Eating after Colon Surgery

It is never pleasant to experience any type of surgery and the after effects of surgery can be painful and irritating.  This is especially true with colon surgery.  That is why it is so important for you to follow your doctor’s advice on what foods make up a colon surgery diet and which foods are more appropriate and provide the most benefits.   

Following colon surgery, your body needs to recover in a healthful manner and needs as many calories as possible to heal properly.  Because your body is in a recovery mode, it may not be able to tolerate certain foods.  But, it does still need essential nutrients to start the healing process. 

It will take you a few days to start feeling somewhat normal again.  You may have side effects from the surgery and not feel like eating anything.  However, you must remember that you need calories and nutrients to feed your body and recover more quickly.  Your ultimate goal should be to feel better as soon as possible so that you can get on with your life.  You need to restore your energy level and not lose any more weight.  Most importantly, you cannot take the chance of contacting any type of infection that may inhibit or reverse your recovery.

After a few days following surgery, it is advisable that you return to your normal eating habits, including snacks.  Eating often, in small amounts, may ward off the effects of nausea.  Low-fat foods digest more easily and will cause less irritation to your digestive track.  Greasy or fried foods can cause havoc to your system, especially when it’s in a healing mode. 

Drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water or other clear liquids daily while you are recovering.   You want to avoid dehydration at all costs so that you will not be forced to make a return trip to the hospital. 

Your doctor may recommend a specific colon surgery diet immediately following your surgery and also for when you are released from the hospital.  Generally, you will start out with clear liquids which include gelatin, juices and popsicles.  Then other foods, such as plain crackers and puddings, may be introduced.   Once these foods are tolerated, your doctor may then approve your regular diet, with advice on avoiding certain foods such as beans, cauliflower, cabbage and milk products.  He also might recommend that you eat small meals throughout the day rather than eating three large  meals at specific times.  Most likely your doctor will caution you to watch for certain side-effects associated with your diet.  These side-effects may include such things as sore mouth, trouble chewing or swallowing, heartburn and loss of appetite.  Contact your health care provider if you are unable to tolerate the diet he has recommended.