Diet After Bowel Cancer Surgery

After cancer treatment, you may realize that it is impossible to eat the same foods you have been eating before surgery. In this article, we will discuss how to start eating a balanced diet. We will also discuss what to eat when you have a stoma.

Balanced diet

Following a healthy, balanced diet plan can help you remain healthy and strong, both physically and mentally. After surgery, make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day. You may want to add lower-fat dairy products and lean proteins to your diet plan. Sources of protein you can rely on include fish, skinless chicken, and pulses. Avoid using sugars and saturated fats. While pasta, rice, and bread are good energy sources, you may want to limit yourself to wholegrain foods.

The foods to eat will vary depending on your condition. You will also have to see what foods to eat before surgery and what to eat after the treatment.

Fiber

A fiber-rich diet can help you maintain your bowel health after surgery. This diet may include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and pulses. Another benefit of fiber is that it keeps you feeling full. This way, you can control your appetite and weight. You will need to increase your fiber gradually and drink plenty of water to avoid bowel problems.

You have to speak to your healthcare team about the amount of fiber you can take before and after surgery. Healthy individuals need to take at least 30g of fiber every day. This rule doesn’t apply to individuals who just underwent bowel cancer surgery. Their requirements for fiber intake vary depending on their body conditions.

After cancer treatment, you may have to take low-fiber foods until your bowel recovers. You will need to get soluble fibers. Soluble fiber foods include pulses and oats. You can increase the amount of fiber in your diet over time. Your healthcare team will provide you guidance in this regard.

It is important not to add fiber instantly to your diet because it can result in bloating and stomach cramps. While adding fibrous foods, make sure to drink plenty of water to help move digested foods along your GI tract comfortably.

Colostomy diet

You can start eating a balanced diet a few days after colostomy surgery. However, you will have to be cautious about your food intake if you had diarrhea or constipation before surgery.

Whether you have constipation or diarrhea, the most crucial thing is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water will relieve constipation while doing the same during diarrhea will compensate for the fluid loss.

If you have a colostomy, the best way to eat is to divide your daily food intake into several small meals instead of a few large meals. It will help you digest your foods without any problem. You will also have to chew your foods well while eating. Be sure to cook them well to make them readily digestible.

You can discuss all of your requirements with your nutritionist. They will formulate a diet plan that will be tailor-made for your body requirements.