Ice cream isn't the only answer for food after your tonsils have been removed, and it should actually be avoided the first 24 hours. A variety of different foods is encouraged to increase healing time and decrease pain. A tonsillectomy is often performed when a patient suffers from frequent tonsil infections, and it is often performed along with an adenoidectomy. The outpatient surgery is brief, and total recovery at home may last up to two weeks. Include the correct foods in your postop diet for optimal health and healing.
Beverages
Drinking fluids is critical after a tonsillectomy. Fluids decrease your risk of dehydration and decrease the occurrence of bad breath, which is common after oral surgery. After your general anesthesia wears off, clear liquids are encouraged. Water, apple juice, broth and ice pops are encouraged. Drink liquids cold or at room temperature, and avoid warm or hot beverages. Once you are able to drink liquids without feeling nauseous, move on to other liquids such as soups or additional juices. Avoid acidic beverages such as tomato, orange or grapefruit juice, which may cause throat irritation, advises the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Soft Diet
When you are ready, begin eating soft foods. Foods should remain bland and free of heavy seasoning and spices. Scrambled eggs, pasta, baked or mashed potatoes and oatmeal are recommended. Avoid eating hot foods; choose cold or room-temperature meals. After a tonsillectomy, you may lose weight. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet postoperatively is critical to avoid too much weight loss.
Solid Foods
Solid foods may be added to your diet as soon as you feel ready to eat them -- each person's timetable is different. Most people do not include solid foods the first week following surgery. Do not include hard, crunchy foods in your diet for a week after surgery. These foods include pretzels, popcorn, chips or crackers. These foods may scratch your throat and cause bleeding. Focus on easy-to-chew meats such as fish, shredded cooked chicken or sausage. Cooked vegetables and fruits are encouraged as well as soft breads.
Additional Suggestions
Avoid any beverages containing milk until 24 hours after your tonsillectomy. When drinking fluids, frequent sips are encouraged instead of drinking large amounts at one time. Take acetaminophen 30 minutes before eating if swallowing is too painful. Seek medical attention if you notice any bleeding or continuous nausea and vomiting, advises the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health.
