Colerectal surgery is a procedure performed on the colon, rectum or anus to repair damage caused by diseases such as cancer, diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Most colorectal surgeries require the placement of an ostomy, or an opening from inside your body to the outside to act as a means of eliminating waste. When you've had colorectal surgery and an ostomy placed, you may need to make adjustments to your diet to promote adequate digestion and absorption, and to minimize odors.
Breads and Starches
Breads and starches are important source of calories, energy, B vitamins and iron. In the first few weeks following your surgery, you may have a difficult time digesting fiber, and may need to include more refined flour, easy-to-digest starches such as white bread, white rice, pasta, farina, refined-flour ready-to-eat cereals and crackers. When your doctor says it's OK -- usually about six to eight weeks after surgery -- you can start to slowly reintroduce fiber into your diet, including foods like whole-grain breads and cereals.
Fruits
Fruits provide nutrients your body needs for healing and to help support your immune system after surgery. Like the starches, you need to choose fruits that are easily digested following your surgery. Good choices include canned fruits, cooked fruits without seeds or skins, soft fruits such as bananas and melons and fruit juice. Bananas and applesauce are good sources of soluble fiber, which help normalize bowel function. Eat small amounts of fruit at a time and chew thoroughly. You should avoid dried fruits, coconut and pineapples following your colerectal surgery.
Vegetables
Vegetables are also rich in nutrients that promote healing and health. Include soft-cooked vegetables that are easy to digest such as green beans, carrots, beets, squash and stewed tomatoes. Initially following your surgery, you may find that you can only tolerate pureed vegetables. You should limit your intake of gassy and hard-to-digest vegetables such as celery, cabbage, corn, peas, green peppers and mushrooms. You should also remove skin and seeds.
Meat and Meat Alternatives
Meat and meat alternatives are important sources of protein, essential for healing. Include more lean choices of meats, such as beef tenderloin, pork chops, poultry and fish. Bake, broil or saute your meats to limit fat, which is difficult to digest. Eggs and nut butters are also a good sources of protein.
Dairy Products
Dairy products also provide protein, along with calcium and vitamin D. You may experience gas and diarrhea with some dairy products such as milk following your surgery. Go slowly when adding these foods back into your diet to limit intolerance. Good choices include low-fat or nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese. If your intolerance continues, you may want to consider trying lactose-free milk.
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