After having your appendix removed, it is important to follow a special diet as your body heals. Eating the right foods and avoiding problem foods can help speed your recovery. There are some key rules you’ll need to follow about what you can and cannot eat after appendix surgery.
Why does your diet matter after appendix surgery?
Your digestive system goes through trauma during an appendectomy, so you’ll need to go easy on it as you recover. After surgery, the incision in your abdomen needs time to heal and seal up. Eating the wrong foods can irritate the intestines and cause pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Your doctor will likely recommend sticking to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, they may allow you to progress to soft, bland, low-fiber foods. Generally within a week, you can start adding more diversity back into your diet. Avoiding gassy, sugary, spicy, fatty and fried foods can help reduce discomfort and support healing. Your doctor will provide guidelines on when you can start eating normally again without restrictions. Following their dietary instructions will help your body mend.
Foods to avoid after appendix surgery
Here are some types of foods to steer clear of during your recovery period after an appendectomy:
High-fiber foods
Fiber can be harsh on your recovering digestive tract. Limit foods high in fiber like:
– Whole grains – Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oats
– Fruits and vegetables with skin/seeds/membranes – Broccoli, berries, oranges, beans, corn, peas
– Dried fruits – Prunes, raisins, apricots
– Nuts and seeds
– High-fiber cereals and granola
Dairy products
Dairy products tend to be gas-producing foods. It’s best to avoid:
– Milk
– Cheese
– Ice cream
– Yogurt
Fatty and fried foods
High-fat foods can also stimulate gas production. Avoid:
– Fried foods – French fries, doughnuts, fried chicken
– Fatty meats – Sausage, bacon, ribs
– Buttery baked goods – Croissants, cookies, cakes
– Oily dressings and sauces
Sugary foods
Excess sugar can cause gas and diarrhea. Limit:
– Candy
– Soda
– Fruit juices
– Sugary cereals
– Sweet desserts
Spicy foods
Fiery foods can irritate your intestines. Say no to:
– Hot sauces
– Chile peppers
– Cajun or Creole dishes
– Curries
– Horseradish
– Wasabi
Alcohol
Alcohol is a gut irritant, so you’ll need to avoid:
– Beer
– Wine
– Liquor
– Mixed drinks
Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates the bowels, so avoid:
– Coffee
– Tea (even iced tea)
– Energy drinks
– Chocolate
Carbonated beverages
The bubbles and gas in carbonated drinks can cause bloating, gas and discomfort. Say no to:
– Soda
– Sparkling water
– Beer
Raw fruits and vegetables
Raw produce can be tough to digest after surgery. Cook fruits and vegetables to make them easier on your system.
Tough, fibrous meats
Stick to soft, tender meats that are easy to chew and swallow, like ground meats or boneless chicken breasts. Avoid:
– Steak
– Pork chops
– Ribs
– Tough cuts of beef
Popcorn
The hulls and kernels of popcorn are too fibrous after surgery. Best to avoid eating popcorn until your doctor gives you the green light.
Nuts, seeds and granola
While healthy overall, these crunchy foods may be difficult to tolerate immediately after an appendectomy. Hold off on:
– Nuts – Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews
– Seeds – Sunflower, chia, flaxseed
– Granola
Dried fruits
The skin and fibers in dried fruits can irritate your digestive system. Avoid dried:
– Prunes
– Raisins
– Apricots
– Cranberries
– Blueberries
Foods you can eat in moderation after appendix surgery
As you recover, you’ll progress from a liquid diet to a soft food diet. Here are some foods that are usually well-tolerated in the days following your appendectomy:
Bland starches
Stick to plain, mild starches like:
– White bread
– Pasta
– Rice cakes
– Crackers
– Oatmeal
Low-fiber fruits and vegetables
Fruits and veggies without skin, membranes or seeds are gentler for digestion after surgery. Choose canned or cooked:
– Applesauce
– Bananas
– Honeydew melon
– Cantaloupe
– Watermelon
– Carrots
– Green beans
– Potatoes without skin
– Tomato sauce
Tender cooked meats
Soft, moist meats provide protein without too much chewing. Go for:
– Ground meats
– Chicken breast
– Turkey breast
– Tuna
– Salmon
– Eggs
– Tofu
Low-fat dairy
After the first few days, small amounts of low-fat dairy are usually okay. Try:
– Low-fat milk
– Low-fat yogurt
– Low-fat cottage cheese
– Ice cream without chocolate/nuts/chunks of cookie dough
Clear broths
Warm, soothing broths provide hydration and nutrients. opt for :
– Chicken broth
– Vegetable broth
– Beef broth
Sample menu for the first week after appendix surgery
Here is an example of what you may be able to eat each day as you recover:
Day 1
Liquids only:
– Water
– Clear broth
– Juice without pulp
– Popsicles
– Gelatin
Day 2
Progress to soft, bland foods like:
– Oatmeal
– Mashed potatoes
– Applesauce
– Clear soup
– Pudding
– Smoothies without seeds, peels or pulp
Day 3
Continue with soft foods such as:
– Scrambled eggs
– Well-cooked pasta with olive oil
– Creamy peanut butter
– Tuna salad
– Well-cooked white rice
– Canned peaches
Day 4
Advance diet with:
– Plain bagel with cream cheese
– Omelet with cheese and spinach
– Yogurt
– Mashed sweet potato
– Pureed carrots
– Ground chicken breast
Day 5
Try reintroducing:
– Whole wheat toast
– Baked chicken breast
– Greek yogurt
– Well-cooked carrots
– Baked potato with skin
– Banana
Day 6
Continue adding more diversity:
– Oatmeal with berries
– Tuna melt on whole wheat
– Turkey sandwich
– Veggie stir fry
– Low-fat cheese stick
– Chicken noodle soup
Day 7
If tolerated well, you may be able to eat a normal diet by day 7:
– Eggs with avocado toast
– Greek yogurt with granola
– Tomato basil pasta
– Grilled salmon
– Quinoa salad
– Roasted broccoli
– Trail mix with nuts and dried cranberries
Tips for eating after appendix surgery
Follow these helpful suggestions as you get back to eating after your appendectomy:
– Start with small meals and snacks. Large volumes can overwhelm your stomach.
– Chew foods very thoroughly.
– Avoid gulping drinks. Sip beverages slowly.
– Eat while sitting upright. Avoid laying down after meals.
– Take a short walk after eating to stimulate digestion.
– If a food upsets your stomach, avoid it for a few more days and retry later.
– Drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated.
– Take any medications as directed by your doctor.
– Listen to your body. Ease up if you start feeling discomfort.
– Advance your diet gradually under your doctor’s supervision.
When to call your doctor about your diet after appendix surgery
Contact your doctor if you experience:
– Severe abdominal pain
– Bloating that won’t go away
– Inability to have a bowel movement
– Persistent nausea/vomiting
– Fever higher than 101°F
These could be signs of a post-surgery complication like an infection or partial bowel obstruction, which will require prompt medical care.
Conclusion
Following a careful post-surgery diet can promote healing after an appendectomy. Start with liquids and bland soft foods, then steadily advance your diet under your doctor’s guidance. Avoid gassy, sugary, greasy, spicy or fibrous foods that can irritate your GI tract. With time, you’ll be able to enjoy your normal healthy diet again. Pay attention to your body and contact your doctor if your stomach troubles seem beyond normal recovery. Taking care with your meals can help ensure you bounce back quickly from an appendix removal.