Food to Eat After Intestinal Repair Surgery

Overview

Intestinal repair surgery patients must have a disciplined post-surgery diet. A hospital stay after the procedure is long to recover and monitor bowel movements and function. You will be started with a liquid diet and later on attempt on soft foods. This will consist of low fiber and high in dairy products.

Clear Liquid Diet

The first 3-5 days after the intestinal repair, is crucial for recovery and passing bowel movements. To keep your body hydrated, drink about 5-8 cups of liquid a day, this can be ice tea, water, fruit juices and nutritional supplement drinks. Broth without any solid foods is recommended and ice popsicles or flavored are useful in keeping well hydrated during recovery. Full fluids can also be tried because they are more filling and non-evasive this includes custard, soy milk and plain yogurt.                                        

Soft Food Diet

This diet should consist of low fiber and high diary foods to avoid bloating in the abdomen and excessive gas. Avoid whole meal foods such as bran, granary, oatmeal and fried food or processed food. All fruits and vegetables should be avoided. Tender meats boiled in soups are recommended. Milk, mild cheese and white bread can also be eaten. Consult your nutritionist if you are unsure of low fiber and high diary food to eat.

Post Recovery Diet

After about 2 weeks of recovery your bowel movements should be able normal; this can be assessed by reduction in pain and confirmation by your doctor. A high fiber diet should still be avoided for at least another week however you can begin to eat about 2 portions of fruits and vegetables per day and begin to mix low and high fiber food. Don’t ignore any pain or bowel dysfunction if they occur after returning to your regular diet. If this should happen return to a low fiber diet and call your doctor.

Return from hospital

You will be given outpatient visits or instructions on maintaining a healthy diet after leaving the hospital. This will consist of food easy to digest. Meals should be chewed thoroughly and split into at least 5-6 small meal portions a day. This will allows your bowels to operate in small doses limiting pain and obstructions. Avoid highly acidic food and drinks like sweets and soft drinks. Don’t hesitate to call the operating doctor if pain and bowel obstructions reoccur.