Patients after colon resection surgery should avoid eating spicy, high-fiber foods and limit milk and dairy products to help the wound heal quickly.
Colon resection surgery is indicated for cases of advanced colon cancer, multiple colon polyps, polyps that are too large to be removed by colonoscopy, ulcerative colitis with bleeding, colon obstruction… After surgery, patients need to have a reasonable diet and exercise regimen to speed up the recovery process. Priority should be given to drinks and liquid dishes such as porridge, soup, and broth after surgery. A few days later, patients can eat soft dishes such as cooked vegetables, bananas, avocado, mashed potatoes, and fish to supplement protein.
Patients should avoid the following foods because they can make post-operative side effects worse.
Fiber Limit: The stomach of a person who has had a colon resection is often unable to fully digest high-fiber foods such as whole-wheat bread and cereals, which can lead to a buildup. The intestines are still healing, and digesting a lot of fiber can overwork them. Patients should eat small amounts of fiber for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Raw fruits and vegetables: Carrots, celery, and apples with the skin on are raw fruits, along with nuts and seeds that are high in fiber. They can irritate the colon, making it harder for the incision to heal.
Avoid fats and grease: A common symptom after colectomy is diarrhea, which can last for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Because the large intestine is naturally shorter than normal, it cannot digest food quickly and form feces before leaving the body. Foods high in fat and grease such as French fries, fried chicken, and donuts make digestion more difficult, causing prolonged diarrhea.
Fried foods with a lot of oil can cause indigestion. Photo: Mr. Chi
Spicy food: Foods containing chili, mustard, and pepper should be eliminated from the diet for 2-3 weeks after colectomy surgery. Spicy foods can irritate the digestive system and cause diarrhea, gas, and discomfort, especially while the intestines are healing.
Limit milk and beans: Beans often produce gas and cause bloating and flatulence after eating. People may have problems with lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, leading to discomfort and pain.
Coffee and soda: Caffeine is a stimulant found in both of these drinks. Caffeine speeds up the body’s activities, including the intestines, causing diarrhea. The bubbles in soda can easily lead to bloating and flatulence. Patients should drink enough water after surgery, but should prioritize filtered water or supplement water through soups, broths, etc.
Quit drinking: Alcohol irritates the bowels and causes more frequent bowel movements. It can interfere with pain medication and slow down the healing process. Avoid drinking alcohol until your digestive system is back to normal.