Q I'm not sure what to eat after surgery. Can I eat like before, or do I need to be careful?
A Right after surgery, the principle is to start with easily digestible foods and gradually return to a normal diet. Early on, avoid fatty or tough foods, excessive fiber, and spicy or irritating foods, and eat small, frequent meals.
Detailed Answer
Diet after colon surgery usually starts with soft foods like porridge or rice gruel, gradually expanding to a normal diet as recovery progresses. In the early stages, fatty foods, tough or high-fiber foods, spicy or irritating foods, and overeating can strain the intestine, so caution is needed. Eating small, frequent meals, chewing thoroughly, eating slowly, and staying hydrated all support recovery. Follow the specific dietary stages recommended by the hospital where you had surgery.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
At Dongjedang, we provide guidance tailored to your recovery stage, aiming to replenish energy while minimizing strain on the digestive system. During periods of weak digestion, we recommend warming the body and choosing gentle meals to spare the intestine, then gradually broadening the diet toward energy-replenishing foods as recovery progresses.
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