Sigmoid colon resection: What to expect for recovery?

Thank you for this post. I am very concerned that I only have very small bowel movements. Will try fiber (Metamucil) & at least 64 oz. Hydration daily. My surgery was 4 months ago; going for MRI.

I had similar reactions, and it is frustrating. At 2 1/2 months life and my confidence to go out and be more independent (with reservation and knowing the location of the bathroom) helped me started to return to normal. By then I seemed to have a better grasp on scheduling and the foods tolerated. Four months and suddenly everything seemed to get much better rapidly.

Hello @apinzonc0627 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry that
I did not see your posts earlier. I am glad that your surgery and recovery were so successful.

Generally, after finding a polyp there are follow-up exams. Has your doctor given you a schedule for follow-ups?

Si es correcto mi medico Oncólogo, le está dando seguimiento ya me hizo uno después de los 6 meses de la operación y todo salió bien, ahora me toca otro para febrero del 2023.

Saludos
Antonio

That is great, @apinzonc0627. I hope that all your follow-ups continue to go well. Will you post again and keep in touch?

I recently had a colon resection (last week). I am on a bland diet, and internal "plumbing" is functioning welll. When may I introduce small amnts of less bland foods? I eat small meals. Thank you.

Hi @eviemoulder Welcome to Mayo Connect. This is an online forum where members help each other find answers through sharing their personal experiences. There are a number of fellow members who’ve had colon resections with the same questions and concerns that you’re experiencing. When/what can I eat! 🙃 I’m sure it feels so liberating to have that surgery out of the way but now you want to get back to normal!

Here’s a link to some conversations regarding getting back to a normal diet after a total colonscopy. Though yours wasn’t as extensive, the food intake is similar until you get back to a normal digestive pattern.

-What is a good diet after colon surgery? Are probiotics good?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-after-total-colectomy/
Articles I’ve found online that might be helpful:
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrition-after-colon-resection-10240.html
Tips from Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/colectomy-postsurgery-diet-instructions-797405

From what I’m understanding, foods that bothered you before the surgery may still be the foods that cause issue after. So be cautious with what you eat, avoiding difficult to digest skins from apples, potatoes, etc. The consensus from a number of sites I researched is that small but more frequent meals are best.

A brief list of foods that are considered “safe” for reintroduction in the world of solid foods after a colon resection. (Avoid cream, oily, greasy, fried, or gassy foods. Best diet plan is a clean eating such as a Mediterranean diet)

1. Chicken
2. Skinless Potatoes
3. Carrots
4. Fish
5. Bananas
6. Skinless apples
7. Peaches
8. Tea, iced or hot

Did your gastroenterologist give you a guide for reintroducing ‘normal’ foods back into your diet?

Hi. I’m so glad I found this site. I’m seeing a surgeon next week for sigmoid removal and re/section. My colonoscopy today was aborted due to edema. In my report it stated “ middle of stricture with blanched mucosa” along with pics. I have no idea what that means! I was a assuming this surgery would relieve my symptoms. After reading these posts I’m doubtful it will…ugh.