A hernia is a medical condition characterized by protrusion caused by an organ or intestine that pushes through a muscle or tissue. While some are asymptomatic, others might cause discomfort, pain, and other complications. To undo these consequences, patients undergo surgical repair.
After the surgery, the recovery phase begins, and nutrition plays a vital role in healing and minimizing discomfort. In order to facilitate our readers, we have prepared a list of things you can eat after hernia surgery!
Diet Plan – The Week after Surgery
During the first few hours after surgery, your healthcare provider will advise you to steer clear of solids or even semi-solids, as they reportedly aggravate nausea and vomiting in patients due to the lingering effects of anesthesia.
Nevertheless, you must take liquids like broth, non-acidic juices, or water to prevent dehydration during this time.
The week after surgery, it is a good idea to stick to soft foods that do not put excessive pressure on your abdominal or intestinal muscles. Mindful eating during this time aids in faster recovery. Some of your options include:
- Milk
- Vanilla pudding
- Pureed foods
- Vanilla ice-cream
- Plain yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Sorbet
- Fresh juices (avoid citrus fruits)
Another tip for the first week after hernia surgery is to take small portions but frequent meals throughout the day to sustain energy.
Second and Third Week After Surgery
After the week has passed, you can start with relatively solid foods. However, making the right choices remains essential. You can move to moist, high-fiber, and water-content food items.
- Cereals
- Boiled vegetables
- Watermelon
- Smooth soups
- Apple sauce
Do not consume crackers, bread items, hunky meats, or biscuits during this phase.
Fourth and Fifth After Surgery
The fourth and fifth week after surgery signals significant progress in healing. This means you can add more food items to your list, such as:
- Whole wheat pasta
- Brown rice
- Bananas
- Pears
- Zucchini
- Oatmeal
- Bran
- Eggplant
- Apples
- Pears
- Green beans
- Fish
- Chicken fillets
Your body needs enough protein sources to aid healing. However, avoiding hard-to-digest meals such as steak is important until you have healed completely. From the sixth week and further, you can transition to your normal meal routine, but be sure to seek advice from your doctor to avoid complications.
What Foods To Avoid After Hernia Surgery
While there is a comprehensive list of foods you can eat after hernia surgery, you are advised to avoid some. Why? Because either they are hard to digest, highly acidic, cause constipation, or result in bowel strains.
Here are some food items you should avoid:
- Red meat
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Tomato-based items
- Spicy foods
- Fried foods
- Orange or any citrus juice
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcohol
- Cheese (in moderation)
Final Words
A hernia surgery necessitates proper after-care. One way is to be mindful of your diet. Initially, a clear liquid diet is recommended for the first 12 to 24 hours. As recovery progresses, soft foods like milk, yogurt, and pureed vegetables are advised, followed by a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. Foods like caffeine, chocolate, red meat well as spicy or carbonated beverages, should be avoided to prevent digestive discomfort
Consult with a specialist at Texas Hernia Specialists to tailor a comprehensive healing plan after hernia surgery. Call us at (888) 365-1544 to schedule your spot!