A hernia repair is surgical treatment indicated for patients with hernias, a rupture of abdominal contents or tissues through an opening in the abdominal wall usually caused by a weakness or defect. There are certain dietary recommendations to prepare for surgery as well as for after it, but consult your doctor for individualized diet instructions before your procedure.
Pre-Surgery Diet
In the days leading up to surgery, you do not need to be on a special diet, but avoid foods that exacerbate any symptoms you may have such as heartburn. Beginning the night before surgery, refrain from eating or drinking. This reduces your risk of complications from anesthesia.
Liquid Diet
Following surgery, you may not be able to eat well or tolerate foods for the first 24 hours. You can also experience feelings of nausea from the anesthesia. In this case, begin with a liquid diet by drinking small amounts of clear liquids, including water, clear juice, tea and broth. If you do not feel sick, you can advance to a full liquid diet by adding in milkshakes, pudding, ice cream and strained creamy soups.
Regular Diet
Once your appetite returns and you feel up to eating heavier foods, slowly add solid foods to your diet as you can tolerate them. Continue to eat normally without any dietary restrictions but focus on high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish and beans. A high-protein diet will aid in recovery. The transition from a liquid to regular diet can vary from person to person.
Other Recommendations
The American College of Surgeons recommends that after a hernia repair, you should aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids per day and consume foods high in fiber to help move bowels through your intestine. You can find fiber in raspberries, pears, beans, broccoli, artichoke, bran flakes and other whole grains. Alcohol is not recommended immediately following surgery.
References
- Virginia Surgery Associates P.C.: Hernia Repair
- MayoClinic.com: High-Fiber Foods
- American College of Surgeons Division of Education: Inguinal/Femoral Hernia
- Medline Plus: Diet - Full Liquid
- University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health: Home Care after Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology"; Marcia Nelms, Kathryn Sucher, Sara Long, 2007.
