A hysterectomy is the most common surgical procedure for women, according to MayoClinic.com. The procedure removes your uterus, and sometimes your ovaries and fallopian tubes. Although the hysterectomy does not involve your digestive system, some women experience a temporary slow down, or post-operative ileus, of the digestive tract following the surgery. The diet for a hysterectomy is advanced slowly, and based on your surgical outcome and doctor's preference.
Clear Liquid Diet
Depending on your doctor and hospital protocol, you may not be able to have anything to eat during the first 24 hours after your operation. When a diet is ordered, most patients start with a clear liquid diet. The clear liquid diet consists of foods that are clear and liquid at room temperature, including gelatin, juice, ice pops, black coffee, black tea and broth. The diet requires minimal digestion, and helps keep you hydrated. The clear liquid diet, however, is low in calories, protein, vitamins and minerals and not meant for long-term use.
Full Liquid Diet
If you tolerate the clear liquid diet, the next step is a full liquid diet, a transitional diet between the clear liquid and regular diet. Not all hospitals or doctors use this transition. The full liquid diet includes the same items as the clear liquid diet, plus milk, ice cream and strained cream soups so it more adequately meets calorie and protein needs. Most of the foods on the full liquid diet require minimal digestion, and are well-tolerated following your hysterectomy.
Regular Diet
If you are able to tolerate the clear and full liquid diet without nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, usually by the second or third day following your surgery your doctor will advance your diet to a regular diet, or to your usual diet you follow at home. The regular diet is a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from each of the food groups.
Diet for Healing
While you do not need to follow any special diet following your hysterectomy, it is important that you make healthy food choices to promote healing. Protein is essential for wound healing, making new tissue and preventing infection. Good food sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, nuts and seeds. Vitamin C and zinc are also important for wound healing. Food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, spinach and melon. Food sources of zinc includes eggs, oysters and meats.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Abdominal Hysterectomy; March 2010
- "Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences"; Early Feeding After a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy; Mary Flescher, et al.; October 2008
- Hospital for Special Surgery: Nutrition for Healing
- NYU Medical Center; Abdominal Hysterectomy; May 2000
- MayoClinic.com; Clear Liquid Diet; August 2011
- MedlinePlus; Full Liquid Diet; David Dugdale
