Author: Dr. Madhu Bagaria
How does diet post-endometriosis surgery excision affect recovery?
For post-excision, or post any abdominal surgery, there are general guidelines which, when followed, can reduce discomfort related to bloating, gassiness, nausea, and feeling of fullness, and can support overall wellbeing.
During surgery, your bowels experience a disruption, and this slows their function of moving the food from your stomach further down the intestine. It takes time to get back to its normal rhythm. During this time, if we eat foods which take longer time to digest and which are heavy on us –it can significantly impact as to how we feel.
What foods should be eaten post-excision surgery?
- Start slow and gentle: Begin with clear liquids and gradually introduce bland, easily digestible foods like toast, rice, and applesauce.
- Keep it simple: Opt for foods low in fiber, fat, and spice, as they are gentler on your digestive system. Avoid high-fiber foods like salads and cruciferous vegetables.
- Smaller bites, more often: Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day instead of three large ones, allowing your body to process food more efficiently.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and clear liquids to prevent constipation and keep your system moving smoothly.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you are feeling. Don’t force feed yourself.There are no guidelines on any specific nutrition supplement for surgery. In general, it is recommended to stop any supplements for at least 1-2 weeks post-surgery. You can restart it once your bowel function returns.
There are no guidelines on any specific nutrition supplement for surgery. In general, it is recommended to stop any supplements for at least 1-2 weeks post-surgery. You can restart it once your bowel function returns.
What foods should be avoided post-excision surgery?
- High-fiber foods: These can be difficult to digest and can cause bloating, gas, and constipation. Examples can be whole grains, beans, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, celery), fruits with skin like apples and pears.
- Spicy foods: These can irritate your digestive system and cause discomfort. Examples include: chili peppers and hot sauces.
- Fatty foods: These can be slow to digest and can put a strain on your digestive system. Examples include: Fried foods, fatty mats.
- Sugary foods: These can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can make you feel tired and unwell. Examples include: Sugary drinks (soda, juice), pastries, desserts.
- Carbonated drinks: The bubbles can cause bloating and gas. Examples include: soda.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can dehydrate you and irritate your digestive system. It can also interact with certain medications.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can dehydrate you and irritate your digestive system. Can have in moderation.
How soon after endometriosis excision surgery can normal eating habits be resumed?
Once you start moving your bowels regularly, you can start adding fiber gradually and see. Your body will tell you when you can resume your normal eating pattern. In genera, around 1-2 weeks.
Learn more about Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine’s Endometriosis Surgery department here.
