Nutrition Hotline
By Camryn Bell
QUESTION: I'm scheduled for elective surgery in a few months. What do I need to do to make sure I can continue to follow my vegan diet in the five days that I will be in the hospital?
CP, via email
ANSWER: Going to the hospital doesn't mean giving up your vegan beliefs; there are ways to make your hospital stay vegan.
At a pre-op appointment, or via a call before admission, discuss the accommodations you need with staff. Ask if you can bring in your own vegan food or have friends or family bring your meals. Preparing a list of nearby restaurants with menu items you can eat may help if you're approved to have food brought in.
Some hospitals have a vegetarian menu, so starting there and adjusting to make it vegan may be easier for the staff than starting with their non-vegetarian menu.
Some hospitals will only provide a standard meal to everyone unless they have a special order from the physician. In this case, speaking with your doctor would be helpful in getting a change to your diet order to meet your preference. If a meeting with your doctor to discuss your diet is not possible, ask your nurse or dietitian to be your advocate. Or see if the food service staff can add items onto your standard tray that you can eat like additional servings of fresh, cooked, or canned fruits and vegetables, grains like rice or bread, different types of beans, vegan milk, or any vegan meat alternatives they have available.
Once you arrive, let the staff know you are vegan and specifically tell them the foods you avoid. They may add into your medical record that you want to avoid some foods.
Hospitals have different ordering systems. If you have the option of calling the diet staff, you can ask questions regarding ingredients and vegan options then. If you are using a written form, you may be able to write on it the items you wish to avoid. Some hospitals give you a menu and you pick the items you want.
When in doubt, stick to simple foods like beans, fruit, rice, or salads that are unlikely to have any hidden ingredients. These are just some examples; you will obviously need to try to get a well-balanced meal.
If you have questions or want to know about ingredients, calling the food service staff or the dietitians can help. The food service staff's number may be on the menu, or ask to speak with one of them or the dietitian.
Hopefully these tips will help make your hospital stay smooth. Remember, communication is crucial to getting what you want and understanding your options, but so is treating the staff with respect and empathy, and understanding the limitations they may be working under.
Guest columnist is Camryn Bell, Dietetic Intern. She lives in Northwest Arkansas and is studying to take the Registered Dietitian exam. She is also pursuing a Master's in public health.
