What Is A Typical Diet After Colon Cancer Surgery?
Immediately after surgery, it is not advisable to start eating solid foods. After surgery the intestines will be inactive for a few days and the patient is supplied nutrition through a tube inserted through the nose which reaches the stomach. After the intestines start functioning, the patient is kept on a liquid diet for a few days so that the intestines can adjust to the food. During surgery the cancerous cells are removed and sometimes this is done in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. After the surgery the body needs extra nutrition to heal the wounds and to rebuild new cells in order to survive. Protein is essential to rebuild the body and avoid weakness. A colon cancer patient will be unable to eat normal foods because of the after effects of surgery. Sometimes, if the cancer is severe, several organs are modified or removed depending on where the cancer has spread. In such cases the body is unable to use the nutrients meant for those parts of the body such as the mouth, stomach, colon or rectum. There will definitely be side effects after surgery which will go away in a few days following a proper diet. Eating a good diet especially designed for your condition will help you to feel better, build up strength and energy, increase weight and nutrients in your body, tolerate the side effects of drugs and medicines, build up the immune system thereby decreasing the risk of infection and lastly, help you to heal and recover faster. You will notice that on some days your appetite will be normal and on some days it will be very little. Eat well on the days you have a good appetite. Try to eat normal meals and snacks but if the side effects are making it hard to eat normal food, do not force yourself. It is better to eat smaller meals such as five small meals in an interval of two to three hours. Always ask friends and family to help you shop for the right vegetables and make your meals. Try to keep away from greasy and fried food as they will take a toll on your stomach. Low fat foods such are easier to digest and therefore better for your body. Fluids are very important for a recovering body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration water retention. In addition sip juices and other liquids. Always follow a diet progression after surgery. Start with clear liquids and slowly move onto more solid foods that are easier to digest. Foods such as crackers, canned fruits and vegetables, turkey, cream soups, milk, noodles, potatoes and smooth ice cream are easier to digest. Consult with a nutritionist and your doctor while following a diet plan. Sources used: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_6_2X_When_You_Have_Cancer_Surgery.asp?sitearea=MBC |
