Colon Healthy Foods to Eat After Surgery

If you have recently had colon surgery, maintaining a healthy, colon-friendly diet after your operation is extremely important.  Depending on what type of procedure you have done, there are specific foods that you should avoid as well as foods that should definitely be consumed to maintain a healthy eating pattern.  A colon surgery diet can be used before or after your procedure to help prepare your body for the surgery as well as help your body ease back into shape post-procedure.

Having a removal of your colon from such things as colon cancer or diverticulitis means that you must stick to a strict diet plan simply because you body will not react well if you go back to the way you were eating pre-surgery.  Anytime you receive a surgery of any kind, the body needs extra calories and protein to help heal faster.  That certainly does not mean that you should go out and order the biggest piece of steak you can eat because it is racked with protein, however!  Rich foods are difficult to digest and will not leave you feeling sick if you are not careful. 

Once you have returned home from your procedure and are in charge of your own diet plan, start simple.  The first couple of days stick to a total liquid diet. Sticking strictly to the following foods will help your body start preparing for bulkier-type foods in the days to come.

These items can include:

•    plain gelatin
•    broth
•    popsicles
•    juice (acid free)
•    clear carbonated drinks

After you have completed the first round of the liquid diet portion, slowly ease into more solid foods that are easy to swallow and digest.  Keeping this diet for 2-3 days will allow your body to get used to more solid food.

These items can be all or any of the following:

•    plain puddings or custard
•    milkshakes
•    frozen yogurt
•    creamed soups
•    skinless chicken
•    hot cereal
•    plain pasta or rice
•    white bread


Once you have completed 4-5 days of the clear liquid and semi-solid diet, your body is now ready to move to a more regular diet phase.  Keep in mind that it is important to stay away from foods that are rich in fat and high in calories.  Also, try to avoid any foods that tend to make you gassy as it will surely cause pain in your colon area where your body is already sensitive from the surgery. 

Some of the gassy foods that you should avoid are:

•    broccoli
•    beans or legumes
•    melons
•    cabbage
•    milk products

Instead of eating three square meals a day, try eating several smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.  This can help to keep your digestive track clear and will give you that not-so-full feeling.  Sticking to a colon surgery diet can be difficult; however, not following the proper instructions can leave you feeling sick and in pain.