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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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Teresa,
Thank you so much for expressing your kind recognition.
It’s uncommon for me in my world to have people who understand the unpredictable balancing act it takes to run my body, especially fueling it up!
Thank you for mentoring us, it’s great when we can help others who are struggling. 🌸
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7 ReactionsHi @resilience
Given all the surgeries you have had, I certainly appreciate your participation in this discussion group. I especially appreciate the way you adjust your eating of "heavy" foods and a "soft diet" as needed.
You have done a great job in facing this problem with diligence and thoughtfulness. I can understand why you chose the name "resilience," as you have demonstrated that well!
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2 Reactions@resilience Yes, to me the avocados are awesome, and I usually have olive oils in everything!
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4 ReactionsAlso go to clear diet if blockage starting. Keep things moving that’s key.
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4 Reactions@resilience and yes, I made a lot of mistakes. My rule of thumb is chew food very well. Spit it out if you can’t chew it up. No embarrassment no apologies.
Think “ density”
My go to is avocados, and try to have olive oil now n then.
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7 Reactions@hopeful33250
Life saving burst ovarian cyst- cut horizontal by gyno then and vertical for exploratory by general surgeon. . Doctor was amazed I lived.
Then scar revision - similar to abdominoplasty. Hemorrhaged after. Two years PT.
History of blockages and hospitalizations for 17 years.
Then adlysis surgery to clean out scar tissue.
Researched different Gastro‘s and got many different opinions. Very important to get a handle on your diet and what affects your digestion. It has to do with how much scar tissue is in your intestines because the tube is narrowed. It’s important not to eat something heavy over and over and over several meals perhaps eat it once or twice and then go back to a soft diet. I have learned the hard way that certain foods can start a blockage. I go to Pelvic physical therapy and I get my facial release deep scar tissue release and dry needling. It’s important to keep the abdominal intestinal area open and get the intestines to slide the best they can
I keep different medications on hand for nausea and Gas and acid. It’s all about having the constriction not allowing food to pass through..
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5 ReactionsHello @resilience
I appreciate you sharing your eating plan post-surgery. Could you share what type of surgery you had? Did it take a lot of trial and error to find the right foods to eat?
High fiber- a must
Miralax daily- cut back air full fuse - gauge accordingly
Hydrate
Teas- ginger, chamomile, green, licorice tea
Heating pad for constipation
Soft diet but high fiber if getting constipated
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2 ReactionsHi: Yes, I can post updates. I had to cancel a Med cruise which leaves next week because I was afraid this might happen while away. Hope to hear from the surgeon group soon.
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1 Reaction@marshae
I look forward to hearing from you again.As you work through this process of being referred to a surgeon, will you continue to post and provide updates as to how you are feeling?