Connect
How do I eat after digestive tract surgery?
Perhaps you have had surgery for chronic diverticulitis, cancer of the digestive tract, a Whipple procedure, bariatric surgery, or maybe even gallbladder surgery. Surgeries of the digestive tract typically alter the way our bodies process food as they change our digestive landscape. I discovered this after my second surgery on the upper digestive tract. After this surgery (and nearly a week in the hospital), well-meaning friends brought me food, which I certainly appreciated. However, the food they brought me were salads, fresh fruit and vegetables, cream-based soups, and casseroles. All of which made me feel terrible. It turned out my problems stemmed from what I was eating. So, what should I have been eating instead of these foods? It was a time of trial and error for me. I spent a lot of time finding which foods were “safe” and which foods were “triggers” and would cause digestive difficulties.
After major surgeries of the digestive tract, many hospital systems have a registered hospital dietitian meet with you before discharge and provide instructions on the best way to eat. This was not my experience. I did, however, request a referral to a dietitian several months after surgery.
Let's sit around the table and share our tips on the eating plan that worked best for you after your surgery and talk about the kinds of foods that were (and still are) the easiest to digest. We are all different in our responses to surgery, but we will undoubtedly find common ground.
I look forward to learning together. Share your ideas, recipes or cooking methods that have helped you.
Here are a few questions to get us started:
- If you have had a consultation with a dietitian, what did you learn?
- What foods did and didn't work for you?
- What about the quantity of food at each meal, as well as the timing of meals?
- Have your cooking methods changed?
- Do you still use spices the same way?
- Have you kept a food diary to track any foods that might be triggers for digestive difficulties?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
@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 !
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@nycmusic
You have offered @bearose some great post-surgery food suggestions. I was especially impressed with heating bananas to make them more digestible. I had never considered that. I appreciate you sharing in this discussion!
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?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@hopeful33250
Thanks Teresa for your input. I just printed out this info and will take with me when I see the doc. on Tuesday.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIf possible, consult with a RDN who specializes in nutrition. I had to follow a low fiber diet of 8 mg per day so basically all refined white flour to settle my gut during healing post surgery. A new food is introduced every few days and, thus you find the triggers and avoid those foods.. a very long process but necessary to avoid SBOs and digestive upsets. Good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@jillyg
This is a great suggestion. For those in the group who may not know what "RDN" means, it stands for registered dietitian. Here is a link from the Cleveland Clinic website, explaining the role of an RDN.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/dietitian
I have consulted with an RDN twice and have found it very helpful. Having an RDN added to your medical team can bring about great results.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions@bearose
I hope your appointment yesterday went well. Did you gain any new information that you would like to share?
I find that staying hydrated and walking as much as possible are also helpful to prevent constipation.
Since surgery I can no longer eat spicy foods, or much red meat. Fish and fowl are ok. Gave up alcohol except for one drink with a friend last January (none since April surgery).
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@hopeful33250
Hello @zacharycat
Yes, hydration and exercise are very helpful in preventing constipation. Avoiding red meats and spicy foods is essential for me as well. Each of us probably has "trigger foods" that we avoid. It may be different for each of us. Keeping track of our food choices and symptoms is a good way to find the foods that are problematic.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions