If you’ve had surgery, the foods you eat in the days, weeks, and months after your operation can affect your healing and recovery. Eating the right foods—and avoiding the wrong foods—can keep you healthy while preventing complications likeconstipationandpostoperative infection.Sometimes, eating post-surgery is difficult. However, there are several tips and options if you don’t have an appetite or are too uncomfortable to eat. What type of surgery you had may also impact the foods you can eat post-surgery.Talk to Your ProviderThe type of surgery you had and any pre-existing conditions you have will determine which diet is most appropriate for you.For example:If you hadbowel surgery, you would need alow-fiber dietto give your digestive tract time to heal.If you havekidneyorliver disease, you may need to limit how much protein you eat.If you have conditions likediverticulitisorintestinal stricture, you may need to avoid nuts and other hard-to-digest foods.Even for some dental surgeries, you may need todrink liquidsandeat soft foodsfor the first few days.
If you’ve had surgery, the foods you eat in the days, weeks, and months after your operation can affect your healing and recovery. Eating the right foods—and avoiding the wrong foods—can keep you healthy while preventing complications likeconstipationandpostoperative infection.
Sometimes, eating post-surgery is difficult. However, there are several tips and options if you don’t have an appetite or are too uncomfortable to eat. What type of surgery you had may also impact the foods you can eat post-surgery.
Talk to Your ProviderThe type of surgery you had and any pre-existing conditions you have will determine which diet is most appropriate for you.For example:If you hadbowel surgery, you would need alow-fiber dietto give your digestive tract time to heal.If you havekidneyorliver disease, you may need to limit how much protein you eat.If you have conditions likediverticulitisorintestinal stricture, you may need to avoid nuts and other hard-to-digest foods.Even for some dental surgeries, you may need todrink liquidsandeat soft foodsfor the first few days.
Talk to Your Provider
The type of surgery you had and any pre-existing conditions you have will determine which diet is most appropriate for you.For example:If you hadbowel surgery, you would need alow-fiber dietto give your digestive tract time to heal.If you havekidneyorliver disease, you may need to limit how much protein you eat.If you have conditions likediverticulitisorintestinal stricture, you may need to avoid nuts and other hard-to-digest foods.Even for some dental surgeries, you may need todrink liquidsandeat soft foodsfor the first few days.
The type of surgery you had and any pre-existing conditions you have will determine which diet is most appropriate for you.
For example:
Focus on Whole FoodsSarah Remington / Stocksy UnitedWhen stocking up before your surgery or getting back to shopping after surgery, take a look at your regular diet and see if there are any positive changes you could make. This may include eating more whole (minimally processed) foods.An easy way to find whole foods is to start in the produce and meat sections.Whole foods are much healthier than processed foods which tend to be high in sugar, salt, and fat and low in fiber.Processed foods may alsocontribute to inflammation, which could slow healing.Whole FoodsFresh fruitBaked potatoChicken breastOnionsFresh fishBananasFresh ground beefProcessed FoodsFruit punchFrench friesChicken nuggetsOnion ringsFish sticksBanana chipsFast food burgerYour surgery could provide the extra incentive you need to make lasting changes to your eating habits. Eating whole foods supports your good health during recovery and every day after.
Focus on Whole Foods
Sarah Remington / Stocksy United
When stocking up before your surgery or getting back to shopping after surgery, take a look at your regular diet and see if there are any positive changes you could make. This may include eating more whole (minimally processed) foods.
An easy way to find whole foods is to start in the produce and meat sections.
Whole foods are much healthier than processed foods which tend to be high in sugar, salt, and fat and low in fiber.Processed foods may alsocontribute to inflammation, which could slow healing.
Whole FoodsFresh fruitBaked potatoChicken breastOnionsFresh fishBananasFresh ground beefProcessed FoodsFruit punchFrench friesChicken nuggetsOnion ringsFish sticksBanana chipsFast food burger
Whole FoodsFresh fruitBaked potatoChicken breastOnionsFresh fishBananasFresh ground beef
Fresh fruit
Baked potato
Chicken breast
Onions
Fresh fish
Bananas
Fresh ground beef
Processed FoodsFruit punchFrench friesChicken nuggetsOnion ringsFish sticksBanana chipsFast food burger
Fruit punch
French fries
Chicken nuggets
Onion rings
Fish sticks
Banana chips
Fast food burger
Your surgery could provide the extra incentive you need to make lasting changes to your eating habits. Eating whole foods supports your good health during recovery and every day after.
Prevent Constipation With Fiberanakopa / istockConstipation is common after bowel surgery, but it can also happen after any surgical procedure. One reason is that prescription pain medications sometimes used after surgery—especiallyopioids—can slow bowel movements and create hard-to-pass stools.Being constipated can also reduce your appetite, increase your pain level, and put stress onsurgical incisions. These factors can get in the way of your healing.Foods to AvoidSome foods mayprevent or treat constipation, while others that are low in fiber can increase the risk of constipation.Generally, avoid low-fiber foods until you’re back to having regular, soft bowel movements.Foods to avoidinclude:Red meatCheeseProcessed meats, such as bacon and hot dogsWhite bread, crackers, and pastaSugary snacks and dessertsAlcohol and caffeine can have a diuretic effect on the body, causing dehydration and constipation so avoid these beverages after surgery.Foods to EatOne key way to prevent constipation is to get enough fiber. This is especially true ofinsoluble fiber, which increases the speed stools move through the digestive tract.Consider adding these high-fiber foods to your diet while you are healing:Whole-wheat breadOatmealFresh fruits and vegetablesDried fruits, including prunes and prune juiceBeans and legumesBran cerealsTaking afiber supplement(likepsyllium) is another way to boost your fiber intake (although you won’t get the nutritional benefits of whole foods).Stay HydratedIt’s also important todrink enough fluidwhile you are healing.Dehydrationcanworsen constipationand make fiber in your diet less helpful. Most experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, a target that may be all the more important while recovering from surgery.
Prevent Constipation With Fiber
anakopa / istock
Constipation is common after bowel surgery, but it can also happen after any surgical procedure. One reason is that prescription pain medications sometimes used after surgery—especiallyopioids—can slow bowel movements and create hard-to-pass stools.Being constipated can also reduce your appetite, increase your pain level, and put stress onsurgical incisions. These factors can get in the way of your healing.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods mayprevent or treat constipation, while others that are low in fiber can increase the risk of constipation.
Generally, avoid low-fiber foods until you’re back to having regular, soft bowel movements.Foods to avoidinclude:
Alcohol and caffeine can have a diuretic effect on the body, causing dehydration and constipation so avoid these beverages after surgery.
Foods to Eat
One key way to prevent constipation is to get enough fiber. This is especially true ofinsoluble fiber, which increases the speed stools move through the digestive tract.
Consider adding these high-fiber foods to your diet while you are healing:
Taking afiber supplement(likepsyllium) is another way to boost your fiber intake (although you won’t get the nutritional benefits of whole foods).
Stay HydratedIt’s also important todrink enough fluidwhile you are healing.Dehydrationcanworsen constipationand make fiber in your diet less helpful. Most experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, a target that may be all the more important while recovering from surgery.
Stay Hydrated
It’s also important todrink enough fluidwhile you are healing.Dehydrationcanworsen constipationand make fiber in your diet less helpful. Most experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, a target that may be all the more important while recovering from surgery.
Choose Lean Proteinvkuslandia / istockDietary proteinis key for your recovery as it provides the building blocks for new tissues and muscles.That said, some protein sources arehigh in saturated fat, particularly red meat and processed meats. Overeating saturated fat places inflammatory stress on the digestive tract and can cause constipation.Instead, choose lean protein foods such as:Chicken (skinless)Turkey (skinless)Pork tenderloinFish and seafoodPeanut butter or nut butterTofuTempehNonfat or low-fat milk and yogurt (unsweetened)Protein powderNutritional drinks like Ensure and Boost
Choose Lean Protein
vkuslandia / istock
Dietary proteinis key for your recovery as it provides the building blocks for new tissues and muscles.
That said, some protein sources arehigh in saturated fat, particularly red meat and processed meats. Overeating saturated fat places inflammatory stress on the digestive tract and can cause constipation.
Instead, choose lean protein foods such as:
Opt for Whole Grains
wmaster 890 / istock
However, not all whole grains are created equal. White rice, for example, is heavily processed and doesn’t offer as much nutrition as brown rice. It can also be constipating (while brown rice can help alleviate constipation).
Healthy sources of whole grains include:
Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetablesleonori / istockFreshfruits and vegetablesare excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support healing following surgery.Even so, you may need to control your intake as over-indulging in certain fruits can cause diarrhea, while over-indulging in certain vegetables can cause bloating. Both can place stress on the intestines after bowel surgery and impede healing.Fruits high in a type of sugar calledfructosemay need to be limited while you are recovering from bowel surgery. These include:ApplesApple juiceCherriesDried fruits, such as figs, prunes, and raisinsMangoesPearsWatermelonIn the same vein, vegetables that are gassy may need to be avoided until your digestion settles. These include:ArtichokesAsparagusBroccoliBrussel sproutsCabbageCarrotsCauliflowerCeleryCucumbersGreen peppersOnionsRadishes
Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
leonori / istock
Freshfruits and vegetablesare excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support healing following surgery.
Even so, you may need to control your intake as over-indulging in certain fruits can cause diarrhea, while over-indulging in certain vegetables can cause bloating. Both can place stress on the intestines after bowel surgery and impede healing.
Fruits high in a type of sugar calledfructosemay need to be limited while you are recovering from bowel surgery. These include:
In the same vein, vegetables that are gassy may need to be avoided until your digestion settles. These include:
Choose Low-Fat DairyStitchik / istockReduced-fat and nonfat dairy products are excellent sources of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and minerals that aid in wound healing (magnesium, zinc, and selenium).However, if you experience constipation when consuming dairy products before surgery, you should limit dairy products after surgery.Those with pre-existing lung disease can experience morecoughing and lung secretionsafter eating dairy. For these people, dairy may need to be limited following surgery.The same may apply to people who have undergone chest surgery or have apersistent coughafter abdominal surgery. Coughing can place unduestress on incisionswhile healing.To be safe, take it slow and try low-fat options that are easier on your digestion, such as:Low-fat cottage cheeseSkim milkFat-free yogurt (unsweetened)
Choose Low-Fat Dairy
Stitchik / istock
Reduced-fat and nonfat dairy products are excellent sources of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and minerals that aid in wound healing (magnesium, zinc, and selenium).
However, if you experience constipation when consuming dairy products before surgery, you should limit dairy products after surgery.
Those with pre-existing lung disease can experience morecoughing and lung secretionsafter eating dairy. For these people, dairy may need to be limited following surgery.
The same may apply to people who have undergone chest surgery or have apersistent coughafter abdominal surgery. Coughing can place unduestress on incisionswhile healing.
To be safe, take it slow and try low-fat options that are easier on your digestion, such as:
What to Do if You’re Not HungryAnna_Shepulova / istockAfter you have surgery, you might not feel like eating much. If you’rehaving nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping, you may not want to eat at all.Your appetite should return within a few days of surgery, but it’s important that you maintain nutrition as best you can in the meantime.To maintain strength, try eating small amounts ofbland foodsthroughout the day, focusing oncalorie-dense foods. These foods pack a lot of protein and other nutrients in a smaller amount of food.Examples of calorie-dense foods include:AvocadosEggsHummusLean meat or poultryOily fish like salmon and tunaNutsPeanut butter and nut butterPotatoes and sweet potatoesYou might also find it easier to drink rather than eat after mouth, throat, or stomach surgery. Focus on foods like smoothies, chicken broth, creamed soups, or protein drinks you can either drink or sip through a straw.If you have stomach upset, try sipping peppermint tea or flat ginger ale or suck on ginger candy.
What to Do if You’re Not Hungry
Anna_Shepulova / istock
After you have surgery, you might not feel like eating much. If you’rehaving nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping, you may not want to eat at all.
Your appetite should return within a few days of surgery, but it’s important that you maintain nutrition as best you can in the meantime.
To maintain strength, try eating small amounts ofbland foodsthroughout the day, focusing oncalorie-dense foods. These foods pack a lot of protein and other nutrients in a smaller amount of food.
Examples of calorie-dense foods include:
You might also find it easier to drink rather than eat after mouth, throat, or stomach surgery. Focus on foods like smoothies, chicken broth, creamed soups, or protein drinks you can either drink or sip through a straw.
If you have stomach upset, try sipping peppermint tea or flat ginger ale or suck on ginger candy.
Add Calories to Your Diet
Daisy-Daisy / istock
If you are having a hard time getting enough calories in your diet after surgery, there are strategies that can help.
In addition to choosing calorie-dense foods, try these seven easy fixes:
Summary
Eating plenty of nourishing foods after surgery helps your body recover, supports wound healing, and prevents constipation. With that said, you should check with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian about the specific foods you can and cannot eat based on your surgery and general health.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fiolet T, Srour B, Sellem L, et al.Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort.BMJ. 2018;360:k322. doi:10.1136/bmj.k322Barchitta M. Maugeri A, Favara G, et al.Nutrition and wound healing: an overview focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin.Int J Mol Sci.2019 Mar;20(5):1119. doi:10.3390/ijms20051119Nelson AD, Camilleri M.Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2016;7(2):121-34. doi:10.1177/2040622315627801National Institute on Aging.Concerned about constipation?.Temple Health.Six post-surgery nutrition tips.Trads M, Deutch SR, Pedersen PU.Supporting patients in reducing postoperative constipation: fundamental nursing care - a quasi-experimental study.Scand J Caring Sci. 2018;32(2):824-832. doi:10.1111/scs.12513Fukatsu K.Role of nutrition in gastroenterological surgery.Ann Gastroenterol Surg.2019 Mar;3(2):160–8. doi:10.1002/ags3.12237Kyrø C, Tjønneland A.Whole grains and public health.BMJ. 2016;353:i3046. doi:10.1136/bmj.i3046Monash University.High and low FODMAP foods.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Controlling intestinal gas.Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Appendix E-3.6: Dairy group and alternatives.National Emphysema Foundation.Foods that can irritate COPD.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fiolet T, Srour B, Sellem L, et al.Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort.BMJ. 2018;360:k322. doi:10.1136/bmj.k322Barchitta M. Maugeri A, Favara G, et al.Nutrition and wound healing: an overview focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin.Int J Mol Sci.2019 Mar;20(5):1119. doi:10.3390/ijms20051119Nelson AD, Camilleri M.Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2016;7(2):121-34. doi:10.1177/2040622315627801National Institute on Aging.Concerned about constipation?.Temple Health.Six post-surgery nutrition tips.Trads M, Deutch SR, Pedersen PU.Supporting patients in reducing postoperative constipation: fundamental nursing care - a quasi-experimental study.Scand J Caring Sci. 2018;32(2):824-832. doi:10.1111/scs.12513Fukatsu K.Role of nutrition in gastroenterological surgery.Ann Gastroenterol Surg.2019 Mar;3(2):160–8. doi:10.1002/ags3.12237Kyrø C, Tjønneland A.Whole grains and public health.BMJ. 2016;353:i3046. doi:10.1136/bmj.i3046Monash University.High and low FODMAP foods.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Controlling intestinal gas.Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Appendix E-3.6: Dairy group and alternatives.National Emphysema Foundation.Foods that can irritate COPD.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Fiolet T, Srour B, Sellem L, et al.Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort.BMJ. 2018;360:k322. doi:10.1136/bmj.k322Barchitta M. Maugeri A, Favara G, et al.Nutrition and wound healing: an overview focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin.Int J Mol Sci.2019 Mar;20(5):1119. doi:10.3390/ijms20051119Nelson AD, Camilleri M.Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2016;7(2):121-34. doi:10.1177/2040622315627801National Institute on Aging.Concerned about constipation?.Temple Health.Six post-surgery nutrition tips.Trads M, Deutch SR, Pedersen PU.Supporting patients in reducing postoperative constipation: fundamental nursing care - a quasi-experimental study.Scand J Caring Sci. 2018;32(2):824-832. doi:10.1111/scs.12513Fukatsu K.Role of nutrition in gastroenterological surgery.Ann Gastroenterol Surg.2019 Mar;3(2):160–8. doi:10.1002/ags3.12237Kyrø C, Tjønneland A.Whole grains and public health.BMJ. 2016;353:i3046. doi:10.1136/bmj.i3046Monash University.High and low FODMAP foods.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Controlling intestinal gas.Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Appendix E-3.6: Dairy group and alternatives.National Emphysema Foundation.Foods that can irritate COPD.
Fiolet T, Srour B, Sellem L, et al.Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk: results from NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort.BMJ. 2018;360:k322. doi:10.1136/bmj.k322
Barchitta M. Maugeri A, Favara G, et al.Nutrition and wound healing: an overview focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin.Int J Mol Sci.2019 Mar;20(5):1119. doi:10.3390/ijms20051119
Nelson AD, Camilleri M.Opioid-induced constipation: advances and clinical guidance.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2016;7(2):121-34. doi:10.1177/2040622315627801
National Institute on Aging.Concerned about constipation?.
Temple Health.Six post-surgery nutrition tips.
Trads M, Deutch SR, Pedersen PU.Supporting patients in reducing postoperative constipation: fundamental nursing care - a quasi-experimental study.Scand J Caring Sci. 2018;32(2):824-832. doi:10.1111/scs.12513
Fukatsu K.Role of nutrition in gastroenterological surgery.Ann Gastroenterol Surg.2019 Mar;3(2):160–8. doi:10.1002/ags3.12237
Kyrø C, Tjønneland A.Whole grains and public health.BMJ. 2016;353:i3046. doi:10.1136/bmj.i3046
Monash University.High and low FODMAP foods.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Controlling intestinal gas.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Appendix E-3.6: Dairy group and alternatives.
National Emphysema Foundation.Foods that can irritate COPD.
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