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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor avatar

How do I eat after digestive tract surgery?

Digestive Health | Last Active: 12 hours ago | Replies (114)

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Profile picture for bearose @bearose

I had emergency surgery this past September after a Laparoscopic removal of a 6.5 m. cyst on my ovary. I was in severe pain and went back to the hospital for this emergency surgery and had ended up with stomach hernia and part of my small intestine was dead.
I did not speak with a dietician before I left the hospital, but I was told by the surgeon to eat a bland diet to help heal the intestine, which I did.
Previously in August I had to go to the ER for an impaction and constipation. I had believed the cyst was causing havoc on my GI system. So had that surgery on 9/4 to remove the cyst. Then was back in the hospital to have the emergency surgery on 9/7.
After I got out of the hospital, while on the bland diet [no fiber] things were not moving. My stomach was hard and sore where the one incision is located and again, I was constipated. I
was given a cleanse to use by the GI doctor in August and on 9/21 I went back to the ER.
Well, things started to move but after a CT scan, it was found that I had an abscess in the incision site.
I was discharged the next day and my system hasn't been the same. Ducolax and Fleets became my best friends.
I started to do some research on my own, and have limited chocolate, dairy, but have extra fiber to my Kashi Cereal with Fiber One, as well as eating an apple or two a day. I have not had to use a Fleets enema for 4 days now, but everything is slow moving, with tons of gas.
I will be seeing my GI doctor next week, after trying to get an appointment since I got home in September.
As I have IBS-C, I had a regular regiment since 1986; Miralax, stool softeners and Citracel Caplets, but this hasn't worked after the surgery. I no longer can take Miralax as it bloats my stomach and gives me severe pain. I've tried Milk a Magnesia and Senokot, but to no avail.
So looking forward to next week.

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Replies to "I had emergency surgery this past September after a Laparoscopic removal of a 6.5 m. cyst..."

@bearose so sorry about your long and painful ordeal and hope you get relief soon ! Among the first foods with fiber for me were canned pears and applesauce, low sugar versions…I even gently heated bananas at first (with rice crispies and almond or soy milk )….simple chicken soup (but no matzo balls, will constipate you )…smooth peanut or almond butter is another food easily tolerated…eggs—must be fully cooked….also, mashed potatoes and cooked carrots…olive oil can help, too. Just a few ways to eat as we help our body to heal. Wishing you the best !

Hello @bearose

I'm glad that you will be able to see your doctor next week. I hope your appointment goes well. I suggest you bring a list of questions about diet and supplements for constipation. Since you said you have never been referred to a registered dietitian, this might be a good time to ask for one. I have had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract and have met with a dietician twice. Her suggestions were beneficial to me.

Another referral to consider is asking about a pelvic floor therapist. They can offer great ideas for diet, abdominal massage, and other techniques to address constipation problems. Here is a link to information about pelvic floor therapy you might find interesting: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-benefits.

Having a team of professionals on your side will provide you with much more support than just talking to your physician. I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post and update after your appointment?