More than 40 million Americans undergo in-patient surgery each year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. After surgery, patients can be sick or in pain.
Proper nutrition and hydration prevents muscle and weight loss, promotes wound healing and can shorten recovery time.
Clear Liquids
A clear liquid diet provides nutrition and calories until you can eat solid foods, and doesn't strain the stomach and intestines, according to the Mayo Clinic. Since the clear liquid diet doesn't meet all of your nutritional needs, it is usually discontinued after two to three days.
Drink clear beverages such as apple, cranberry, or grape juice, and plenty of plain or mineral water to prevent dehydration. Ginger ale, club soda, or lemon lime soda are good choices. Avoid other colas and root beer.
Consommé, bouillon and clear broths make tasty entrees, while frozen pops and gelatin satisfy your sweet tooth.
Full Liquids
The full liquid diet is a step up from a clear liquid diet, and is used when the gastrointestinal system has been compromised, according to specialists at Jackson/Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Since the full liquid diet is lacking in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and thiamine, multivitamins may be needed if the diet lasts longer than five days.
A full liquid diet is appropriate for people who have had their jaws wired, or have chewing and swallowing difficulties.
In addition to clear soups, strained cream soups add variety, and there are no beverage restrictions. Cooked hot cereals can have butter or margarine added, and milkshakes, puddings, and custards add dessert variety.
Mechanical Soft Diet
The mechanical soft diet is prescribed after head, neck, or mouth surgery, or if you've had dental surgery and can't chew your food, according to the West Shore Endoscopy Center. Mild intestinal discomfort also responds well to a mechanical soft diet.
The mechanical soft diet includes food from each food group, but if the patient is unable to eat enough calories for optimal nutrition, nutrition supplements and snacks may be ordered.
Foods that are ground, chopped, or pureed with additional liquid, promote easier swallowing. The seasoning and taste of the food remains the same, only the texture and consistency are altered.
Breads and crackers can be hard to chew, and should be limited, as well as any nut products.
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Soft Diet
A soft diet is often prescribed for the first two to eight weeks after colon resection surgery, to allow the colon to rest, according to Oregon Surgical Specialists.
Soft, moist foods such as puddings, soup and yogurt ease digestive problems and are easier to swallow.
Tender meats, poultry, pork, or fish can be baked, boiled, broiled or roasted. Avoid tough meat with gristle, smoked or fatty meat, and sausage. Eggs and tofu are good protein sources.
Fruits and vegetables add nutrients and fiber. Fresh fruits should be soft without skin or seeds, and citrus fruits should be avoided. Eat peeled potatoes, and soft cooked or canned vegetables. Gas producing vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, onions, cauliflower and sauerkraut should be avoided.
