How to eat well

After lung transplant, good nutrition, especially getting enough protein, is essential during the first 3 months to support wound healing and muscle recovery.

What to do in the first 3 months

• Follow your individualised diet plan by your dietitians.
• Aim for high protein, nutrient rich meals.
• Manage side effects of immunosuppressant medications (such as appetite changes, fluid retention, high blood sugar, and low magnesium) through dietary adjustments and medical guidance.
• Establishing healthy eating habits early supports long term health and helps reduce risks like high cholesterol, weight gain, and osteoporosis.

Making healthy changes early in your post transplant journey will help you to embed these changes in your life longer term so you can get the most of your new lung.

Once you achieve your weight and strength goals set by your dietitian, you may need to reduce your energy and protein intake to maintain a healthy weight. You will need to maintain a healthy diet for the rest of your life to support the new lung(s).

What to do after the first 3 months

• You have to strictly follow all food safety guidelines to avoid any unnecessary risk of infection. Certain foods are considered high risk and should be avoided. There are also considerations for food preparation and drinking water. For more information, go to Food Safety.

• Eat a balanced diet, including a mix of protein, dietary fibre, dairy, and healthy fats. Limit salt and unhealthy processed foods. For more information about balanced diet, go to How to eat a balanced diet.
• Focus on adding nutritious foods rather cutting out ‘unhealthy’ ones. Occasional treats are fine in small portions.
• Plan your meals in advance. This helps you eat a variety of nutritious foods and save money by having less convenience and processed foods.

Some patients experience weight change after transplant due to:

• post-transplant medications, including steroids which can increase appetite
• changes to your lifestyle, including eating, movement and sleep patterns
• feeling better and eating more, enjoying food again
• improved health after rehabilitation, your body not needing as much energy as before transplant or during your recovery
  

Weight gain can contribute to increased cholesterol levels, blood pressure and risk of heart disease. However, weight is not the only factor to consider when looking at a healthy lifestyle after transplant.

What to do

• In your post transplant journal, you’ll be asked to record your weight each morning. Make a note of any weight gain or weight loss, and report it to your transplant team in your clinic appointments.
• If you have been asked to monitor your weight for fluid monitoring reasons, follow the guidance of your transplant team.

• Talk to your transplant dietitian.
• Ask your GP about Best Health, a free 12 month weight management program.
• Ask your GP to refer you to a dietitian, or consider hiring one privately. You can find a dietitian in your area through Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (INDI).

Other resources

The HSE offers a course called Healthy Food Made Easy which focuses on cooking skills, eating behaviours and nutrition knowledge. Search online to see if there's a course happening near you.

Talking about weight: A guide to developing healthier habits (PDF, 6.2MB, 48 pages)

An HSE resource that can help you develop healthier eating and activity habits

The importance of protein

Transplant dietitians' guide to getting more protein in your diet, including protein sources, tips and meal plans

How to eat a balanced diet

Transplant dietitians' guide to eating a balanced diet, including tips and meal plans