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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?
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@rm51 Looking for food triggers was a great suggestion! I hope your friend follows through on logging foods (and drinks) to identify potential triggers for the symptoms.
It is so good of you to be trying to help your friend. Will you update on his progress?
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4 ReactionsWondering if anyone has had the Whipple? Need help with diet experiences afterwords. Hubby is going to be having procedure in April. Ty in advance.
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1 ReactionHello @casey1959,
Several members of this discussion group have had a Whipple procedure. I'm sure some of them will share about their food choices. While I've not had a Whipple, I have had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract, and here is some of what I have learned: First, have small, frequent meals that are low in fat. Avoid raw foods; instead, use canned or well-cooked fruits or vegetables. A high-protein diet is important. Foods such as eggs and Greek yogurt can be good options to keep up protein needs post-surgery.
Is your husband able to eat comfortably now? Is he maintaining his weight?
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3 Reactions@hopeful33250 He hasn't had Whipple procedure yet. (April) A year ago he went from 220 6 foot tall to 149. I was so worried. He's been off Chemo 10 weeks. Is back up to 167. I feel better that he's put some weight back on before surgery. Yet reading so much about his diet post surgery. He's always loved his certain foods. Now it seems most will be off limits. Fear he will get depressed & exp rapid weight loss again. 😕
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1 Reaction@casey1959
I understand your concerns about the upcoming surgery and your husband's eating habits. Perhaps you could ask your husband's surgeon to arrange for a registered dietitian to meet with you both before he is discharged from the hospital.
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2 ReactionsHello - has anyone here had adhesions/scarring on sigmoid colon due to endometriosis? I met with GYN who believes I will need a bowel resection as the area is narrow and rigid. Colonoscopies can be performed but the last one was difficult. My main issue is ridiculous constipation. I have an MRI coming up and a consultation with a colorectal surgeon - I will need a team of surgeons, apparently. I'm terrified of the healing, eating and living "normally" process post-surgery. I'm 65 - my endo was diagnosed and treated with laparoscopies and Lupron 30 years ago. Anyone with info - I'd appreciate it! Thanks!!!
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2 ReactionsWhipple surgery usually involves the pancreas and gallbladder. Often done due to growths on the pancreas thus parts are removed which inhibits complete digestion of foods. As to the pancreas , your Dr will prescribe enzymes to help with digestion. These enzymes are critical for health. Without sufficient Pancreas enzymes you cannot gain weight nor digest foods to extract their vitamins and nutrient's. Creon or Zenpep are the most common enzymes. DON’T let the Dr prescribe a child’s dosage for an adult! And request an elastase test within 3 months after the surgery. This test will confirm how much prescribed enzymes are definitely needed! Typical dosage is THREE of the creon 36000 with each meal. But the bigger a person the more calories they need and a higher dosage may be needed…. Thus the elastase test will confirm. As for what to eat. I can tell you DON’T eat anything with calcium carbonate in it, which includes all non-dairy milks and most breakfast cereals. READ the labels. FACT:calcium carbonate adversely affects the enzyme pills ability to function. Stick to natural foods as much as possible. Always read labels. Be well…
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4 ReactionsResearch shows after a Whipple Garlic & onions are generally a problem to digest. Personal views on this would help . Cooking first doesn't help?
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1 ReactionI have a friend who had whipple. Unfortunately he doesn’t share much info on “eats”. He never finishes his meal, likely due to feeling full because his Creon dose is so low. And doesn’t understand the EPI basics. EX:take creon WITH meals, Not 45 minutes before!His Dr explained nothing to him other than the basics about the surgery. Friend doesn’t understand surgically induced EPI that he has because the Dr never told him. I will let him know about garlic and onions.
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3 Reactions@casey1959 well, how about garlic powder and well-cooked onions—2 things I have successfully used after major gut surgery, no problems.
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