Gastrointestinal Surgery is a treatment for body parts involved in the digestive system like the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, esophagus, small intestine and intestines, and rectum. Doctors often perform these surgeries to repair a medical issue and remove a damaged part of the digestive system, including cancerous or benign tumors.
There are different types of GI surgery, such as colectomy, gastrectomy, and gastric bypass surgery. There is an alteration in your stomach's or intestine's size depending on the type of gastrointestinal surgery you undergo. Thus, people who have undergone gastric surgery will need some changes to their diet to heal quickly and avoid any complications.
Your surgeon or dietitian will guide you about the diet after GI surgery that you will need to follow. Your doctor will likely have a specific meal plan for you to adhere to strictly.
However, all people who undergo gastric surgery must follow some general dietary guidelines. This guide will help you understand what to eat and drink in the gastrointestinal surgery diet.
You will be recovering in the hospital for a few days post-surgery. You will receive your required nutrition through an intravenous (IV) line inserted in a vein or the stomach during this period.
When your surgeon confirms that you can consume food via the oral route once again, they will advise you have a clear liquid diet for 1-3 days. Liquids are easy to digest and do not leave any food in your GI tract. A clear fluid diet includes water, black tea, black coffee, clear fruit juice, popsicles, etc.
After that, the doctor will advance you to a complete liquid diet. It includes milk, yogurt, milkshakes, puddings, and nutritional drinks such as Ensure or Boost. You will still not be able to eat solids.
Slowly they will put you on a solid diet with soft foods such as mashed potatoes, avocados, bananas, boiled vegetables, etc. These foods travel through the intestine easily without it having to do the hard work.
Once you start processing the soft foods, you will be able to shift to a regular meal. The medical professional will recommend consuming food in smaller portions and at more frequent intervals.
Additionally, your surgeon may conduct blood tests at regular intervals. It helps monitor your hemoglobin and other vitamins and minerals to rule out anemia and malnutrition. They may also prescribe you iron, folate, vitamin, or mineral supplements in case of any deficiencies.
It is advisable to follow these diet tips after GI surgery to heal faster and receive adequate nutrition.
You should avoid certain foods post GI surgery.
Dietary modification is essential after GI surgery for smooth recovery and to avoid complications.
If you have any questions or concerns about your gastrointestinal surgery diet, speak to your doctor or nutritionist. They will assist you in creating a healthy and balanced diet plan to help you heal well and feel your best.
Visit Medanta to book an appointment with our highly qualified and experienced GI surgeons and certified dieticians for more advice.
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