After a thyroid operation, your throat and neck might hurt when you chew or swallow. The best way to prevent such pain is to make eating easier. Tell family members of your condition so they can prepare easy-to-swallow foods. With a few tips, you can eat well without pain after thyroid surgery.
Avoid Chunky Soups
Make sure soups are finely pureed or entirely liquid. They shouldn't be too hot. Try sipping soups through a straw until the opening-and-closing motion is no longer painful. Chunky soups can cause blockages in a swollen throat or be too painful to eat.
Lasagna and Noodle Dishes
Once a week or two passes, you might be able to graduate to soft meals such as lasagna and noodle dishes. Casseroles made from noodles and soft meats like tuna are a good choice. Plain lasagna or spaghetti with grated cheese can also make filling, soft meals.
Full Fat Dairy and Desserts
Because pain might depress your appetite after the surgery, make sure your foods are rich in fats. Full-fat yogurts and creamy ice creams are good choices for dessert, and the coldness of ice cream might help to soothe the throat. You also might like fruit purees and applesauce; they can help fill you up without hurting the throat.
Liquid Drinks
Beverages are ideal to help prevent blockages so your throat can heal. Blockages can make it difficult for you to breathe. Always have a liquid beverage present at meals until you have fully recovered. Some good choices are milk, water and fruit juice.
