Individuals who have colon cancer must sometimes face surgical removal of the portion of the colon that is cancerous, known as a colectomy. This procedure can be performed either through a small incision or, if the portion to be removed is large, through a large incision in the abdomen. The patient is fed intravenously for the first few days after the operation, then they begin eating again by using a soft foods, low-residue diet. This diet continues until the surgical area has healed completely and may continue afterward if symptoms, such as food intolerances, persist.
Step 1
Eat foods that can be swallowed easily and are easy on the stomach, such as plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt, oatmeal or clear soup. Stock up on these kinds of food prior to your surgery, so that they are readily available for you to eat. If you find your stomach is sensitive to foods that are either hot or cold, allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before consuming.
Step 2
Avoid foods that contain fiber. Although usually considered a healthy ingredient, fiber can cause serious problems for an individual who has just had a colectomy. The University of Chicago Medical Center advises patients to adhere to a low residue or low fiber diet to reduce the frequency of excretion of solid waste. In addition, a low residue diet also slows digestion, allowing the body more opportunity to absorb nutrients from food.
Step 3
Use a food processor or blender to puree foods enough to avoid large pieces that may cause stomach upset. Add water, milk or broth to foods when pureeing them, to soften them and to add flavor. If your physician has recommended that you eat canned or frozen fruits or vegetables, be sure to cook them well in a steamer or boiling water and puree until smooth. Avoid spices or seasonings because the fine particles may become trapped in the walls of the colon and cause pain, inflammation or infection.
Step 4
Peel foods that have a tough outer skin after cooking and before pureeing and eating them. Foods, such as cucumbers, apples and potatoes, have an outer skin that is high in fiber. Unfortunately, this fiber can cause problems if the patient can't digest it and transport it through the colon. Keep the peels, and use them to flavor soups or broths, removing the peels before eating. This is a good way to get some nutritional value from the skins of these fruits and vegetables.
Step 5
Drink food replacement shakes to supplement your soft-food diet. Eating a soft food diet is necessary after a colectomy, but you may not be able to eat enough food to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal. Meal replacement shakes, which come in several different flavors and brands, can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Read the nutritional label and be sure to avoid meal replacement shakes that are meant for weight loss or those that contain fiber.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your doctor prior to surgery to find out what foods you will be able to eat and in what quantities following your operation.
