Colectomy Diet

A colectomy is a surgical procedure in which part or all of the large intestine is removed. The large intestine, or colon, is the long tube that connects the small intestine to the anus. A colectomy is performed to treat diseases of the colon, including diverticulitis, colon cancer, and fistulae. A special diet following this procedure is commonly a necessary part of healing.

Food

A colectomy diet is a soft diet. Due to post-operative stresses, your body may not yet be ready for regular solid food. Soft food is easier to consume during recovery, resulting in less impact upon the bowels and thus fewer problems. Many patients recovering from a colectomy complain of diarrhea, gas, and dehydration.

Soft foods include such items as applesauce, bananas, pasta, cheese, boiled white rice, mild teas, yogurt, white bread, tapioca, and peanut butter. Add these to your grocery list.

If cooking food, choose to either boil or steam it. This will result in a softer, less invasive texture in the food, and help you avoid bowel discomfort.

Avoid foods that are difficult to chew or swallow. These foods include fibrous meats, raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, and anything greasy or spicy. Also, baked beans, alcohol, hot beverages, caffeinated beverages, fruit juice, and broccoli. All these foods can lead to diarrhea and other intestinal disorders, and should be reintroduced to your diet very gradually.

Warning

When introducing fiber back into your diet, physicians normally recommend five servings per day. Go slow. Do not exceed a piece of fruit, or a small bowl of cereal at first. Remember, no two people are alike, so some experimentation will be necessary. To avoid constipation from fiber, consume 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.