What Are Good Foods to Eat After Hernia Surgery?
Following a hernia surgery, patients should eat foods high in fiber, such as dried fruits, popcorn, nuts, raw fruits and vegetables and whole-grain cereals and breads, according to University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Warm or hot liquids are also recommended.
It is important to keep the bowels active and bowel movements soft following hernia surgery, which is why fluids and high-fiber foods are recommended, explains University Hospitals Case Medical Center. If a patient is experiencing nausea following hernia surgery and difficulty consuming foods, crackers may help settle the stomach and reduce the nausea.
Pain medications may cause constipation in some patients; therefore, avoid refined grains such as macaroni and rice and hard cheeses following hernia surgery to reduce the risk of straining or pain from a hard bowel movement, notes University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Prune juice may help soften bowel movements. When taking pain medication, consume the medication with food to avoid nausea or vomiting. Consult with a physician if nausea and vomiting occur consistently when taking medication with food. Walking after eating may also help to get the bowels moving. Patients should slowly begin a walking regimen following surgery to ease the pain and build up their strength.
