Post-esophageal surgery diets are designed to ease difficulty eating and swallowing following surgery. Due to the surgery, your esophagus may have trouble moving foods from your mouth, to your stomach. The goal is to avoid hard, difficult-to-swallow foods, as well as fried and spicy foods. This prevents discomfort and eases the burden on your esophagus as it heals.
Basic Guidelines
Choose, soft, moist foods, which are easier to swallow. Avoid doughy breads, as well as tough, gummy and stringy foods. After surgery, you may less stomach capacity until you recover. Eat six, small, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day, instead of three large meals. Take small bites and chew well before swallowing. Stop eating when you feel full. Avoid any foods that cause discomfort. If you don't have a strong appetite, drink nutrient-rich meal replacements.
Heartburn, Gas and Bloating
Following surgery, you should limit or avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and cola drinks. You should also avoid alcohol consumption until you are recovered. You should remain upright while eating and limit or avoid acidic and salty foods. Avoid eating foods that are extremely hot or extremely cold. Tomato and foods made with tomato, chocolate, citrus fruits and vinegar may cause or aggravate heartburn. Avoid swallowing air while eating. Limit carbonated beverages. Limit gas-causing foods, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Cereals, Beverages and Desserts
Drinking milk if you can tolerate lactose is advised following surgery. Have decaffeinated and herbal teas, warm or at room temperature. You can have fruit juices, such as cranberry and grape, but should avoid citrus juices. Eat dry, or moist, soft cereals, such as oatmeal, cream of wheat and cream of rice, as well as soft pancakes with syrup. Avoid English muffins, pretzels, rolls and bagels. You can have pudding, custard, gelatin, ice cream and sherbet for dessert, but should avoid doughy baked desserts, as well as desserts made with nuts.
Meats, Fruits, Vegetables and More
You can have tender and moist meats including ground beef, fish, and chicken; avoid tough, stringy and hard-to-swallow meats. Have well-cooked potatoes, noodles and pastas, while avoiding fried potatoes, potato skins, rice and potato chips. Enjoy moderate temperature soups, but avoid soups with tomato bases. Eat fresh, frozen or canned, soft-cooked vegetables that you can easily mash with a fork. Avoid raw and fried vegetables. Eat fresh soft, fresh, cooked or canned fruits without skins, such as bananas. Have smooth peanut butter, cream cheese, butter and margarine.
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