultation page, or call Customer Service on 1300 263 257 for help getting started.

Questions before ordering

Should I order Metabolism Reset for immediately after surgery?

Do not assume a rapid weight loss program is suitable for recovery. Ask your surgeon or treating dietitian to confirm the eating plan you need first. Our team can then help you compare meals against that advice.

Are MEND supplements included?

Confirm any MEND product, quantity, price and inclusion with Customer Service before ordering. Do not assume a meal order includes supplements. Discuss supplements with your surgical team before using them.

Is this a bariatric surgery meal plan?

No. This page concerns orthopaedic surgery. If you have had or are preparing for bariatric surgery, follow the specific food and texture instructions from your bariatric team.

Start with a dietitian conversation so you can organise food with a clear plan.